how do you take a good shot with out macro or optical zoom

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QOTN: "Bronzed flesh is a terrible name, it should never be used for painting flesh or bronze" - at the local GW

actually sometimes it's better to not use the macro function. e.g. when trying to capture a whole group or a larger object and wanting them all sharp.

switch for the finest resolution your camera offers.

then see how close you can still get towards the mini(s) so all appears sharp.
(at my camera this is appr. 1 metre)

the area with the images might be small on the pic, but you can crop your image in your image editing program later.

usually it will be still larger than the 600 or 800 pixel width/height that are allowed in these site's forums.
even if only 400px width or height it will show enough details.

I have to say that I am nowhere near an expert on photography, however with my first camera, I had the same issues you are having.
To resolve this, I bought a lense adaptor and a close up lense attachment.
Everything was fine after this.
It may be worth investigating.

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There are fouler things than Orcs in the deep places of the world

sorry it took so long ill give it a go

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QOTN: "Bronzed flesh is a terrible name, it should never be used for painting flesh or bronze" - at the local GW

I am in the beginner class with these digitals but have been learning fast by following all the tips in this forum and experimenting

It is worse for some of us older ones because I cant even see the stupid little screen properly so I just shoot and hope

When I get them on the "box" I then delete 8-9/10 and then try the next stage which for me is still Paint at the moment - but I am trying to learn PSP

Practice, practice and more practice seems to be the way - at least for me

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One day people will realise Tolkien was right