Part 2 of my G11 overview focuses on macros.  To be honest, doing this little macro test didn't teach me anything. I already knew that high quality compact digicams are the best tool for macro work. I wrote about it here. I pretty much did this shoot just for fun.

My opinion is unchanged:  a high quality point 'n shoot like the G11 is your best tool for macros. Every shot I took was perfectly in focus and tack sharp.

The pencils, strawberry and watch were all set up the same way. I put the items on a white surface - the lid from a plastic storage tub. Behind the items was a softbox with an Alien Bee B800 as a back light. Above and to camera right was a 580EXII with umbrella. To camera left was a white cardboard box that I used for fill. I triggered everything with Pocket Wizards. The leaf was shot outdoors in natural light, no flash. Setting up the shoot took all of 10 minutes.

(1)  ISO 80, 6.1mm (28mm equivalent), f5.0, 1/500 sec. That's right folks, flash sync at 1/500!

(2)  ISO 80, 6.1mm, f5.0, 1/500 sec. Sorry that this strawberry is kinda old and ugly!

(3) ISO 80, 10.8mm (49mm equivalent), f5.6, 1/500 sec.

(4)  ISO 200, 21.5mm (98mm equivalent), f4, 1/160 sec.

I could have done this shoot with a DSLR and macro lens, but it would have been much harder. It would have been harder to nail focus, I would have fewer keepers and I definitely would have needed a tripod. The bottom line:  get a good point 'n shoot and use it! (of course, get it by clicking on the advertisement below...)

Coming next:  G11 part 3:  portraits