jfuller
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posted on October 5, 2000 09:06:13 AM
Yeah!! It is finally working. Thanks to everyone who took time out of their day to try to help me. Especially Dan.... It is working and now I want lots of tips. What are the best settings & tricks. Things you have figured out through trial and error. I am having a hard time getting a clear zoom. My close ups are blurry. My flash is sometimes too bright. If you have special tips to get the best out of this camera then SHARE!!!! Please! Thanks again for the great support!
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heygrape
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posted on October 5, 2000 09:08:49 AM
I would like to add a question to this thread. The little thingy that you slide back and forth to zoom in or out is tightening up on me. I think it's going to stop moving completely soon. Suggestions? WD-40? LOL!!
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magazine_guy
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posted on October 5, 2000 09:15:25 AM
Don't use the flash- it will wash out any closeups. Use natural lighting or multi-source lighting (I use 3 halogen bulbs set around the subject).
I use:
Exposure: +.5 EV (or higher if pics come out dark)
White Bal: Auto
Digital Zoom: On (I avoid using the zoom in favor of moving the camera closer).
If you need a closeup within about 6 inches, be sure to push the macro button on the screen.
Rec Mode: Normal
Quality: Fine
Image Size: 640 X 480
I don't know about the sticky zoom button.
Steve
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upriver
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posted on October 5, 2000 11:14:06 AM
Best tip: Don't drop it. Mine is still working, but that one mishap really hurt the macro close-up!! So be extra careful in handling it & putting it down.
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labbie1
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posted on October 5, 2000 11:50:27 AM
I had a similar question when I first purchased my Mavica.
The BEST advice that I got was:
1) Put a piece of the "invisible" frosted scotch tape over the flash which will diffuse the light and reduce picture "burn". You can use two if one is not enough diffusion.
2) Check out this website. Great!
http://sharpwebpage.com/MavicaQ&A/MavicaQ&A.html
You are gonna love it! 
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corrdogg
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posted on October 5, 2000 02:36:44 PM
The tape over the flash is a great trick. I set my flash intensity on "normal" (middle setting) and put 4 layers of frosted tape over the flash. This seems to be the best combination and allows me to go up or down a bit.
One of the best tips: read the instructions.
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macandjan
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posted on October 5, 2000 03:35:35 PM
[ edited by macandjan on Dec 3, 2000 07:28 PM ]
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jfuller
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posted on October 5, 2000 03:48:48 PM
This is what I was talking about! I have read the instructions and can work the camera but there are some things you learn as you go (don't remember the tape thing in the instructions!) Thanks for all the tips and I am going to try the tape over the flash. I did notice that it handled close ups better if you do not zoom just move it closer. I love that it is so fast! No more long download time! I was a little uncomfortable with the battery thing cause I want it ready when I am. I lOVE it because it last for a while and charges fast and no more cords! Love the advice...
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labbie1
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posted on October 5, 2000 04:00:22 PM
Don't forget the Macro feature if your camera has it. It is GREAT!
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macandjan
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posted on October 5, 2000 04:46:21 PM
[ edited by macandjan on Dec 3, 2000 07:28 PM ]
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abacaxi
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posted on October 5, 2000 05:00:59 PM
Blurry pictures can be solved (usually) with a tripod and/or MORE LIGHT!
I don't use the flash often - having independent lights works better.
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kleavitt
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posted on October 5, 2000 05:20:30 PM
Spring for the wide angle lens. This allows you to get far enough back from the object and then use the Mavica's super zoom to zero in on what you are shooting. With this approach and shooting at a slight angle I can use the flash effectively with no hot spots. This speeds things up and I don't have to suffer the heat from my halogen lights which were a pain. I sometimes use some tissue paper over the flash and set it on normal. For super-macro closeups you can't beat the wide angle lens. I got mine on ebay for $49 and it is a great accessory. I also got a lexan protector for the view screen. This was also well worth the $15 bucks (also on eBay).
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labbie1
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posted on October 5, 2000 05:29:39 PM
Oh yeah. I read before I purchased the Mavica that the view screen scratches easily making it difficult to see and use. I cut a little rectangle from a piece of cardboard diskette box and duct taped (don't you just LOVE duct tape?  ) it on so that I can flip it up when using the camera and down when not using or hold it straight out to shade the screen when shooting in bright light.
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macandjan
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posted on October 5, 2000 06:30:32 PM
[ edited by macandjan on Dec 3, 2000 07:29 PM ]
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junqueen3
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posted on October 5, 2000 06:35:22 PM
thanks for starting this thread...just picked up my mavica from the outlet 2 days ago...on a recommendation from some wonderful soul on these boards...i appreciate all your advice...i have read the instruction booklet and so far i'm okay, but i'm having some difficulty with the software that came with it, does anybody out there use it? i liked the kodak picture it! program i used when i purchased disks with my processed film, but it doesn't seem to work with the mavica, what do y'all use? i'm very computer illiterate and have been learning (slowly) as i go...i'm dying to post my auctions but can't sort out this software business so i can edit my images...also does anyone use the uv filter? does it really help protect the lens as i've been told?
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jmjones6061
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posted on October 5, 2000 11:00:11 PM
Junqueen-
could you tell me what outlet you purchased at? I've been looking for a good deal on a mavica - My father-in-law has one and I love it!
Thanks!
Jane
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jema
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posted on October 6, 2000 12:14:30 AM
Jane -- there are 12 Sony outlets in the US.
Central Valley, NY
Wrentham, MA
Lancaster, PA
Grove City, PA
Gaffney, SC
Jeffersonville,OH
Birch Run,MI
Kenosha, WI
San Marcos, TX
Castle Rock, CO
Lake Elsinore, CA
Tracy, CA
[ edited by jema on Oct 6, 2000 12:21 AM ]
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