Anyone using a Canon PowerShot A520?

[pasion]

So? I'm having some minor issues with the macro setting and I'm unsure what's the best method to use for taking some pictures, I've taken a few just now that I'll get up tomorrow and you can see how bad or good they are.

I'd like to be able to take some nice pictures with this camera, not so much outstanding photo's but nice enough to get the message out.

[clippo]

haven't used one myself, but the macro range is 5cm I believe - this is at the wide end though. If you are 'zoomed-in' you'll probably need to be further away. Not sure if you can use manual focus in macro but I would if possible.

[sometrouble]

I have the Powershot A540...I got it a month ago, and without reading the book, I have a hard time getting a focused picture from macro. It always gives me a "camera shake" error image on the display. I found with mine, that if I don't "pre-focus" by holding the shutter halfway till it beeps a focuses...I get better results. I just firmly press the shutter all the way down all at once. This leaves less time for the focal distance to change. I love that my model has all the manual features...but some really good presets as well. I have an underwater preset, that does a better job than "auto"...I don't know if yours is capable of this...you have to get to it through the menus on screen...can't tell you exactly how right now, I don't have the camera with me. I almost always still adjust the image with photoshop or something just for the levels and contrast. I like my Nikon D70's macro better...but the powershot is always more easily at hand. I don't know if this will help at all.

[chessmanmark]

Try holding the camera against the glass, then use the self timer. Hold your breath when the beeping speeds up. Make sure you have the macro, or even supermacro button turned on. My friend has success with his Nikon by using the white balance button. A good photo editing program also helps.