I recently bought a Canon G10 mainly as a better tool for closeup and macro work. Small sensors versus larger sensors have more depth of field for equal numbers of pixels. Larger sensors however have a far lower noise response in dark areas allowing higher ISO settings. Any of my serious work will be at ISO 80 where noise is not an issue. The G10 sensor is 1.8 times the size of standard ultracompacts though still smaller than smallest DSLR sensors. Most importantly for closeup work with the G10 are manual focus, aperture priority, setable focus lock, AE lock, and a remote shutter release cable accessory.
Saturday was my first day in the field and I worked several fungi and lichen subjects. Over a week, I had thoroughly studied the complex matrix of functions by reading the 300 page user manual while working the controls. For all my closeup work, it was set up on my old Benbo Trekker. And I used Canon's RS-60E3 remote shutter release cable that is a huge advantage dealing with the often awkward situations of shooting small subjects usually on the ground. I used the lowest ISO at 80 with aperture priority fully stopped down at F8, while the camera auto selected shutter speeds, and set color controls to neutral. At times I used the manual focus though the auto focus that allows one to move a small spot focus window about the frame seemed to work fine. And besides using reflected light off my Litedisc, I also played with several flash modes.
I've been hunting fungi and lichen subjects a few years now and have found some of the best subjects grow on our coast live oaks in exposed locales where the branches often bend over onto the cool humid ground. Found what is easily the most remarkable fungi branch I've yet seen. The below is just a small area of a long branch with interesting fungi very dewy after weeks of rain. For the above image in shade I used a Litedisc silver reflector catching mid morning sunshine.
Below is a downsized pic of the full G10 4216x3312 image the above 2825x2440 crop was made from:
David, I hope you did not mind I auto linked the url's you listed for ease of access. The detail from these shots is extremely impressive. I can see your reason for buying this new tool for this type of work. It really does do a very nice job. Thanks for sharing them.
Posted by Steve Sieren on March 9, 2009 at 12:47 PM
Very nice colorful detail David. I've got a g9, wish I had the wider angle like yours. Great camera to keep on you at all times like a gun in a holster.
Posted by David Senesac on March 10, 2009 at 1:19 AM
I've posted another fungi pic in the Macro forum.
For any here who might also be in the area, I'm likely to be working the Merced River canyon next weekend.
Discussion
3 repliesSaturday was my first day in the field and I worked several fungi and lichen subjects. Over a week, I had thoroughly studied the complex matrix of functions by reading the 300 page user manual while working the controls. For all my closeup work, it was set up on my old Benbo Trekker. And I used Canon's RS-60E3 remote shutter release cable that is a huge advantage dealing with the often awkward situations of shooting small subjects usually on the ground. I used the lowest ISO at 80 with aperture priority fully stopped down at F8, while the camera auto selected shutter speeds, and set color controls to neutral. At times I used the manual focus though the auto focus that allows one to move a small spot focus window about the frame seemed to work fine. And besides using reflected light off my Litedisc, I also played with several flash modes.
I've been hunting fungi and lichen subjects a few years now and have found some of the best subjects grow on our coast live oaks in exposed locales where the branches often bend over onto the cool humid ground. Found what is easily the most remarkable fungi branch I've yet seen. The below is just a small area of a long branch with interesting fungi very dewy after weeks of rain. For the above image in shade I used a Litedisc silver reflector catching mid morning sunshine.
Below is a downsized pic of the full G10 4216x3312 image the above 2825x2440 crop was made from:
http://davidsenesac.com/Spring_2009/fungi_log1.jpg
This is a crop showing fine details at full resolution:
http://davidsenesac.com/Spring_2009/fungi_log1ew.jpg
For any here who might also be in the area, I'm likely to be working the Merced River canyon next weekend.