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8 replies to this topic

#1
sillyboy

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Hello,

Using a Nikon CoolPix S4300. 

 

Could someone help me set up this camera.  I use this camera for ebay photos, and general use.

 

I need a setting that works good for all I do.

 

I have macro set for ebay close ups and half the photos are blurry, and the other half turn out OK.

 

I use a small tripod for the closeups.  I also have a light booth set up, so lighting is constant.

 

Any help is appreciated.   I'm closing in on 70, so be gentle.

 

Thanks to one and all.



#2
nbanjogal

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Hi sillyboy--welcome to the forums. We'll do our best to give you some good help.

 

I'm not actually familiar with the model you're using, but I am wondering what autofocus (AF) mode you might be using. If you're using the TTL autofocus, the camera is deciding what to focus on and it's looking for the areas with the most contrast, which may not be quite what you want. You may want to see if you can shift to single-point AF or whatever the Coolpix equivalent to that would be--just something to give you a bit more control. Does your camera allow you to focus manually? That could be worth a try and not too hard to do if you've got a tripod and an LCD screen with live view. I don't know--maybe that doesn't apply to your camera. 

 

Anyone else got some ideas for how to help? I'm going to go Google the camera model to see if I can learn a bit more about it.



#3
Jerry_

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Hello,

The Coolpix S4300 is a « point-and-shoot » camera with a touch screen.

What I see as a potential issue with the close-ups is the available light. You mention that you have a softbox - and that is already more than most others have. But what light is in and how is teh softbox positioned against the cmera and the object? (Could it be that the camera, when being close, blocks some light of the object that you want to photograph?

Another possible issue is the focussing, as already mentioned. How do you shoot? Pressing the shutter button or pressing the screen? If you use the touch screen you may choose what part of the image shall be in focus (but you are also at risk of having teh camera moving), so it could sometimes help. (See page 35 of the manual)

Also the camera you have has a VIBRATION REDUCTION as well as an AF ASSIST (See the setup menu) which I would suggest to both activate.

#4
TBonz

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I am not sure turning on VR is going to help if you are shooting from a sturdy tripod.  



#5
Jerry_

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I am not sure turning on VR is going to help if you are shooting from a sturdy tripod.


When I suggested it, it was taking into consideration that using the screen shutter (and selecting focus point) would be one way to go.

As far as I understood there is no remote trigger used (as it is not available for the camera), so even so the camera is on a sturdy tripod, the shutter (either by pressing the shutter button or by the screen) is triggered on the camera - and thereby creates vibrations.

#6
sillyboy

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Hi sillyboy--welcome to the forums. We'll do our best to give you some good help.

 

I'm not actually familiar with the model you're using, but I am wondering what autofocus (AF) mode you might be using. If you're using the TTL autofocus, the camera is deciding what to focus on and it's looking for the areas with the most contrast, which may not be quite what you want. You may want to see if you can shift to single-point AF or whatever the Coolpix equivalent to that would be--just something to give you a bit more control. Does your camera allow you to focus manually? That could be worth a try and not too hard to do if you've got a tripod and an LCD screen with live view. I don't know--maybe that doesn't apply to your camera. 

 

Anyone else got some ideas for how to help? I'm going to go Google the camera model to see if I can learn a bit more about it.

==============================================================

Hello,  Sorry I took so long to get back here.  I forgot I posted.

 

I can't manually focus the camera, and I have been looking at the manual.  There are too many options to mess with... :blink:

 

It seems that when I use the flash, everything shows up clearer (is that a word?).  I like to use natural light sometimes.

 

Thanks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Hello,

The Coolpix S4300 is a « point-and-shoot » camera with a touch screen.

What I see as a potential issue with the close-ups is the available light. You mention that you have a softbox - and that is already more than most others have. But what light is in and how is teh softbox positioned against the cmera and the object? (Could it be that the camera, when being close, blocks some light of the object that you want to photograph?

Another possible issue is the focussing, as already mentioned. How do you shoot? Pressing the shutter button or pressing the screen? If you use the touch screen you may choose what part of the image shall be in focus (but you are also at risk of having teh camera moving), so it could sometimes help. (See page 35 of the manual)

Also the camera you have has a VIBRATION REDUCTION as well as an AF ASSIST (See the setup menu) which I would suggest to both activate.

=================================================================================

I have a light box with 2 1500 lumen daylight LED bulbs. The light comes in from the L and R sides.  I use the button.  The  Vib. Reduction is on and the AF Assist is on.

 

Thanks Jerry... I mentioned this before, there are too many options.

 

I used a Pentax K1000 (film camera) for over 25 years and never had a problem.  One of the best cameras ever made.


I am not sure turning on VR is going to help if you are shooting from a sturdy tripod.  

================================================================

 

Hey Tbonz,

 

The VR is always on.  This is so I don't have to change settings if I want to yake a photo of my grand son in the yard.


When I suggested it, it was taking into consideration that using the screen shutter (and selecting focus point) would be one way to go.

As far as I understood there is no remote trigger used (as it is not available for the camera), so even so the camera is on a sturdy tripod, the shutter (either by pressing the shutter button or by the screen) is triggered on the camera - and thereby creates vibrations.

Jerry,

 

Thanks... I never knew about the "selecting focus point".



#7
TBonz

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I agree It was pretty much impossible to kill a K1000.  It could be that you are getting too close for the lens to focus at times - perhaps move back and maybe zoom in a bit (optical zoom - not digital) would help with your issue.  It does sound like you have a workaround for now if things are working fine with flash.  



#8
sillyboy

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I agree It was pretty much impossible to kill a K1000.  It could be that you are getting too close for the lens to focus at times - perhaps move back and maybe zoom in a bit (optical zoom - not digital) would help with your issue.  It does sound like you have a workaround for now if things are working fine with flash.  

OK thanks TBonz.

 

I will give that a try and let all know in a few days.  I just put in a new OS,  UM 18.04, and still setting it up.

 

Thanks again to all that answered...



#9
TBonz

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The reality is that you are never going to find one group of settings that will work best for everything.  For example, leaving VR on when using a tripod because you might take a photo where it is needed later.  When I want to grab a quick image, my phone does a great job without me having to mess with settings.  Otherwise, my suggestion would be to control as many aspects of the creation process that you can in order to get the best image that you can.  If you have used a K1000, then you know how to do it and we can certainly try to help with areas where you may be rusty.