Close-up of a lilly

[clockdoc]

In trying to learn more about the macro capabilities of my Sony F707, I tried a few test shots of a lilly in my garden. ISO 100, f/8, 1/500 second at the widest focal length of 9.7mm in the midday sun. This is straight out of the camera with no post processing or cropping. The autofocus mode of the F707 doesn't always focus where you want it to so I took lots of shots to get this one.

[knickers71uk]

I really like the colours of the lily , dont think I have seen one this colour before, seems to be a nice clear shot to me, what a glorious day it looked.

[wulf]

It has come out well, hasn't it? With the autofocus, does the camera have a "focus lock" facility. Often you can hold the button halfway down and then reposition the camera to get the focus exactly where you want it (although it is easier doing that with a manual lens).

Wulf

[clockdoc]

Hi wulf and knickers71uk,
Thanks for your comments. Yes, the Sony F707 does lock in focus and exposure when you hold the shutter button down half-way. Unfortunately it is almost impossible to judge focus on the LCD (particularly when outdoors in bright daylight) or through the electronic viewfinder. I did try a "rocking" motion by focusing, holding the button half-way and then slightly moving in or out to try to change the focus point. That's why I had to shoot so many exposure trying to get a few "keepers." 8-) These were shot hand-held. The next time I may try shooting with the camera on a tripod and switch to manual focus after the camera locks in on autofocus. The initial point of focus should hold and then I can try varying it manually rotating the lens focus ring. Thanks again for taking the time to view my posting and provide feedback.

[hsroxas]

Congratulations Clockdoc. That certainly is a crisp looking macro shot. Guess you won't be needing a tripod much if you can shoot handheld this crisp.

[clockdoc]

Thanks for your kind words. As much as I like to use a tripod, some of these low-to-the-ground shots were easier to compose and shoot by using a higher shutter speed and shooting lots of exposures. 8-) I have also tried using my wired cable release while hand-holding close-ups as it allows for a smoother shutter release. I realize not all cameras have a provision for this but if your camera does, give it a try.