Trouble focusing in on smaller herps...

Photography knowledge exchange.

Moderator: Scott Waters

Post Reply
User avatar
CrimsonCoils
Posts: 101
Joined: July 1st, 2010, 3:46 pm
Location: Delaware County, PA

Trouble focusing in on smaller herps...

Post by CrimsonCoils »

Image

Working with a Nikon COOLPIX P510
NIKKOR 42X WIDE OPTICAL ZOOM ED VR
4.3 - 180mm 1:3 - 5.9

I'm no photography wizz. I'm generally happy with the photos I get from this camera. The only problem is I can't get any detail of smaller herps such as sals, etc... If I get to close the camera simply won't focus and I get that stupid red box in the middle of the display screen. The only reason I don't understand the problem is because as I lightly press the shutter button the focus the picture, it will focus the animal perfectly, then go out of focus and tell me I'm too close.

For example:
Image
Was herping Spring Peepers in a vernal, located one of the animals, but this is the closest I could get with the camera and zoom. Any closer or further zoomed in, the camera would refuse to focus.

Is there something in the settings that I could change? Or do I simply not have the right camera to get any better shots?
User avatar
pete
Posts: 745
Joined: June 7th, 2010, 7:11 pm
Location: cape cod ma.

Re: Trouble focusing in on smaller herps...

Post by pete »

One of the symbols on the settings knob should be a flower, that is for macro shots. If you are already using that one, please disregard previous sentence. Just keep F@$king with settings till it works for you ;)

edit.... I just checked the specs out and your focus range in macro setting is 1/2" to infinity. If it's not doing what it's supposed to do, take it back for a replacement.
User avatar
CrimsonCoils
Posts: 101
Joined: July 1st, 2010, 3:46 pm
Location: Delaware County, PA

Re: Trouble focusing in on smaller herps...

Post by CrimsonCoils »

First, thanks for the response.

I don't see any flower or "macro" setting on the dial knob. But, like I said, I'm can't claim that I'm very good with cameras. It's more than likely it's user error rather than anything else. I'll try reading the booklet and messing with the setting first.
Aaron Mills
Posts: 121
Joined: June 7th, 2010, 11:54 am
Location: Arizona

Re: Trouble focusing in on smaller herps...

Post by Aaron Mills »

Image
User avatar
CrimsonCoils
Posts: 101
Joined: July 1st, 2010, 3:46 pm
Location: Delaware County, PA

Re: Trouble focusing in on smaller herps...

Post by CrimsonCoils »

Oops :D

I haven't had a chance to look at my camera, but when I said I couldn't find a macro setting I was refering to the dial on the top of the camera.

I apologize for my stupidity.

Thanks guys.
User avatar
CrimsonCoils
Posts: 101
Joined: July 1st, 2010, 3:46 pm
Location: Delaware County, PA

Re: Trouble focusing in on smaller herps...

Post by CrimsonCoils »

Image

Wow, much better!
millside
Posts: 586
Joined: June 7th, 2010, 6:22 pm

Re: Trouble focusing in on smaller herps...

Post by millside »

hi crimson,
I also have the p510 , so you can look at my post I had questions on also.
I picked up a book on amazon all about just the p510. when I get home I will link to it for you.
I too was having problems such as this.

my advice, go on youtube for basic use videos, they helped.
you can always pm me, and perhaps we can get through this camera together,haha
Post Reply