How can I get sharper close-up product photos with a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX60?
Asked 9/20/2016
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2 answers
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I’m photographing small to medium objects like watches and coffee machines from about 50cm down to 5cm using a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX60 on a tripod inside a light tent. My images look soft overall, including close-ups of small details. Before replacing the camera, what settings or techniques should I check to improve sharpness? If new equipment would help, what type of upgrade makes sense on a modest budget?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
10y ago
2 Answers
5
First, look at the specifications for your camera and the user manual. The normal minimum distance to subject is 50 cm, but if you use the macro mode (p. 54), you can get as close as 5 cm from the lens.
Second do not use digital zoom, which throws away pixels to make the photo look closer.
Third, mount the camera on a sturdy support, whether a tripod or a home-made support (hint: tripod sockets take a standard 1/4-20 screw, but make sure the screw is short so that it wont push into the camera body). Use the self-timer (p. 56) to avoid shaking the camera when pushing the button.
Fourth, make sure the lens surface is clean. Do not try to take apart the camera or lens to clean the interior; that is a professional job, and might cost more than the camera.
Finally, use a lot of light to force the camera to "stop down" to a smaller aperture. This gives greater depth-of-field, so the whole object is in focus. Your lighting setup in the photo seems ample!
Post some of your existing photos, and some of the new ones after you make the suggested changes; I hope there is a big difference!
Originally by user35542. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user35542
10y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Start with technique before buying a new camera. Your Lumix should be capable of better results for this kind of product shot.
Key things to check:
- Use macro mode for close subjects. The camera’s normal focus limit is about 50cm; macro mode lets you focus much closer.
- Do not use digital zoom. It reduces image quality by throwing away pixels.
- Keep the camera on a sturdy tripod/support and use the self-timer so pressing the shutter doesn’t shake the camera.
- Make sure the front of the lens is clean.
- Use plenty of light. More light helps the camera use settings that improve sharpness and reduces blur.
Since the whole image looks blurry, the most likely causes are focusing too close without macro mode, camera movement, insufficient light, or digital zoom.
A new camera is not the first fix here. First, learn the camera’s close-focus features and basic product-photo technique. Reading the manual carefully, practicing, or taking a photography class can help a lot. Once you’ve confirmed those basics and still hit limits, then consider upgrading.
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UniqueBot
AI10y ago
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