Well, there is a macro setting on the camera. The button beneath the control button will let you toggle between normal and macro. Push it once it says "normal", push again, it says "macro".

I have no experience with adding lenses to the 720 IS.

Red Geranium, what a coincidence! We are probably purchasing the Canon 720 next week end. I was hoping to be able to do some macro pictures of my flowers. Have you tried the macro setting yet? Got sample?

I'm not Red Geranium, but I have the Cannon Sure Shot model that came out the year before the 720 IS and have gotten some great macros from it. Mine is an A710 IS. Doing a search for Roselee will bring some of them up. On the end of one of the threads (don't remember which) are some tips on taking macros with this camera.

Also RCNaylor has a 720 IS and by doing a search for his name on this gallery you can see the macro results he obtained from it.

There are other good cameras out there too, but a friend had researched a lot of cameras and in its price range the Canon was highly rated so I went with it. Maybe someone will chime in here and tell us what kind they have.

The macro button seems to work just fine. My garden has me very discouraged right now with the thrip infestation so I am not takings pictures close up. Instead, I am thinking of going on a very long elderhostel trip, setting the sprinkler system to minimal, hiring lawn care and letting nature have it's way! I am really a wooszy.

2 picts taken with absolutely no instruction. Click on pict for enlargement.

http://s182.photobucket.com/albums/x208/garden_path/field%20wildflowers%205%2008/

I took these pictures after reading some of the instruction booklet. In taking these pictures there seems to be a big problem taking photos in strong sunlight. The view finder will show alternating, a very deep color then white color, and the actual photo is washed out to white/gray. I changed some settings (f-stop?) and that helped, but only if I shaded the object (see album). I still cannot get a really good closeup in focus, using both the macro button and the telephoto toggle on the top of the camera. I know those of you with this camera can get better shots so I am thinking I may have the settings off or maybe a defective camera. Hoping for some suggestions....

Well, here are some basic suggestions that might help.

Wait for good light to shoot macros (early moring, eveing, cloudy. Unless you want to get fancy and set up lights, shades, etc.

Usually you'll want the light somewhat coming from behind you for normal shots.

Use the macro function but don't use the zoom at all. Take the camera closer to the thing being shot.

Of course, pre-focus the camera on the subject.

BE STEADY. For macros probably the most important "step". Use a tripod, a monopod, a chair, fence, failing in that, a knee, etc., anything that will help hold the camera still when clicking. (and click gently).

Lastly, remember that photographers are like Doctors, they bury their mistakes. Take a lot and erase the flops!

Been messing with the camera settings a bit and the pictures are more to my liking. I think I was able to change the f-stop setting to something faster and so the photos are not so washed out. These have not been enhanced but have been cropped. Also, taking the camera to the object rather than using the zoom feature was a help-----thanks, renaylor! Clematis Click to enlarge.

Thanks Red, but, you'd have found out what works for you with our without me. I might have helped it happen a little faster is all.

One other thing that I would mention. Photo editing programs. Great photographers might not need them, but, I find that I can be made a little (sometimes alot) happier with just a little touch up. It can't make up for really bad focus or lighting, but can help alot with overall satisfaction.

I'm cheap so I use Picasa. Its a free download from Google.