Macro Mode: Big Shots of Little Things

Canon PowerShot S30

This week we are working in macro mode. The documentation for my camera says:

"Use the macro mode to shoot close-ups of subjects in the range of 10 to 80 cm (3.9 in to 2.7 ft.) at a maximum wide angle and 30 to 80 cm (1.0 ft. to 2.7 ft.) at maximum telephoto.

Always use the LCD monitor to compose images in macro mode. Shooting with the veiwfinder is possible, though, the parallax phenomenon may cause images composed with the optical view finder to be off center.

When the lens is zoomed out to the maximum wide angle, the recordable area is approximately 108x80 mm (4.25 in. x 3.15 in.) at the closest focal distance, and at maximum telephoto, it is approximately 111x83 mm (4.37 in.x3.27 in).

Use of the built-in flash may not provide an appropriate amount of light.

Turning off camera cancels settings."

Testing the camera (& me):

I think I got this right, Ron. Shoot the ruler as close as possible while maintaining a reasonably sharp image? My first conclusion is that I NEED a tripod or something else to stabilize my hand for these close ups. [send more toys! ... grin]

And here we have thumbnails to some assorted *small thingies* I tried to capture on camera.
Click for larger images and details.:

I am adding these last two because they have been driving me crazy! I really was trying to get a crisp, closeup shot of the raindrops and all I kept getting were furry globs. Low light spot. Cloudy day. I am hoping Ron or one of my classmates will have some helpful suggestions besides get another camera...lol & sniff, sniff