tutorial for Powershot SX50HS

[LindaBirder]

I need a tutorial or a step by step instruction that I can follow.  I have downloaded the complete manual and thoroughly read and studied it.  My last Canon was the AE1program purchased in 1984 and used for 20 years, always on the automatic setting.  Since 2004, I have used a Kodak automatic camera.  I am overwhelmed by the settings on this wonderful new camera I just received as a gift 5 weeks ago.  I found one tutorial for setting C1 & C2 to be used respectively for birds in the distance and macro shots.  This is exactly what I need but not exactly the settings as described in the tutorial.  Also, the videographer does not explain how to set the settings but assumes the viewer already knows that.

[nwithyman]

How about asking our new found friend Marius on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzokasX1ILA

if he might address this in one of his future tutorials?

Just a thought but it is something a lot of us have come across.

[LindaBirder]

I cannot contact anyone through YouTube because I refuse to have a Google profile. Google profile messes up my Picasa albums which is how I organize all of my photos

[nwithyman]

Oh that's a nuisance, there are so many advantages in having a Google account!

I know we are going slightly off piste here but had you thought about setting up a second user account on your computer and link that with Google? The two would be entirely separate from each other.

[ssobel]

Linda

I don't have a google account either, maybe it's our age as I am so concerned about privacy.  Anyway, I have Marius' e-mail address.  He has always been kind enough to answer my questions so I can give it to someone who may want to address something with him. 

[nwithyman]

For quick reference it's -

askmwest@mwest.co.za

[LindaBirder]

OK. Thanks. I am not sure what to ask yet. Still have lots of tutorials to read & watch!.

[Vetteran]

Happy to help if you still need it. Maybe you are all sorted now?

[LindaBirder]

Well, I still have a lot to learn but I think I am at the point where I know enough about the Menu & Functions that I mostly just need to continue to practice.  I am running into more people all the time who are carrying the same camera.  Most of them seem to feel as I do that it has a lot going for it but also has it's frustrations.  A man I met today experssed frustration with not being able to get a well focused close up of a wildflower using auto focus.  I have also had this experience many times.  By taking multiple shots, eventully there will be a good one.  Care to comment?  Thanks for jumping in.

[northernclaw]

I think that autofocus gets confused with some closeups. If the values (contrast) in the flower are very similar, it has no clue as to where to focus. My DSLR (20D) does the same at times, but since I leave it in manual exposure, it's easy enough to switch the lens into manual. The sx50 has enough pixels to do a decent crop, so I focus as close as I can, then crop it in Photoshop. You can also try closeup adapters. I used them on the SX30. The 50 has a better macro mode. I've found that switching to macro, leaving the lens alone by not extending and moving the camera close to flower does better. I've been out taking pics of a flowering Nanking Cherry and experimenting.

[John_]

I use it in Program mode which allows me to move the focus bracket to an area on the subject with enough detail for the autofocus to lock in on...if not I switch to manual focus. Very steady or braced hands are needed in my experience or a tripod. Also since I am so close to the subject the light entering the lens can be limited so I carry a small adjustable led light source in case I need it, behind the leaves for instance.It really brings out the colors. I'm guessing all cameras in all prices ranges have a limitation or two.