blurry images w/ close-up photos

[dmicro]

I have a point and shoot PowerShot camera and I am unable
to take clear close-ups without a flash.(I'm trying to photograph
jewelry so can't use a flash). I've used a tripod to no avail.
I've set the shutter speed to fast. I know there are new models
with image stabilization out there...am waiting for the price
to come down a bit! Any suggestions would be much apprecitated.
Thanks!
Dori

[GaryS]

You will need a tripod and lots of light. I grab my halogen shop lights to illuminate the room, as they are handy and cheap.

[dmicro]

Hi dustyporch-
I've used a tripod to no avail. Will try again w/
it and the halogens.Thanks for the response!
dmicro

[David Metsky]

If you're using a tripod and taking images of a stationary object, IS will do you no good. Are you sure the focus is correct? Where is the motion coming from? If you are on a tripod you shouldn't need to use a fast shutter speed.

Try using the timer to trigger the shutter so any motion imparted by your hands has time to die down.

-dave-

[dmicro]

Dave,
Thank you for the suggestion..will try it with the timer!
Dori

[JTL]

Also, remember for every lens at every focal length there is a minimum focusing distance as well. Make sure you are within the minimum focusing distance. In addition, make sure that you are using an appropriate apeture. Smaller apertures (bigger number) will increase your zone of focus.

[Jason25]

Did you set the camera to Macro mode? (if it has one, which it should)

[DonSchap]

Also, remember for every lens at every focal length there is a minimum focusing distance as well. Make sure you are within the minimum focusing distance. In addition, make sure that you are using an appropriate apeture. Smaller apertures (bigger number) will increase your zone of focus.

JTL.... good call! "Minimum focus" has probably got him. ;)

Macro mode switch, eh? Is that model specific? I had to strap on a "close-up" lens when I used my Olympus P&S for MACRO.

[Vich]

Can post sample photos, what shutter speed, settings, camera, etc.

Also; not all P&S cameras are able to accurately focus at all, ie: Quality Control. Does the camera do well at other distances (while on the tripod)?

As an earlier poster mentioned, IS does no good on a tripod. In fact, it can make things worse. In a controled environment like yours, it's the last thing you'll need.

Some P&S cameras allow lens accessories that allow for "macro" shooting.

Once you get the focus down, there will be a few other pointers to getting good shots, ie: lighting and color control.

[David Metsky]

Most P&S have a macro mode. On Canons it's the little Flower symbol. :) You put the camera in full wide angle and you can get within an inch or so of your subject. If you haven't done this than you definately will be getting blurry shots at close range. Make sure you push the lens all the way wide.

-dave-

[Vich]

Most P&S have a macro mode. On Canons it's the little Flower symbol. :) You put the camera in full wide angle and you can get within an inch or so of your subject. If you haven't done this than you definately will be getting blurry shots at close range. Make sure you push the lens all the way wide.

-dave-
Good call!

[dmicro]

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions. I'll be back!
dmicro

[swamp]

My Powershot A510 has trouble focusing on flowers which are hanging out there in space. Camera wants to focus on larger objects behind the flowers.
I compensate by going to manual focus (all Powershots may not have this, so see below), set camera at an appropriate focus distance, for example, 20mm, and then take several images without changing the focus, starting too far back and moving in a bit with each shot.
If you don't have manual focus, your camera will probably hold a focus distance if you hold the shutter release halfway down. So place a card to one side at the same distance from you as the jewelry, focus on the card, hold shutter release halfway down while you turn to the jewelry and shoot. This, by the way, is where your tripod would work really well as it would help you to get your distances equal.

[dmicro]

swamp, thanks for getting back to me. I finally solved the problem by using the timer on my camera (duh), which eliminates shake, along with purchasing this goofy sounding, but actually quite effective "Photo Studio in a Box" . It's a mini studio with a tripod, tent and 2 halogen floods. Works well for photographing small objects like jewelry for ebay. Thanks again for your
suggestions.
dmicro