Canon PowerShot Tips for Taking Clear Close-Ups

• This is an example of a clear close-up image. David Roth/Photodisc/Getty Images

  The Canon PowerShot line of point-and-shoot cameras is designed for the average camera user. Point-and-shoot cameras generally come with a variety of settings to optimize picture quality. Most PowerShot cameras have a sports setting, a portrait setting, an indoor setting and an outdoor setting. They also have a program mode that lets you customize settings. Taking a clear close-up image requires the correct setting and a steady hand.

Using a Tripod

• One of the best ways to ensure clear images is to use a tripod. It gives the photographer a stable support that removes camera shake. Most tripods are adjustable, allowing you to use it for many kinds of close-ups.The downside to a tripod is that it makes your camera less mobile. For best results, use a tripod only when your subject is posed or dormant. PowerShot cameras work with most standard tripods.

Using Flash

• Using a camera's flash is another way of capturing clear close-ups. A flash is essentially a burst of light that freezes the image you're taking. Flash helps to eliminate motion blur, as well as light your subject. Most professional photographers avoid a built-in camera flash because it can wash out a person's face and add shadows to the image. Don't use a flash unless you are taking portraits or images in dark places.

Using the Presets

• All PowerShot cameras come with a variety of presets. Using them in lower-end PowerShots usually involves changing the settings in the "func/set" menu. The more expensive PowerShot models have dials on top that allow you to change the presets. The easiest preset to use for close-up images is the automatic setting. The camera automatically alters the setting for you to optimize image quality. You also can use the portrait mode, night mode or sports mode for clear close-ups.

Changing Aperture

• Aperture settings control the amount of light that the camera lets in while taking a picture. A wide-open aperture allows the maximum amount of light in. A closed aperture allows the least amount of light in. The aperture is measured in f stops. For example, if your camera is set to f2.8, you are using a wide-open aperture. The smaller the number next to your f stop, the larger the aperture.

  Using a wide-open aperture helps to freeze the image because more light is being read by the camera. Wide-open apertures are most often used when taking portraits or other close-ups. The downside to a wide-open aperture is that your image has a smaller depth of field. That means the area that the camera focuses on will be smaller.

  PowerShot aperture settings can be changed in these modes: P (Program), M (Manual), Av (Aperture priority) and any customizable presets.

Changing ISO

• ISO refers to a camera's "film" speed. When using a digital camera, the ISO describes the camera's shutter speed. A higher shutter speed allows you to take a clearer close-up because it forces the camera to process the information it sees at a much faster rate. The downside of a higher ISO is that it increases the amount of digital noise in your image. Too much digital noise in an image makes it grainy and slightly distorted. Some of the more expensive PowerShot cameras have a separate dial for changing ISO speed. The cheaper models require the photographer to change it in the func/set menu.