Good demo and advice not littered with technological geektalk. True macro gives an image-to-photo ratio of 1:1. As you showed with the spider shot, backing off slightly to get spot-on focus means that you can then crop to get a bigger image of your subject AND retain detail. My first digital camera was an old Fuji S7000 which had a superbly easy-to-use macro function which also gave me fantastic detail. I now use both an SX50HS and an SX60HS and I generally use all the types of technique that you so clearly demonstrate. A really good test of skill is to try macro photography in the garden or countryside - flowers, insects etc. You soon find yourself exploring whole new worlds of interest and possibility. Thanks for a great upload.
Thanks for the video! Have just discovered your tutorials and can't wait to watch all of them on the sx40. I've had the camera for a couple of years and have never really made full use of it. Now I will!!(and LOVE your accent!!)
I really appreciate your helpful hints with the camera. Its very useful information, I am going to try my hand at it tomorrow outside and see what I come up with. I love my camera and am always trying to learn best how to use it to its full potential.
Thnx for your tutorials....they are great....i am wondering if i try to get macro footage while doing a tutorial how to i get the camera to auto focus so i can show close up of the make up products i am using so people can see names on labels
Hi, thanks for your tutorial on the Canon PowerShot sx40. It's very helpful for a newbie like myself to the camera world, being this is my first camera ever. I have a few questions if you don't mind answering. I basically got this camera for high resolution shots of items to list online. What would be the best mode for crisp closeups? Next question being I didn't get my powershot on sale and paid close to $450 being I'm using the cam for quality photos. Should I trade up for the t2 t3?
Hy ,i love you tutorials about the canon sx40hs , you have done a very nice job. Can you please help me , i can't sellect the macro function , i have only auto and manual focus , do you know why?
Hi... I just love your tutorials. I recently bought a Canon XS40 and your guides really help me out. But about this tutorial (for macro photos)... In the video you select the MACRO symbol when using the Manual Mode. The thing is that this symbol is not available in my camera. I have MF and AUTO but not the Macro flower. In any mode I am able to select it, only MF or AUTO. Do you have any ideia why it happens? Thanks.
Thank you so much for posting these tutorials. Although I am not quite a beginner, there is so much I don't know about my Canon SX40HS but am learning thanks to you.... Judy (Australia) :)
this is great how would i get a macro of someones face........to showcase their makeup......sorry if my questions are bad I am a newbie to a camera like this
@FatDragon100 question, what do you recommend, canon powershot s100 or the SX40 hs, I love macro photograpy and the amazing video quality, but I am a noob at this, please help!
Great work, you are inspirational keep up the good work. One lil bit of advice, you can use a white/ivory piece of paper as the backdrop. Keep up the good work. I got my SX40 b/c of you, and love it. Still beating my head against the wall, but you have helped immensely. Will review your entire series soon. thanks again, keep shooting. What do you use to capture the video?
Nice, but how can i zoom in the picture how do you do this. So first make a picture macro and than how do you zoom in closer with witch software ? i understand to make how the picture know but i don't understand how you make the picture on the video more zoom in. Is this the canon software or? thnks
have you tried switching to another mode to see if that is causing the problem. I'm not sure if it greys out macro options when you are zoomed in quite far too so maybe see if that's causing the problem. I don't have my camera handy to check atm!
YES! Example: You took a picture (face) and you magnifying like 5x in till you have only the eye. And saved after that. I think your doing something like that with the coin. Thank you very much.
They do make lights that attach to the front of the lens when doing macro photography. Also... the 1X, 2X, 4X and 10X "filters" allow you to back further away from the subject when doing macro photography. This reduces the amount of shadow when using natural lighting.
Question. Is there any way to take a macro shot with the object not directly in the center? For instance, in AUTO mode is the camera supposed to be able to focus in on any object that is close enough? When I'm trying to take a close-up picture of an object not directly in the center it is out of focus. Could moving the focus box help me here? Should I switch to the P-mode?
whats that you have by the lens? The thing that looks like a lens cap but its not. Mine doesn't have that. Did it come with the camera or sole separately?
Just what I was looking for, if this camera is suitable for close of coin photography or is a DSLR better. This is not even close to the detail I am after. But great video, thank you for sharing.
That's curious. You should be able to get macro mode in most of the manual settings. Try it in AV or M and if it's not showing up then something isn't right. :S
One question (which you may have already covered ?) One of the things I like to photograph, are aircraft in flight. The problem being, the sky has a tendency to be light :) Meaning the subject matter will often come out in silhouette. What is the best way around this ?, use manual or sports mode and play around with f/stop ? As it will need to be on the fastest speed available.
How can I save the zoom out after the picture? For example: Taking a picture, zooming out to what I want and SAVE IT. Can you help please? Thanks! (from Venezuela)
There are a couple of extra options for the more professionally minded such as RAW image capability, higher ISO settings and GPS tagging on the S100 camera, but it lacks the high shutter speed of the SX40 and of course the massive 35x zoom, the S100 only has a 5x zoom . Most good quality digital cameras have a good Macro function these days, so there are a lot to choose from. I actually use a FinePix S2000HD for my macro pictures as it's slightly better than my SX40.....
I haven't honestly tried it really. I am in the states at the moment so I won't be able to experiment too much at the moment. Will try and find out for you but I can't promise I will have a reply as I am away for 3 months!
Is there any possible way to take a night photo on a busy road with lots of cars and all; and atlast its seems like straight line with the lights. Is that possible with our SX 40? Somebody told me that its just the matter of shutter speed.
hii i am a noob wen it comes to photography...i have the same camera as urs..but i can see tht u have some kind of extra attachment in front of ur lens..can u say wat is tht?
Could you please tell me if with the CANNON powershot sx40 is able to add white balance on video mode? I already know I can do it on pictures mode but don't if in videos mode is possible... and which format video does it has like avi, mov, etc...thank you so much
@XsubwoofermaniacX I doubt it, you would need to be pretty close because the more zoomed out you are, the harder it is for the lens to focus on small details like that.
When you are reviewing the picture of the coin and panning around when zoomed all the way in showing the finest details can you then save when fully zoomed.
I'd imagine we have tried that before, it may be a case of the distance between the camera and the object needing to be bigger as the flash would have to be pretty weak to not reflect back on the objects surface. We will see!
After checking everything I saw what I was doing wrong. The Macro Symbol was no able when I selected the MANUAL MODE because the AF Frame selected was ''Tracking AF''. Now I changed to Flexizone and it is working. :)
Hi there, The attachment is for a filter to protect the lens. For macro, you can't have your zoom being used at all, it must always be all the way back in to the camera. Then you can switch your focus style to macro and it will work :)
Thanks for the info. I was told about those after this video... I never really use them though to be honest, I should probably use them more. We have a ring flash at work that lights macro photography but I always find it way too bight, as do the students. Maybe I will mess around with it to see if I can get any better results.
I just came upon your video but how did you possibly get your pictures to be clear? Right before I take a picture, it seems to be grainy or unfocused. Could you please reply on how to make your pictures appear high quality?
Hi FD100 :D You say at 4:28 "The focus is based on the centre of the image, so I can't sort of, place it up the top...... It needs to be nearer to the middle". This isn't strictly true you can move the focus square from the centre to almost anywhere in the frame as long as you select "Flexizone" option under "AF Frame". It's not ideal but it does work... then of course crop to suit :) Good tutorials btw! :)
It depends on what effects you want but standard filters should be UV (For general use and protection), polarising (sunglasses effect, enhances greens blues and reds) to get you started, and then effects lenses will vary depending on what you are trying to achieve.
Yes you're right. I made this a while back before I explored the focus properly but thank you for sharing the information. I should have corrected myself and not just left the wrong information on there :S
Question, i cant seem to figure it out, how can i zoom up on a bee and get a clear shot without the macro picture, because i dont wanna get stung lol.. is there any way i can zoom in up to a bee without the macro settings?
That is a tricky one because of your need for a fast shutter. To avoid the silhouette you want to let in more light. This should allow you to capture more of the aircraft. On the SX40 you need to keep your aperture low, your shutter speed fast to keep the plane in focus so your ISO will depend on how much light you are wanting to let in. try some experimentation to get it right but hopefully if you stick with those guidelines and try letting in more light you should avoid the silhouette.
When I hit the focus button (at the 9 o'clock position on the ring) I only get two options - "M" (manual) and "Normal" - there is no Macro option on my SX40HS. Do you have any idea where it went to? I've gone all around the options and can't figure out how Macro got deleted. Thanks!
Yup. It's a long exposure shot you want to do. If you set your shutter speed to 15" (seconds) and keep you Aperture down to the lowest it will go, you will get some cool effects. The camera will limit your ISO unless you are using the hack (CHDK). Make sure you use a tripod because any movement in that 15 seconds will cause blur. Also, try and set your camera to a 2 second timer so that you dont need to touch the camera when it starts taking the picture. :)
@DhAoUaDiAMINE231 I haven't used the flash ring so I couldn't tell you to be honest. Probably best to try and see an example in a store for the best idea if it's for a business.
I haven't heard that. If you have a low "class" SD card then you may have reduced quality but thats to do with the cameras working too fast for the SD card to keep up so that would affect all the pictures. That's as far as I know anyway - I'm no pro when it comes to memory cards though!
I purchased the Canon SX40 several years ago and put it aside because it didn't zoom. I bought a different brand with which I am content. I have been unsuccessful contacting Canon. Would you know what part is needed to repair the zoom? Thank you. Gerri
Use an external flash and point it where the camera cannot get it. If you use a on board flash the lens will block it and make a horrible shadow. Hope this helps.
Yes, I only see the Macro Flower icon in the SCENE mode and because of that,if needed, I can't make any changes. So, I keep using MF, when necessary. :S
ten years later from argentina, still watching it. Love your voice.
Good demo and advice not littered with technological geektalk.
True macro gives an image-to-photo ratio of 1:1.
As you showed with the spider shot, backing off slightly to get spot-on focus means that you can then crop to get a bigger image of your subject AND retain detail.
My first digital camera was an old Fuji S7000 which had a superbly easy-to-use macro function which also gave me fantastic detail. I now use both an SX50HS and an SX60HS and I generally use all the types of technique that you so clearly demonstrate.
A really good test of skill is to try macro photography in the garden or countryside - flowers, insects etc. You soon find yourself exploring whole new worlds of interest and possibility.
Thanks for a great upload.
Great job with this tutorial! I just ordered a new sx50 hs today and am so excited to get it! It's a pleasure to watch your videos ....
LOVING your tutorials! I've had my camera for almost a year and enjoy outdoor photos as well as wild life. I have learned so much!
Thanks for the video! Have just discovered your tutorials and can't wait to watch all of them on the sx40. I've had the camera for a couple of years and have never really made full use of it. Now I will!!(and LOVE your accent!!)
purchased this camera recently and your videos have been my "getting to know camera guide" thank you
I really appreciate your helpful hints with the camera. Its very useful information, I am going to try my hand at it tomorrow outside and see what I come up with. I love my camera and am always trying to learn best how to use it to its full potential.
Thnx for your tutorials....they are great....i am wondering if i try to get macro footage while doing a tutorial how to i get the camera to auto focus so i can show close up of the make up products i am using so people can see names on labels
Hi, thanks for your tutorial on the Canon PowerShot sx40. It's very helpful for a newbie like myself to the camera world, being this is my first camera ever. I have a few questions if you don't mind answering. I basically got this camera for high resolution shots of items to list online. What would be the best mode for crisp closeups? Next question being I didn't get my powershot on sale and paid close to $450 being I'm using the cam for quality photos. Should I trade up for the t2 t3?
excellent photos very good tips thanks
Thank you, now I understand what Macro function is all about. Keep making tutorials! :)
Hy ,i love you tutorials about the canon sx40hs , you have done a very nice job. Can you please help me , i can't sellect the macro function , i have only auto and manual focus , do you know why?
Hi... I just love your tutorials. I recently bought a Canon XS40 and your guides really help me out. But about this tutorial (for macro photos)... In the video you select the MACRO symbol when using the Manual Mode. The thing is that this symbol is not available in my camera. I have MF and AUTO but not the Macro flower. In any mode I am able to select it, only MF or AUTO. Do you have any ideia why it happens? Thanks.
Hi, Thanks for your videos. Have you tried the close up +1,+2,+4,+10 macro lenses ?. If yes, can you share some videos on that.
Thank you so much for posting these tutorials. Although I am not quite a beginner, there is so much I don't know about my Canon SX40HS but am learning thanks to you.... Judy (Australia) :)
Hi, Do you do a video for Wildlife Settings ie garden birds on the Canon SX40HS please.
this is great how would i get a macro of someones face........to showcase their makeup......sorry if my questions are bad I am a newbie to a camera like this
@FatDragon100 question, what do you recommend, canon powershot s100 or the SX40 hs, I love macro photograpy and the amazing video quality, but I am a noob at this, please help!
Thank you very much for posting these information videos. They have helped me a great deal!
Great work, you are inspirational keep up the good work. One lil bit of advice, you can use a white/ivory piece of paper as the backdrop. Keep up the good work. I got my SX40 b/c of you, and love it. Still beating my head against the wall, but you have helped immensely. Will review your entire series soon. thanks again, keep shooting. What do you use to capture the video?
Nice, but how can i zoom in the picture how do you do this. So first make a picture macro and than how do you zoom in closer with witch software ? i understand to make how the picture know but i don't understand how you make the picture on the video more zoom in. Is this the canon software or? thnks
In Tutorial #10, you show the use of the magnifying filters. Maybe these can be used to back away from the subject and maintain the apparent size?
I suspected the light might be a bit brighter than desired. Wouldn't minimizing ISO and using a fast shutter speed compensate for it though?
YEs I agree it's a bit of a pain. Does your Sony have a lens built in? Or can you change the lens?
have you tried switching to another mode to see if that is causing the problem. I'm not sure if it greys out macro options when you are zoomed in quite far too so maybe see if that's causing the problem. I don't have my camera handy to check atm!
YES! Example: You took a picture (face) and you magnifying like 5x in till you have only the eye. And saved after that. I think your doing something like that with the coin. Thank you very much.
They do make lights that attach to the front of the lens when doing macro photography. Also... the 1X, 2X, 4X and 10X "filters" allow you to back further away from the subject when doing macro photography. This reduces the amount of shadow when using natural lighting.
hey really appreciate your help, I learnt a couple of things from your help playlist , but what does the dial next to view finder do in the SX40
You get can macro lens adapters but I haven't looked into things like wide angle adapters yet.
Question. Is there any way to take a macro shot with the object not directly in the center? For instance, in AUTO mode is the camera supposed to be able to focus in on any object that is close enough? When I'm trying to take a close-up picture of an object not directly in the center it is out of focus. Could moving the focus box help me here? Should I switch to the P-mode?
:) ♥♥ u have learn me alot of stuff abut my Canon Powershot SX40 HS
Thanks for the video , got a similar camera recently and want to learn. You've got a new channel supporter .
whats that you have by the lens? The thing that looks like a lens cap but its not. Mine doesn't have that. Did it come with the camera or sole separately?
Just what I was looking for, if this camera is suitable for close of coin photography or is a DSLR better. This is not even close to the detail I am after.
But great video, thank you for sharing.
That's curious. You should be able to get macro mode in most of the manual settings. Try it in AV or M and if it's not showing up then something isn't right. :S
One question (which you may have already covered ?)
One of the things I like to photograph, are aircraft in flight. The problem being, the sky has a tendency to be light :) Meaning the subject matter will often come out in silhouette.
What is the best way around this ?, use manual or sports mode and play around with f/stop ?
As it will need to be on the fastest speed available.
How can I save the zoom out after the picture? For example: Taking a picture, zooming out to what I want and SAVE IT. Can you help please? Thanks! (from Venezuela)
Best tip so far - thanks!
Thanks for the video! Learned alot and will definitely work my macro shot! :)
JH443 is right, it's the UV filter and you can see about them in the filters video of the SX40 series.
There are a couple of extra options for the more professionally minded such as RAW image capability, higher ISO settings and GPS tagging on the S100 camera, but it lacks the high shutter speed of the SX40 and of course the massive 35x zoom, the S100 only has a 5x zoom . Most good quality digital cameras have a good Macro function these days, so there are a lot to choose from. I actually use a FinePix S2000HD for my macro pictures as it's slightly better than my SX40.....
I haven't honestly tried it really. I am in the states at the moment so I won't be able to experiment too much at the moment. Will try and find out for you but I can't promise I will have a reply as I am away for 3 months!
Say i want to get details in a fly's eyes, will i get enough details zooming in with the proper settings?
can you change the lens in this camera and are you happy buying this camera ???
thank you, i just bought a sx50 and this tutorial will help me so much
Is there any possible way to take a night photo on a busy road with lots of cars and all; and atlast its seems like straight line with the lights. Is that possible with our SX 40? Somebody told me that its just the matter of shutter speed.
hii i am a noob wen it comes to photography...i have the same camera as urs..but i can see tht u have some kind of extra attachment in front of ur lens..can u say wat is tht?
does it autofocus when you hold something very close to the lens while recording?
Could you please tell me if with the CANNON powershot sx40 is able to add white balance on video mode?
I already know I can do it on pictures mode but don't if in videos mode is possible...
and which format video does it has like avi, mov, etc...thank you so much
what camera are you using to film this video of the canon sx40 hs?
I have the filters but I haven't really made the most of them. I will do in the near future. Also looking at the raynox lens adaptor too :)
@XsubwoofermaniacX I doubt it, you would need to be pretty close because the more zoomed out you are, the harder it is for the lens to focus on small details like that.
When you are reviewing the picture of the coin and panning around when zoomed all the way in showing the finest details can you then save when fully zoomed.
Cool I always wondered how to do that thanks!
I'd imagine we have tried that before, it may be a case of the distance between the camera and the object needing to be bigger as the flash would have to be pretty weak to not reflect back on the objects surface. We will see!
After checking everything I saw what I was doing wrong. The Macro Symbol was no able when I selected the MANUAL MODE because the AF Frame selected was ''Tracking AF''. Now I changed to Flexizone and it is working. :)
Hi there,
The attachment is for a filter to protect the lens. For macro, you can't have your zoom being used at all, it must always be all the way back in to the camera. Then you can switch your focus style to macro and it will work :)
Thanks for the info. I was told about those after this video... I never really use them though to be honest, I should probably use them more.
We have a ring flash at work that lights macro photography but I always find it way too bight, as do the students. Maybe I will mess around with it to see if I can get any better results.
You can get the Raynox DCR-250 for extra macro. Then you can get a variety of filters too.
Hi. First, thanks for the great video! So usefull) and i want to ask the number of lens?. Please say to me :]
Great tutorial. Thanks.
So in Manual, when you press the button on the left of the back wheel, you don't have the option to switch to macro?
I just came upon your video but how did you possibly get your pictures to be clear? Right before I take a picture, it seems to be grainy or unfocused. Could you please reply on how to make your pictures appear high quality?
yes u can get the adapter, think its round 30$ im gettin mine sooon
thanks for the tips i need it cuz i'am going to buy this camera
Hi FD100 :D
You say at 4:28 "The focus is based on the centre of the image, so I can't sort of, place it up the top...... It needs to be nearer to the middle". This isn't strictly true you can move the focus square from the centre to almost anywhere in the frame as long as you select "Flexizone" option under "AF Frame". It's not ideal but it does work... then of course crop to suit :)
Good tutorials btw! :)
So we Can't do macro shooting zooming in? we have to get right next to the object?
It depends on what effects you want but standard filters should be UV (For general use and protection), polarising (sunglasses effect, enhances greens blues and reds) to get you started, and then effects lenses will vary depending on what you are trying to achieve.
Yes you're right. I made this a while back before I explored the focus properly but thank you for sharing the information. I should have corrected myself and not just left the wrong information on there :S
Thanks, I shall have to experiment.
you can also use focus bracketing so that you don't have to get that close to the subject and create the shadow.
what kind of filter you got in the extreme of your lens?
Question, i cant seem to figure it out, how can i zoom up on a bee and get a clear shot without the macro picture, because i dont wanna get stung lol.. is there any way i can zoom in up to a bee without the macro settings?
That is a tricky one because of your need for a fast shutter. To avoid the silhouette you want to let in more light. This should allow you to capture more of the aircraft.
On the SX40 you need to keep your aperture low, your shutter speed fast to keep the plane in focus so your ISO will depend on how much light you are wanting to let in. try some experimentation to get it right but hopefully if you stick with those guidelines and try letting in more light you should avoid the silhouette.
When I hit the focus button (at the 9 o'clock position on the ring) I only get two options - "M" (manual) and "Normal" - there is no Macro option on my SX40HS. Do you have any idea where it went to? I've gone all around the options and can't figure out how Macro got deleted. Thanks!
Yup. It's a long exposure shot you want to do.
If you set your shutter speed to 15" (seconds) and keep you Aperture down to the lowest it will go, you will get some cool effects. The camera will limit your ISO unless you are using the hack (CHDK).
Make sure you use a tripod because any movement in that 15 seconds will cause blur. Also, try and set your camera to a 2 second timer so that you dont need to touch the camera when it starts taking the picture. :)
Would a Raynox DCR-250 added to this make better results?
I use a Canon Legria HFS200 to film :) Glad they can help and thanks for the tip of the backdrop ^^
Is there any kind of filter or anything to delete that 'shadow'
@DhAoUaDiAMINE231 I haven't used the flash ring so I couldn't tell you to be honest. Probably best to try and see an example in a store for the best idea if it's for a business.
I haven't heard that. If you have a low "class" SD card then you may have reduced quality but thats to do with the cameras working too fast for the SD card to keep up so that would affect all the pictures. That's as far as I know anyway - I'm no pro when it comes to memory cards though!
Hello! Have you considered photo sfxart tricks (google it)? My mate Charley made some very amazing pics with their video lessons.
I'm getting no memory card error and unable to capture.. Any solution plz...
Is it possible to buy a lens for this camera
hey what filters do you recommend?
I purchased the Canon SX40 several years ago and put it aside because it didn't zoom. I bought a different brand with which I am
content. I have been unsuccessful contacting Canon. Would you know what part is needed to repair the zoom? Thank you. Gerri
a Hammer
Can we use flash when we do Macro photography to fill in more light on the subject?
I wouldn't, it would over expose the picture
Use an external flash and point it where the camera cannot get it. If you use a on board flash the lens will block it and make a horrible shadow. Hope this helps.
RandomSarahGrace
Thank you.
Is there anyway i could get details in a fly's eyes?
I'm so excited to get one!
Just about 170 US dollars away...
can i add extra lense to the canon sx160is plz help me if u hv ne idea.
awesome video thank you!
Do you mean editing on the camera?
Ah that sucks, hopefully you get the chance again!
I haven't actually covered low light in a video, that's definitely one that I can do.
When I did macro setting on mine, the photos showed up black. What's with that?
Can i add extra lens to da sx40 please if u know tell me
Yes, I only see the Macro Flower icon in the SCENE mode and because of that,if needed, I can't make any changes. So, I keep using MF, when necessary. :S
If you want to crop the image I usually do it on the computer afterwards but one of my recent videos covers editing on the camera.
@judsson1 Nice job ;) It'd weird how one little thing can completely throw you off track. Thanks for the info in case others have had the same prob!
i pressed on the macro icon and after selecting macro and pressing on the icon a second time nothing came up? now im stuck in macro :(
It can struggle but I haven't had too much of a problem with it tbh.