How can I...

[airedale 0]

I have to photograph some flies, but unfortunately, all of teh pics are blurry. I don't think my camera has enough megapixels to get a really clear pic... How can I make the pics better quality?

[Houndog 0]

Light is your friend when taking pictures, using the macro (flower) button may help focus.

 

What make/model is your camera?

[Wulff 0]

When shooting macro there are quite are few things that could be going on. The most likely culprits are

 

a) Your inside your lenses MFD (Minimum Focus Distance)

Insufficient Depth of Field

c) Insuffucient Shutter Speed to overcome "shake"

 

any one of those or all three could be the problem. Would help if you posted a sampe. Sometimes its apparent what the problem is.

Your MP really shouldnt matter unless your using a really low MP count and trying o enlarge the image far more than it can handle.

[rockworm 0]

To get the sharpest images with my digital I do the following:

 

1) Use a tripod

(to keep the camera from moving)

2) Use the timer option

(to prevent the camera from moving when I press the shutter button)

3) Use manual focus

(the auto-focus on my camera works poorly for close-ups)

4) Set the f-stop to its highest value. (ie f8 or f16)

(this gives a small aperture and increases the depth of field so all your fly will be in focus)

5) Use lots of light

(a shorter exposure gives less opportunity for vibrations to blur your image)

 

Needless to say, your fly must also be firmly mounted on a stable surface.

Good luck. And post some results for us.

[Guest]

I would also suggest getting a tripod. Because when you are shooting macro shots the tiniest bit of shake or movement will cause blur.

 

Jim

[airedale 0]

1. My camera is a Canon Powershot A530

2. I think it is mostly the MFD.

3. I tried using a white background (I layed it on printer paper)

4. I added this pic to post. It isn't that great because of the flash, but it is about the best I can do.

5. This fly is an uncased caddis larvae someone sent in for a contest. (It maybe familiar to one of you :whistle: )

 

 

[Guest]

Hi Shawn, that photo lost way to over exposed. You might want to try it with a darker background. Also I would use a tripod and turn off your flash. If you turn off the flash and use a tripod you can leave the shutter open longer. Or maybe try setting a light or two to add a little light to the fly.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Jim

[Wulff 0]

If your using flash dont set the fly on paper, a vice would be best and shoot horizontally. If you want a coloured backgrounds put something about a foot behind it.

If your using a tripod flash may not even be neccessary.

 

 

[Houndog 0]

Your camera should be fine for this type of shot.

 

Shoot with the fly in the vice or at least away from the 'background', this will help isolate your fly and prevent the harsh light reflected from the paper. (EDIT: Wulff addressed this is the previous post)

 

Try a bit of white tissue in front of the flash to diffuse it a bit.

 

Don't use your zoom if using macro mode, at least it does not work well on my Canon SD300.