[meinchewster]

Originally Posted by Lancashire Lad

The Finepix E900 is a very good camera, but for macro work it is somewhat limited because the closest you can get to your subject, (and still retain focus), is 7.5cm. The actual magnification reproduction ratio isn't stated in Fuji's technical specification data, but I would imagine you won't be able to get an image of more than a sixth (1:6), or quarter (1:4), life size.

Most "bridge" cameras will let you focus as close as 2cm and some even down to 1cm. These generally give macro image reproduction of about half life size, or 1:2 ratio.

Dedicated DSLR macro lenses all focus down to full life size reproduction (i.e. 1:1 ratio), and a few more specialised ones go even further, being able to actually magnify the subject.

If you can work within the limitations of your camera, you should still be able to get some reasonble macro shots. Just remember to ensure that you have switched to macro mode before taking the picture. There is usually a small button to press, (Generally with a flower image on it), to get into macro mode.

The camera is 9 megapixel, so will allow a reasonable image crop provided that you have set it to jpeg fine (or whatever the maximum quality setting is).

The camera can also shoot in Raw format, but I suspect that you may not want to get involved with that until you are more experienced. (Raw, in theory, is the best possible quality - although there wouldn't be much to choose between jpeg fine - provided that you get your focus, exposure etc. etc. correct in the first place).

Best advice is to read your manual thoroughly, - and take the manual with you when you go out with the camera. - That way you can always refer to it when you aren't sure of what settings to use.

EDIT - PS: For macro you always need the maximum depth of field that you can get, so always try to use aperture priority mode and manually set the aperture to f8 (that is the maximum on your E900 camera). Note that this will often result in very slow shutter speeds, so you will need to support your camera rigidly, and preferably on a tripod (Bit of a nuisance, but believe me it will make ALL the difference to your photos).

Good luck
Mike.

Excellent post Mike, taken on board! Many thanks.