Camera help...

[Ursa Minor]

I know this is a site for herpetology and everything....but I need help! Is anyone familiar with the Olympus Stylus 600? I've had it for almost a year and it used to take some quality pics, but never any good closeups. Now I can't take a good pic unless I use the tripod, and they're still not that great. I have the book and have consulted it many times, but they read like stereo instructions in Japanese. For a camera that cost as much as it did I would expect it to take good pictures. As far as I know it's never been dropped or damaged in anyway, it even has it's own pelican case.

From the photos I've seen on this site I know we have some awesome photographers here...anyone got any advice? Or did I just buy a crappy camera?

[X-Factor]

Try to put all settings on Automatic....with cameras you just need to fiddle and see what happens. It's a nice luxury of digital. I can't read manuals either. Start with everything in Auto mode and go from there. I'm betting something got changed and you didn't realize it.

[mpgt]

I'll do a little research on your specific camera. For macro shots, assuming this is a compact digital (right?) set the zoom range all the way in (everything looks smaller), then move in close for the pic. There might be a macro setting on the camera you need to find. Good luck, and I'll post here again if I can find out more for you.

[X-Factor]

Joe: Her camera is a digital. Macro won't work in conjunction with zoom I don't think, pretty sure on that.

He is right about how to use macro, either with normal or super macro (if your camera is so equipped), you physically move the camera in close to the subject until it becomes clear and sharp.

[mpgt]

That's what I meant Tom. The zoom lens if it has one, should be set to its minimum focal length.

[X-Factor]

Oh ok, I misunderstood.