Canon S3

[CathrynRose]

Hi i was out today trying some macro shots and my camera just wont focus when i zoom in on the flowers. Is something im doing wrong or is something wrong with the camera thanks.

I found mine will not focus in macro when in AUTO. Are you in Auto?

I didnt look it up in my manual - Ive been meaning to. I also thought my macro was broken, until I happened to have it on anothwer mode with no problems.

 

[Donaldfan81]

Even in manual it wont work right. It focuses on the background stuff thats farther back perfectly fine but the flower right in front it cant focus at all. And its worked in the past perfecly fine.

 

[Amy]

I've never had any luck using Macro on my S3; like you said, it'll always focus on the grass or whatever is behind the flower I'm trying to take a picture of! I just gave up.

I use SuperMacro all the time with no focusing problems.

 

[AndrewWG]

Well, I can't explain that one. I still think that standing back a bit would help. If it is focusing further away than your subject, that could be explained by a minimum focusing distance. I have the S2 and I would think that it would be the same, but maybe not. Here is a quote from this website: http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/canon/powershot_s3-review/

"In normal macro mode the minimum distance to the subject is 10 - 50 cm, which is about average. Do note that macro mode is limited to focal lengths near the wide end of the lens. Turn on the super macro mode and the minimum distance drops to 0 - 10 cm from the end of the lens. That's right, 0 cm! You can then fit an object 22 x 16 mm in size in the frame. The lens is locked at the wide-angle position in super macro mode.

If you want to do some telemacro shooting then you'll need the optional close-up lens that I mentioned way back at the beginning of the review." ​

So, according to this, your focus range in Macro mode for the S3 is from about 4 to 20 inches away. This is when NOT zoomed in at all. You add a whole world of problems when you zoom in. I think that is why you would need the close up adapter that is mentioned above. I have no experience with the close up adapter. I don't zoom at all when using Macro modes.

I hope this helps.

Andy

 

[Marty Joe]

Hi Ho all,
Here is my entry into the "family". I'm proud to post with my S3 IS!!

 

[cinder-ellah]

Yippie ! ! !

I finally got my Canon S3..........now I need to go out and play.
Love all the helpful info here.

 

[Amy]

Fireworks!

I'm not sure how they turned out - quality speaking, but I think they're ok for a first-timer? These few were the only ones worth keeping. I tried the firworks mode and that was a disaster Night snapshot or scene worked much better.

Madge - isn't it funny how most of us who have S3's don't like fireworks mode? You'd think when they designed the camera they'd have professional photographers to help with the settings for the diff. modes.

By the way, I like your fireworks shots - great job!

 

[Amy]

Marty Joe and cinder-ellah - to the S3 family!

 

[LPZ_Stitch!]

Madge - isn't it funny how most of us who have S3's don't like fireworks mode? You'd think when they designed the camera they'd have professional photographers to help with the settings for the diff. modes.

The problem with the actual Fireworks mode is that it's designed to be used with a tripod ... the longer exposure time will give you much more detailed "tails" on the fireworks as the shutter will be open as the firework is expanding. However, it's just not possible to hold the camera still for that long so they come out all messy.

Unfortunately, I rarely take fireworks pictures anywhere but Disney and I'm certainly not carrying a tripod around with me all day! I might take my compact one, but that means I've got to find a trashcan or wall with an unobstructed view of the castle!

 

[cinder-ellah]

Its time for me to get brave and join in on the fun ! ! !

Love all the helpful info.........still learning, but trying and loving it.
I changed the resolution, hope its an easy load and doesn't take away the sharpness.

With a 6 year old niece around I thought I'd play with the sports mode.
I love it ! ! !

 

[brooklynheights]

Just joined the fan club just got mine last night still learning all about it I get to practice until the end of sept then disney here we come

 

[madge]

Madge - isn't it funny how most of us who have S3's don't like fireworks mode? You'd think when they designed the camera they'd have professional photographers to help with the settings for the diff. modes.

By the way, I like your fireworks shots - great job!

thanks!

I don't know what the deal is with that setting. it took entirely too long to write to the card. I guess it has to do with the exposure? (I'm still learning that... )

I have 2 more fireworks opportunities coming up, but I don't think either one will be as good as the one from last weekend. we were very close to the display.

 

[AndrewWG]

Well, I got out into the garden today and tried a bunch of Macro/SuperMacro shots with the old S2 IS. Thought I would share some.

Andy

Andy

 

[AndrewWG]

Love your bird pix, Andy! And I agree with you 100% - leave nature alone. So what if you don't get that "perfect" shot; it's not perfect if it destroys the nest or causes harm to the wildlife.

And I don't know if you saw my baby Blue Jay pictures from last week - they're buried somewhere on this thread! Here's my favorite, taken in my back yard:

Amy,

For some reason I missed this post by you. I did see the baby blue jay pics and they are AWESOME! I don't think I have ever seen one so small. The little birds at my work are all grown up and flown away already. Geez, they grow up so fast, don't they?

Andy

 

[DisneyBug1995]

Is there a way to edit my pictures (zoom in) and then save them on my camera?

 

[ukcatfan]

Is there a way to edit my pictures (zoom in) and then save them on my camera?

If I am understanding correctly, you could edit one and then put it back on the card. The software might not do it, but with a card reader it is just like another drive on the pc. I do not know if it would show up to the camera b/c after the edit it might not recognize it. What are you trying to ultimately do?

Kevin

 

[DisneyBug1995]

I am trying to edit the pictures on the camera before I print the pictures. Is this possible?

 

[ukcatfan]

It sounds like you are talking about cropping in camera. If so, I do not think it can. If it is a problem with no access to a pc, you could try a library. Cropping does not take a very technical program and they would likely have something that would do it.

Kevin

 

[polkadotladybug]

I usually just view my photos through Windows explorer and I do have Paint shop Pro 11 to edit my photos - and sometimes I experiment with Picasa to create web albums/collages/etc. I never loaded the Canon S3 software that came with the camera - should I load it onto my laptop? Is it basic stuff or is there anything that would be helpful on there?

Thanks!

 

[S. C.]

Just joined the fan club just got mine last night still learning all about it I get to practice until the end of sept then disney here we come

To the family!