Hi all,
I am currently using a Canon Powershot A510 for my digital pix. I like it and its pretty much all the family needs. However, when I take pix of models to post on ML, I lose 30-50% of my detail/paintwork/overall appeal. My question is this: If I buy this: Opteka 10x HD² Professional Macro Lens for Canon Powershot A540 A520 A510. Would it help?
Sorry for the novice question. Thanks for any help or advice!
Rod

Hi Rod-

Ok, hopefully you have tripod and a couple of desk or swing arm lamps- You'll need at least 100w bulbs. Your camera is fine, it is quite capable. I would make sure you set the mode to AV (aperture priority) that way you can set the f stop to at least f8. I think that camera will go to that, or f11. F8 on a point and shoot is like f16 on a SLR camera.

If it does custom white balance, follow the instructions in the manual to set it. If you use lamps with florescent bulbs, make sure they warm up for about a half hour before you adjust that.
Then also push the flower button to set the macro mode. Adjust your lights to light your subject. On point and shoots, put the shutter in self timer, so you can push the button and not shake the camera when the picture is snapped.

I wouldn't buy the macro lens unless you feel that you need to get really close.

Once you have taken some pictures, move them into your computer and use the zoom browser basic editor to crop and sharpen the pictures. The sharpen tool in zoombrowser or photoshop (or similar programs) can really make a difference. You can adjust your brightness, etc too. Sometimes I shoot with a 1/2 stop overexposure setting in the camera. I am not sure if the 510 has this, most Canon cameras do.

I hope this helps--- Matt

I've done just about everything you've suggested, with the exception of the white adjustment. On my camera, when pushing the "flower" button to get the macro setting, I can get two. I use the second, closest one. I shoot with two 100 watt swing arm lamps(actually the ones on the work desk!) as well as the overhead light in the room. The problem is, when I get all the detail I want to capture and show, the flash is washing it out, or is "over-exposing" the subject. If I can shhot outdoors in sunlight, obviously I have no problems, the pictures look very impressive.
I'll give it another go with the suggestions you've made, and I'll let you know what happens!
Oh, as far as editing on the PC, check out an editing program called PhotoScape. Fantastic for adjusting pix! (I have no affiliation)

Thanks again,
Rod

Rod,

Turn off the flash. Just use the lamps. That's what is messing up the pictures. I would just use the "normal" macro mode- as that should provide enough closeup for you- you can also move the camera back a bit, then zoom in to frame the shot if you can't focus that close.

Matt

Check 'em out! Thanks again!!
Rod