Bad Focus on Macro shots

[dan isaacs]

I have a Canon G3. Most of the macro shots I try end up out of focus. Now, all I'm doing is pushing the macro button, and trying to autofocus. I presume the autofocus doesn't work well under macro mode, since, well, it hasn't. I'm not using a tripod, either, so may also be the source of my problem.

Here's an example (click for larger pic):


http://danisaacs.com/images/new/incoming/040322/154_5431-sm.jpg (http://danisaacs.com/images/new/incoming/040322/154_5431.jpg)

And here's a whole page of examples. (http://danisaacs.com/images/new/incoming/040307/dan/)

[dan isaacs]

Here's the EXIF data:

File Name : 154_5431.JPG
Camera Model Name : Canon PowerShot G3
Shooting Date/Time : 3/17/2004 5:27:29 AM
Shooting Mode : Auto
Photo Effect Mode : Off
Tv( Shutter Speed ) : 1/8
Av( Aperture Value ) : 2.8
Metering Mode : Evaluative
Exposure Compensation : 0
ISO Speed : Auto
Lens : 7.2 - 28.8mm
Focal Length : 20.7mm
Digital Zoom : None
Image Size : 1024x768
Image Quality : Fine
Flash : Off
White Balance : Auto
AF Mode : Continuous AF
AF Range Mode : Macro

[ccplim]

Based on the EXIF data, it seems like your shuttle speed is way too low for a handheld shot.

By the way, welcome to APF!

[CDM]

How close was the G3 to the snail? According to the spec., the distance range of macro mode is about Macro focus range • Wide: 6 - 50 cm (2.4 - 19.7 in), and Tele: 15 - 50 cm (5.9 - 19.7 in) which means you can't get closer than 6cm (non-zooming) or can't get closer than 15cm (zooming used). I'm wondering if it's the cause. Think the photos on your website are in wrong focus. I've seen no sign of movement either from hand shake or from subject moving. Also, low tank light would lead to a wrong focus too, especially for a dark subject behind the glass.