Discovered Macro mode on my camera

7tenz

7tenz

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I'd like to show off a couple of pieces I have been practicing with, and would like an opinion on the picture quality, other than user error in centering. Got one pic of the 239 with my pinky in front of the lens.

I have a macro mode setting on my Nikon compact and tried it out and it looks like it has possibilities.

The 610 is a 3". I cut the end of the barrel out of the pic by accident.
 

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It looks like you used flash - try to avoid that. Find a north-facing window and prop the gun (facing toward the window) and take some close-ups at gun level (not looking down at it.) Brace yourself to avoid movement. Use a higher ISO like 400.
 
Natural lighting, as 7tenz said, is the key. And experimenting is half the fun. Things like the wings of a butterfly, an insect, all make good subjects. And if you have a microscope, with practice you can take pics through the lens for some outstanding pics of insects, coins, even crimps on shell casings. I believe macro photography is one of the most overlooked methods of picture taking. Keep us posted.
 
loutent said:
It looks like you used flash - try to avoid that. Find a north-facing window and prop the gun (facing toward the window) and take some close-ups at gun level (not looking down at it.) Brace yourself to avoid movement. Use a higher ISO like 400.
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Ok, I need to get the manual on iso. Does that apply to digital too? I am thinking iso is film?

I can turn the flash off. I ought to try it outdoors, since it's cloudy today. Next is a tripod on my shopping list. I can shoot a 44mag without a flinch but a camera? Ha.
 
With film cameras, ISO (International Standards Organization) is indeed the film speed. A higher ISO number means that the film is "faster" and can be used effectively in lower light. But if you make big enlargements of your prints, it's grainier than lower ISO films. At 8X10, no problem.

With digital, it seems different, and I have no experience. Someone will be along to explain that, I'm sure.
 
Texas Star said:
With film cameras, ISO (International Standards Organization) is indeed the film speed. A higher ISO number means that the film is "faster" and can be used effectively in lower light. But if you make big enlargements of your prints, it's grainier than lower ISO films. At 8X10, no problem.

With digital, it seems different, and I have no experience. Someone will be along to explain that, I'm sure.
Click to expand...

It's digital and does have iso settings anywhere from auto, and 80 up to 3200. Default is auto.

Thanks to all for a headstart. Now that I have a fairly decent rig I'm starting to get excited about this new hobby. I hope it doesn't become like guns and I invest a zillion dollars in it.
 
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-rags- said:
Can I post 35MM film pictures on the Forum?
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LOL I can. I always have my 35mm digitally scanned when I send it out to be developed. If I was shooting more 35mm and 120, I could justify the cost of buying a scanner. :) But then I would have to give up buying at least one gun to afford the scanner. :eek:

CW
 
Straightshooter2 said:
LOL I can. I always have my 35mm digitally scanned when I send it out to be developed. If I was shooting more 35mm and 120, I could justify the cost of buying a scanner. :) But then I would have to give up buying at least one gun to afford the scanner. :eek:

CW
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I remember the 110 roll film cartridge too! :)
 
The macro mode is great for close up detail. It works better without flash.

M4%200371.jpg
 
If you have color prints you want to post, and do not own a scanner, you can still post them if you have a digital camera.

Set up a frame to hold the pics flat. Get some good lighting and a tripod.

Make sure the camera is square to the pic. Copy the print with the digital camera. Use the timed shutter release so as not to jiggle the camera. (it is a shame digital cameras can't use cable releases)

Sounds clunky (and it is), but can do surprisingly good copies.

You should now have a JPG copy of the print, post away.
 
LouisianaJoe said:
The macro mode is great for close up detail. It works better without flash.

M4%200371.jpg
Click to expand...

I was looking at some demos from an iPhone from some guys and I was frustrated why I wasn't getting anywhere near that quality with a 14 mp camera. A more advanced photography is a new endeavor for me. I got a lot of questions and got some good answers here. Used to think I needed $3000 of equipment to get that good.
 
sipowicz said:
P/U a small tripod...it will work wonders on your gun shots with natural light and a bit of proper angling...
Click to expand...

That and use of the timer. 24 hours ago I was thinking "What do I need all that junk for?"
 
7tenz said:
I was looking at some demos from an iPhone from some guys and I was frustrated why I wasn't getting anywhere near that quality with a 14 mp camera. A more advanced photography is a new endeavor for me. I got a lot of questions and got some good answers here. Used to think I needed $3000 of equipment to get that good.
Click to expand...

My camera is a Canon T1i. It is 15 Mega Pixels and it is a little over $500 on Amazon. The Canon T3i is 12 Mega Pixels and is $460 from Amazon. Either of these take great photos. These cameras will make you look like a pro.
 
I always thought Macro was for getting fine detail from a couple inches away...........I use mine for headstamps on my collectible cartridges and nature shots of flowers and bugs. Is it also useful for gun stills?

IMG_0860.jpg
 
LouisianaJoe said:
My camera is a Canon T1i. It is 15 Mega Pixels and it is a little over $500 on Amazon. The Canon T3i is 12 Mega Pixels and is $460 from Amazon. Either of these take great photos. These cameras will make you look like a pro.
Click to expand...

I paid $99 for a $180 Nikon s4100 compact. With what I know now, I won't look like an idiot making up excuses why my pics look like bad. I think I can do that with this setup, thanks Andrewb70.
 
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