I could use some help

Ken H. · Jan 29, 2009

I have a Canon power shot A400 ( 3.2 mega pixels). I know how to manually set the white. I am not happy with the results. I am trying to take pics of my zoa:

This is the result after I used the sharpen button on tiny pics and this is the best I can get right now.

I know I probably need a better camera, but it is not in the budget right now.

I would welcome any advice.

Ken

Poseidon · Jan 29, 2009

Is that a crop, or is it the full image? It looks out of focus, so start with moving the camera away a little...

MikeB · Jan 29, 2009

I would shot it in Macro mode with no flash. Try to use a tripod. Macro mode is usually the little flower looking icon.

gparr · Jan 29, 2009

Yes, shoot in macro mode. For top-down shots a tripod or some kind of support is essential so the camera doesn't move. Do not push the shutter button. Use the camera's timer to avoid moving the camera. For top-down shots, all flow must be turned off so that the water surface is absolutely still. It looks like a lot of your blurring is the result of surface movement. If you can support your camera, you'll also have much better luck if you move the corals more toward the walls of the tank to get away from light glare/reflection. Don't use flash and use manual focus, if your camera offers that feature. Try these things and the items mentioned above and post your results.

While a DSLR is very helpful for coral photography, many have demonstrated that good shots can be achieved with point-and-shoot cameras. You just have to try a little harder.

Gary

Ken H. · Jan 29, 2009

Stupid question What is macro?

Thanks for responding. I do have a tripod and will try it.

Ken H. · Jan 29, 2009

Browns said:
I would shot it in Macro mode with no flash. Try to use a tripod. Macro mode is usually the little flower looking icon.

I found the flower icon.

Ken H. · Jan 29, 2009

Another atttempt:

gparr · Jan 30, 2009

Your camera lens has to be parallel with the water surface. Sorry, forgot to mention that. You're getting distortion because of the angles, optics, light diffraction, blah, blah, blah.
Gary

Ken H. · Jan 30, 2009

Thanks. I will try that. I don't think this camera is going to work.

Poseidon · Jan 30, 2009

It is not just the camera, even my pro level DSLR will have distorted pictures if I make a mistake.

gparr · Jan 30, 2009

With some exceptions, the only time I blame it on the camera is when I need an "excuse" to buy more equipment. And, after 30 years of "excuses," all I get anymore is that look. It'll work. You just have to talk to it a little.
Gary

Ken H. · Jan 30, 2009

Thanks I am still working at it, but the one thing I have mastered in life is making mistakes ( LOL ). I am really enjoying this site. I went on RC a couple of times and got beat up and don't go back.

gparr · Jan 30, 2009

Keep trying and posting examples. There are enough photographers here to help you get it fixed.
Gary

Ken H. · Jan 30, 2009

OK

ISO is at 50

Macro is on, but when macro is on the timer is of and when I turn the timer on the Macro goes away.

I have the lense parallel to the glass and I am using a stand to tilt the frags.

gparr · Jan 30, 2009

You can shoot at ISO 200 to get a faster shutter speed.

You're almost there. The camera is autofocusing on the egg crate, not the frag. Go to page 74 in your user manual to see how to control the focus points the camera uses. You want it so that the camera is only using the center focus point. Put that on the frag and the camera should stay focused on the zoanthids. Fill the frame as much as you can with the frag plug.

Gary

Ken H. · Jan 30, 2009

Ok I will look it up and try it.

Here are my latest shots. This is starting to get fun.

http://tinypic.com/useralbum.php?ua=FvHKc61hRDWcn69+uG3+2g==

gparr · Jan 30, 2009

Be careful. It's addicting.

Yes, your camera is getting fooled in just about every image. Autofocus looks for high-contrast areas on which to focus and egg crate is an ideal candidate. Forcing it to focus on the coral will sharpen things up quite nicely.
Gary