s5100 zoom out of focus

[Buddha Red]

Hi everyone,


i am a complete nut about clown loaches which i own. I can compinsate for being underwater and lighting conditions. I know how to edit photos also.

My S5100 is really bad at zoom. I cannot see anything at all with any clarity when zoomed in real close to something stationary. I know the troubles with catching fish still lol
I wasnt sure if i bought a bad camera or its broken.
Do i need to use my product service plan from best buy?

can these cameras show detail at max zoom of close objects. 3 feet or so. even up right against the tank it is still out of focus when i try to zoom in at all. I see the wonderful pictures others take and i cant believe they are using my camera to do it with. Mine simply wont do that.

I wasnt sure if i bought a bad camera or its broken.

[Buddha Red]

Note, i was looking at the different setting on the camera and before the battries went out DOH i have gotten a bit better. I might need a new lens? is it possible to put lens on this one? im used to it with my nikon film camera but never bought a lens for a digital camera.

[bernabeu]

to get really close you need to set the camera to 'macro' mode

a little flower icon

[Buddha Red]

DOH to busy looking at the tree to see the forrest

thanks a bunch, im researching as much as i can since i clearly do not know how to operate my camera. Instruction book here i come.

thank you for giving me the answer without making me feel bad for trying to jump in with both feet without reading a bunch first.