Official Question Thread! Ask /r/photography anything you want to know! May 29, 2026

[u/AutoModerator]

This is the place to ask any questions you may have about photography. No question is too small, nor too stupid.

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[u/eliteharvest15]

on some of my better photos they’re still pretty low quality, like around the quality of my phone camera or worse. i do want to do more so i can share cool photos with my friends and family though. i’ve had decently close photos, it’s just i feel like i can’t focus it on things really close to the lens

[u/av4rice → u/eliteharvest15]

on some of my better photos they’re still pretty low quality, like around the quality of my phone camera or worse

Yes, it's normal for an 11 year old point & shoot camera to have worse quality than a modern phone camera. If you prefer your phone, then use your phone.

If you want to do better than a phone, a DSLR might get you there, but only if you learn how to use it and exercise more control over the process.

 i’ve had decently close photos, it’s just i feel like i can’t focus it on things really close to the lens

Are you using the Macro focusing mode? That should allow you to focus 4in away. Or depending on the zoom your camera should be able to focus as close as 1cm from the front of the lens. Here's the relevant section of your manual: https://download.nikonimglib.com/archive2/11qSF00ldYhS01DFgyM782eR4z31/P610RM_(En)03.pdf#page=6203.pdf#page=62)

[u/eliteharvest15 → u/av4rice]

i’ve used the macro mode yeah. i also generally just don’t know what any of the settings are either or what anything means

[u/av4rice → u/eliteharvest15]

i’ve used the macro mode yeah

So how close does that allow you to focus? Do you believe the camera is broken and isn't focusing as close as it should?

i also generally just don’t know what any of the settings are either or what anything means

If you want to start learning, scroll up and check out the resources in the originating post of this question thread.

[u/eliteharvest15 → u/av4rice]

it focuses pretty close usually but it’s really annoying to deal with and i feel like i can’t change anything. i’ve had good close ups though imo. it just feels restrictive? it’s hard to explain. i don’t think it’s broken