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I was playing with an old point and shoot camera and I made this close-up photo of a pepper:

image

I took many photos and it seems I can’t get a sharp image across the whole object. Can I make this better with settings? Is 8 megapixels not enough?

Or is my point-and-shoot camera really that bad that the only chance of improving this image is with a new camera body and a better lens (macro lens)? If so, what cheaper options do I have (beginner lens + extension tube)?

My settings: f7.1 1/4 sec ISO-80 Camera model: Canon PowerShot S5 IS Focal length: 6mm

I took another photo: image The front side seems sharp enough but how can I make the left side that is further away from the camera just as sharp? f/8 1/5 sec ISO-80

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  • \$\begingroup\$ Is that a hand held shot? \$\endgroup\$
    – null
    Jul 30, 2016 at 12:52
  • \$\begingroup\$ It was placed on a desk and I used a timer to take the photo with a short delay. \$\endgroup\$
    – potato
    Jul 30, 2016 at 12:54

1 Answer 1

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You can increase the Depth of Focus by closing the aperture (like f/22, or even f/45).

That has other side effects, though - you get less light, potentially higher ISO and more noise, diffraction, etc.; but you could just add more light or take longer shutter times (peppers don't move around, fortunately).

Professionals typically do Focus-Stacking; that means you take multiple shots (with a tripod), with slightly changing focus planes, and then combine them together in processing software. For example, Adobe PhotoShop does that nearly automatically.

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    \$\begingroup\$ (Many point-and-shoots don't stop down beyond f/8, though, since diffraction limiting can occur beyond that with tiny sensors.) \$\endgroup\$
    – junkyardsparkle
    Jul 30, 2016 at 17:30

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