I was so frustrated so many times trying to get a good clear close up photo of makers marks on silver. After looking into the problem I found that I needed a macro feature to get those close up pics. I really didn't want to buy a whole new camera, though. I found out that adding a wide angle lens to my camera would function as a macro feature. I bought a wide angle lens for a camcorder and manually afixed it to my camera. The lens and mount kit was 45.00 at Best Buy. Included in the lens kit are the lens itself and four different sized rings that screw on. I found the correct size ring that would not obstruct my camera's lens and used superglue to attach it to my digital camera. This way I could remove it when I didn't need it. If you want you don't have to glue it on you can  just hold it in place as well, but I found the glue works perfectly. All I do is screw the lens on, and PRESTO! I have a macro feature. My photos of hallmarks have never been so clear and detailed.