TimberGhost

Hi, my name is Jim and I just joined. I currently have a HP Photosmart R927 camera. I try taking close up shots with the Marco setting and it's useless (I use it for Ebay mostly). No matter what I try the pictures are blurry. I'm looking for another camera that doesn't cost an arm and leg for close up photos. Do I have to buy a SLR camera? Thanks in advance!!

Wahawk Loc: NE IA

For an "equivalent" type camera, but better close up capabilities, try looking at one of the Panasonic Lumix series. I have one that is a year or so old that I got for approx $100. Has 10x optical zoom, very close focus and MANY valuable scene settings along with quite a few optional settings within each of those. Canon also has the SX160 and SX280 I believe that are in the $100-250 range. Also there are several Olympus and Fuji models in that same category. I would suggest finding somewhere you can get your hands on them and check out their features. Try the close focus in store if you can.

fhayes Loc: Madison, Tennessee

you didn't mention if you had a tripod. If you don't, get one! Read the specs on it, it should hold your cameras weight plus, for a lens. You also need, if it doesn't come with one, a tripod head. This too should hold at least the weight of the camera and lens. Personally, my tripod and head holds twice the weight of anything I own. If your camera has a timer, use it for say a delay of anywhere between2-5 seconds, this gives everything a chance to settle down rather than your finger pushing the button. It insures everything is stable. I use an electronic remote control to fire my digital and a cable release for my film cameras. On a macro, handheld is a tough one. Tripods that are decent at a big box store, start about $35.00 This should get you started, good luck and welcome to the wonderful world of macro!

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

Optimizing Focus When the Camera Cannot Auto Focus:

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c00595840&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&jumpid=reg_r1002_usen_c-001_title_r0009

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

For what you want, a DSLR is not mandatory - BUT, much easier and better in the long run.

Wahawk Loc: NE IA

dSLR in NOT necessarily "easier and better" for this situation. Takes a LOT more learning and EXPENSE to accomplish the same thing. A lot of the newer P&S camera, especially in the Panasonic Lumix range have some excellent results with close-ups and with a simple 2 light setup (could even be a couple table lamps) can make very acceptable closeups that could rival any other camera. Just need to be careful of focus and White Balance settings.

olcoach Loc: Oregon

You can find a good used dslr and then get a close-up lens and you will be in tall clover.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

TG, welcome to the Hog.
Maybe what you need is a tripod. By blurry, do you mean, out of focus, or movement? For movement you need a tripod. For focus, you might be too close and need to back up a bit.
With a better camera, those same issues may still be there untill you resolve them.
But a new camera is always good, just that in its self may not solve the problems.
Again welcome and good luck. SS

marcomarks Loc: Ft. Myers, FL

I got my wife a little Panasonic Lumix that only has a 4X lens for $125 last Christmas, it's 14MP, and it can auto focus down to about 4 inches from the subject. I have a 7 year old Panasonic Lumix FZ-30 and when I use the macro switch it will focus down to almost touching the subject with the front of the lens glass. So you don't have to spend a fortune to achieve close up focused shots.

Take an SD card to Best Buy, WalMart, Target or other store with a variety of Panasonic models and try out several of various prices onto your own SD card. You only have to take several photos of the price card under the camera at closer and closer distances then see how close you get to the surface before it goes out of focus. When you do this, take the shots of the price card that matches the camera you are holding and you'll know which one best suits your need after you go home to look at the shots on your computer on your own SD card. You can't tell from the LCD screen on the camera as well as when you put them on your computer monitor.

If you find more than one camera that works out, then read about them on the web, find out what other features they have, and make your choice accordingly to get the best bang for your buck. More money gets you more features and possibly a longer zoom but more money doesn't necessarily assure closer focusing distances in the lower price ranges.

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

Good luck finding one without a dead battery. I asked a Walmart employee about their SX-50 with a dead battery. I got a shrug and an unintelligible answer.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

I recommend the Panasonic Lumix dmc-fz200. It's a bridge camera and will give you great close up shots. For examples of this camera, go to Carol Milne Photography on Facebook.