Got more flowers so I thought I would try to work on my macros a little more.....one of these I took with the kodak and one I took with the nikon......Can you tell which one is which? Im not trying to say one is better than the other but I was just trying to compare myself.....

http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd125/bambam203silo/bigflowerpsp2.jpghttp://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd125/bambam203silo/littleflowerpsp2-1.jpg

I'm guessing the softer one was with the Nikon..and the sharper with the kodak...

It's all in your settings Bam. My first guess is the crisper one would be from the Nikon because it has better optics (from having larger lenses), but it still would depend on what settings you used on each camera.

see, I figured she was using the Nikon and had a bit of camera shake..LOL working with natural lighting , and a shutter speed just a smidgen to slow or an ap not quite wide enough..wonder when she will tell us ???? LOL

Hah I checked the EXIF data..I know now!

Whoops I kinda forgot......lol.......The first one is the nikon and the 2nd(sharper) one is the kodak.....I was getting upset not being able to get some sharp images out of the nikon this morning and ended up and went back to my little kodak....lol...

Yea, I been TRYing to work without flash all together but forced to use it sometimes........
This was just with the 18-55 lens.....I give up on the 70-300 and the deer too lol........

With the DSLRs, it can be hard to do macros handheld. I almost always end up pulling out my tripod and setting up special lighting scenarios and all that. Does the 18-55mm lens have any macro capabilities, because you might need to use a macro lens. I've had some luck with my 50mm prime, but to do true macros, I'm having to use my new 70-300mm (the Sigma apparently has macro -woo!). I try to use my flash as little as possible, if at all. Does that help at all, Bam?

Yes, I know I brought in the tripod yest.......Im just not a fan of them and can usually pull it off not having to use one......
No, it's not a macro lens chy.............I will prolly try with the 70-300 lens next....it does have macro.....gretch does alot of hers with it.....I am just so use to being right next to what Im shooting since I had my kodak for so long that I notice myself having to step back with the 300 lens in order to get the shot......Some folkz aren't a fan of zoom and believe you should zoom with your feet instead.......
I been trying not to use flash for a while now......I also been trying to just use manual focus on the lens and working on metering right now......so well see how things go..........

okay..on the macro thing..the term macro gets bandied about lots on photo (I'm an idiot for swearing)(I'm an idiot for swearing)(I'm an idiot for swearing)(I'm an idiot for swearing)es..there's actually a difference between close up and macro...

The true definition of macro photography, is production of an image that is the same size (or larger) on the film plane as in real life (lifesize). Thus, if you photograph an insect that is 2 centimeters long at 1:1 (lifesize), it's image will be 2 centimeters long at the film plane or digital sensor.

Okay now that was a little confusing wasn't it? So technically you can shoot a tru macro without a macro lens..but it can be tricky..

as for the handheld vs tripod..I shoot handheld close to 80% of the time, but I am very comfortable with my cameras and have learned lots of tricks to shooting without a tripod. I can't think of any of my macro work that I used a tripod on..:eek:

Don't give up Bam...just realize that it will take time and practice..and I really think your issues with 70-300 and the deer are mostly light related..there's only so much you can do in line of wildlife work with low light. That's why most of the folks who shoot wildlife for a living have the very pricey and very fast large primes...they also set up in blinds etc. you just can't use a long lens at dusk handheld chasing a deer...none of us can !

There wasn't any EXIf data on the nikon shot..so I'm not sure but you could have upped the iso or it also could be soft cause you were just a teeny bit tooo close for it to focus..I don't know what the minimum focusing distance is on your lens..

If you use the macro setting on 300 you will have to back a bit from the subject and indoors..you will have to use a tripod, unless you're throwing a good bit of light on your subject...

Use the flash honey..there's no rule that says you shouldn't when it's needed or apporpriate..learn to use it to your advantage!

You'll be fine kiddo..don't get discouraged!

Chy - the macro feature on the 70-300 is wonderful in warm weather for butterflies, insects etc..you don't have to be close enough to spook them away.. :)