Many P&S digital cameras have the capability for good macro photography. Some focus as close as 3/4 inch, but it’s common to see 1-2 inches as the closest focus point. Set the camera to Macro mode via the Scene Modes or by the Flower icon on the back of most digital cameras.

Macro photography encompasses photos of flowers, insects, coins, jewelry, and small details of objects. Digital SLR cameras need semi-expensive lenses to shoot good macro (more on this later this week). With a P&S digital camera it’s just a button away. There are some limitations though.

-> Using the onboard flash doesn’t work. When focusing so close the flash does not cover your subject. And it usually blasts too much light. Turn off the flash.

-> You should use a tripod since you’re not using a flash. This is sometimes inconvenient.

-> You’ll get a little distortion due to the camera using the wide angle end of the zoom. Some cameras allow you to zoom just a bit and still get real close. Most don’t.

Depending on what subject matter you’re shooting a DSLR may offer better results. They have better lenses, more flexibility in the flash systems, and 2 or 3 different ways to do macro photographs. That’s what I’ll be covering during the rest of the week.

Stay tuned . . .