Macro with smaller digital camera's
by
Danny Young

By adding different 35mm SLR lenses to the smaller digital cameras, much higher macro ratios are obtainable.

Varying lenses are used for different ratios from fixed prime lenses, to zoom lenses. Cameras used are a Sony CD-1000 and a Panasonic FZ10. Macro ratios are way beyond what I could get with 35mm slr's, macro lenses and bellows.

FZ10 and flash setup

Using just a simple + 3 closeup filter can give good results. Better results can be obtained by using a Nikon 6T, a Canon 250D or a Raynox dcr-250. Those are corrected for chromatic aberrations which cause colour fringing, while the simple + dioptre's are not. The advantage comes from having a large optical zoom with good optics. By simply using the zoom, we can vary the ratio wanted. Don't use or switch the camera to the macro mode. Use the full optical zoom for added lenses. Examples from a simple + 3 close up filter added to the front of the FZ10.

This particular setup is using an added Canon 100mm to the front of the FZ10.

Results from this setup

Carnation Stamen

Using the supplied hood, we now insert a Canon 35-70mm zoom, this time in reverse. The smaller the focal length of the added lens, the larger the ratio of the subject

Images from this setup are getting higher ratios as below

Note: Some images are from a Sony CD-1000 and some are from a Panasonic FZ10. Both cameras are used in exactly the same way. the only thing that changes, is the resolution. Built in Image stabilisation I can't live with out at these ratios. It takes awhile to get the hang of focusing and like all photography, the best tool you have is patience.

Also used are a Canon 35mm, Canon 50mm macro, Nikkor 60mm micro and a Nikkor 70-210.

The best way to come to grips with any of these setups is just to try everything and try them out inside on stationary subjects to start with. My personal settings are complete manual. Nothing automatic. Spot metering, I always use F/8, set shutter speed to suit lighting conditions. Generally using flash when appropriate. I always use the viewfinder, this allows more stability and  is easier to focus with. I have the viewfinder set to automatically enlarge the taken image for 1 second, that way I can see if its sharp right away. Spot focus is very clever but I often find for macro, I like to set selective focus myself. I don't use the live histogram for macro work but I do find the magnified centre portion of the viewfinder in manual focus mode real handy for focusing.

All images are the copyright of Danny Young