SX50 macro setting, not working??

[LimePickle]

I have a SX50 camera that I bought about four months ago. I am not camera savvy at all, so I hope my issue makes sense! I am keen to explore photographing close-ups of flowers but cannot get the camera to focus for this. I am trying to use the macro function on the AUTO setting, but neither turning the dial or pressing the "left" arrow (macro) button brings up the option on the screen. (In fact, in AUTO, I find that only the "top" button/dial turn and the "right" button/dial turn, work at all - I get no option of either ISO or macro. Is this normal??)

I'd be grateful for any advice.

LimePickle.

[cicopo · Accepted solution]

I recently bought one too but haven't put it to use yet BUT I did just try this. It works in P which I higly recommend over Auto for anything where you don't want full control. Use P, learn Exposure Compensation & Flash Exposure Compensation & you'll be on your way to better photos. (It didn't allow Macro in auto).

[John_ · Accepted solution]

Yes use P mode and then you can move the focus bracket around to where there is some detail to fucus on...if it is a flat field or image with not enough detail then you will have to use manual focus...it is an awesome camera !

In addition you should consider a tripod when possible and remote shutter switch since any motion at extreme close ups or long zoom will blur the image.

[smack53 · Accepted solution]

According to the manual, if you are in "Auto" mode, the camera should automatically detect the closeness of the item you are shooting and go into macro mode. That is why the macro button is not functioning when you are in Auto. Make sure you press the shutter button only halfway to allow the camera to focus, and once focused, press the button fully to take the shot.

Remember that there is a limit as to how close you can get to an object and have the camera focus. You may need to try from a little further away but use the zoom to get the close up as you want it.

Have fun and don't worry if it takes a lot of shots until you find out the best distance to get those closeups. Once you are comfortable with the camera, I would take it the next step and learn how to use the SX50 in other modes. You will be amazed at the difference it will make for your photos!

[cicopo · Accepted solution]

I recently bought one too but haven't put it to use yet BUT I did just try this. It works in P which I higly recommend over Auto for anything where you don't want full control. Use P, learn Exposure Compensation & Flash Exposure Compensation & you'll be on your way to better photos. (It didn't allow Macro in auto).

[John_ · Accepted solution]

They may be more than one way to activate macro, for instance on the control dial on the back of the camera body there is a MF with a flower picture on the left side of that dial. Press that and you have 3 opitons Macro, Normal and Manual Focus. Choose Macro and this is in "P" mode not Auto. Then if your having a focus issue you press the bracketing button right under the record button which will allows you to move that focus square around to focus the image better. Also remember that since the lens is so close to the subject very little light can get in there so an external light source is something to consider for better quality images. Also theres Manual focus and a tripod is crucial. I bought a small and very strudy one made by Silk but there are many others. Lens ring flashes/lights are good for macro and I purchased on made by Vivitar.

[LimePickle]

Thanks to you all for your replies! I have sussed out the P function and am now waiting on better weather to get out and about to photograph some spring flowers before they get blown away or drowned.....

Cheers,

LimePickle.

[John_]

lol...good luck!

[cicopo]

Move to Canada. We're still watching the snow melt. My garden is WAY behind.

[LimePickle]

I'm in Scotland, cicopo, and for once, we didn't get ANY snow at all! Then again, we're not through April yet.....

[Vetteran]

You do not need to activate Macro in Auto mode. Nor in P mode if you have Tracking AF set. It will appear as selectable if either of the other two choices are set.

[LimePickle]

Thanks, Vetteran! I will go try that.

BTW, I hooked the camera up to the tripod last night and got some incredible pics and videos of the moon! I am really hooked on this camera 🙂

[Vetteran]

You're welcome. Impressive performance for the money. I've done some Moon shots but did not turn the IS off which may be a good idea. The Moon is a bit too near to full now.

One here Moon