Canon Powershot Sx120 Is Manual Mode
Macro Photography tips?

Hello, I’ve got a Canon Powershot SX120 IS and recently I’ve been trying take photos of bugs and such. I have gotten a few good shots of flowers and things and I was just wondering about some tips involving this camera.
How close should I be to the subject when I am taking a photo of it?
Should I use zoom or just go closer?
What aperture should I use?
What does changing the ISO do?
Is there a way to stop the fast shutter speed causing a dark photo?
Is there a way to prevent a shadow of the camera over the subject when using flash because of dark photo?
Should I use a tripod?
To get decent photos, do I need a macro lens or extensions or what-not?

1) 99% use a tripod! Any camera shake will ruin the shot!
2) NO FLASH – unless you have an expensive macro ring flash, don’t use flash at all.
3) Use high f-stops. When working with really small objects, you need to use something like f/11, or f/22 or higher. Here’s a shot I took at f/22 : http://www.flickr.com/photos/vangorkumphotography/4806461241/ and there STILL is not that much in focus.

“What does changing the ISO do?”
-The ISO is “how sensitive the camera sensor is to light”, and the higher the number, the more sensitive. But, higher ISO’s also bring more digital noise into the image, so use accordingly to the lighting. If it’s too dark, and your using a shutter speed that is too slow, that’s when you raise your ISO higher.

“What aperture should I use?”
-This depends on your lighting and how well you can control camera shake, but you want to aim for higher f-stops to get the most in focus.

“Is there a way to stop the fast shutter speed causing a dark photo?”
-Higher ISO’s! Here’s a shot I took in dark lighting at ISO 3200 and 1/500 sec : http://www.flickr.com/photos/vangorkumphotography/5115829521/

“Is there a way to prevent a shadow of the camera over the subject when using flash because of dark photo?”
-Stand farther back, and zoom in

“Should I use a tripod?”
-YES!!!

“To get decent photos, do I need a macro lens or extensions or what-not?”
-Depends on how ‘close’ you’re talking about. An average “macro shot” isn’t true 1:1 ratio, so….yeah depends on what you want.

Canon Powershot Sx120 Is Manual Mode

Digital camera good for a beginner?

I find it hard to choose between these three: Kodak Easyshare Z915 Canon Powershot SX120 IS Pentax Option I-10 What is the best device for someone who wants good manual controls, but also an automatic mode good? I'm not completely new to photography but I'm not an expert or, if that helps. other recommendations?

Kodak Easyshare better

Unicycle test Shot