Recently acquired Toshiba PDR-M1. 1.Cannot get good focus usinf the Macro Mode.2. Battaries run out too fast (30-40 pictures) Need advice.

-- Daniel Vardy (dvardy@bgumail.bgu.ac.il), December 08, 1998

Answers

It's been too long since we worked with the PDR-M1 to recall the specifics of the macro mode. Two suggestions: 1) Make sure the camera is steady - often macro situations have lower lighting, so you'll need to make sure you don't have problems with camera shake. 2) Try varying the distance slightly: When shooting close-up, the depth-of-field of any lens is VERY shallow! (Only a narrow range of distances will be in-focus.)It's also sometimes not clear what part of the camera the manufacturer is talking about when they specify the minimum focusing distance. (Usually the front of the lens, but they could also be referring to sensor position, lens nodal point, etc) When shooting our Macro test image, we usually take a whole series of shots at slightly different distances, to be sure at least one hits the focusing distance on the money.

Batteries - You didn't say what type you were using, but the only kind worth considering (IMHO) is NiMH rechargeables. Standard alkalines die very quickly due to the high current drain in digicams, even though their normal capacity should produce hundreds of shots.

-- Dave Etchells (web@imaging-resource.com), December 09, 1998.

The PDR-M1 will focus on images in the macro mode from 3.5" to approx. 10". There are two things to make sure you are doing. First, like was mentioned, make sure you are not moving. There is a tripod screw on the bottom of the camera. There are very inexpensive short tripods that allow you to take close-up shots. Second, to see the quality of your shot, push the shutter button half way. The camera will auto-focus on the item and you will be able to see the quality on the LCD. If it is still blurry, try moving back slightly. If there is a hand icon on the screen, it means that the camera believes you are moving too much to get a stable shot. Make sure you are using significant lighting and are not casting a shadow on your object.

-- Kevin Yamano (kevin.yamano@tais.toshiba.com), December 10, 1998.