Nikon Coolpix 4100

[Badkharma]

Hey everyone, first post in photography forum. I finally made the plunge and got a digi-cam. For my price range, I got a Nikon Coolpix 4100 which I was told by many sources that it was a good camera for the price. Now I'm trying to figure this thing out. How can I most effectively take close-ups? I'm pretty new to photography but would like to get into it more - especially closeup tank shots - I'm trying to read up as much as possible on these forums but haven't come across any mention of the Coolpix 4100. Any tips?? :cool:

[Nicholo]

Couple important things for the closeup shot:

1) Use your macro setting (usually a tulip icon). This isn't often the best route, as cams like yours (and mine, I have a Canon G3) have a hard time finding their focus in macro mode and/or since we don't know the precise limit of the macro focus capability, we may be trying to focus on something too close and get frustrated when the cam won't seem to quite grab the subject. Fortunately, there is a handy alternative...
2) Use your manual focus. Typically what I'll do is use MF, ramp the focus all the way down, and then move the cam slightly forward or back until I get the perfect focus. Most little digicams use a magnified center view when in MF mode, which makes finding the focus range easier.
3) If you're using the telephoto setting when trying to take a macro, remember that you'll need a faster shutter speed to eliminate motion blur (from your subject) or jitter from your own hands.

[Badkharma]

That's great advice, thanks! I'll try it tonight when I get home from work.

[Enterprise]

TRIPOD TRIPOD TRIPOD!!! If you want/need a demo on what depth of field is and how your f stops affect your pictures look here:
http://www.reefland.com/forum/showthread.php?t=15130

BTW I hope I am not stepping on anyones toes by linkung to another board, if so, please send me a PM so I know for sure.