Question for the Pro's...What is causing this?

[Adsos Letter]

I have been trying to plumb the abilities of the macro functions on this Canon PowerShot SX200 IS (I'll hopefully get better results when the tripod is fixed)

I assume it has something to do with exposure, since the affected areas seem to be highlights; I haven't "processed" this image, other than to re-size for posting, and the anomalies appear the same either way. I previously tried adjusting for chromatic and luminous noise, but neither seemed to help. I shot this on a manual exposure; here is the digicam data:
Focal length: 5.0mm (5000/1000) (35mm equivalent: 90000mm)
Exposure time: 0.010 s (1/100) (1/100)
Lens F-Number: f/4.0
Aperture: f/5.0
ISO: 80
Exposure bias: 0.00 (0/3)
Whitebalance: auto

I realize this is presuming upon your grace; I am trying to grow past the "auto" stage. If you have any links to particularly good tutorials for understanding the basics, that would also be enormously appreciated. :D

[alfredo]

1. It could be from the smaller sensor found in compact digital cameras.

[Adsos Letter]

2. Thanks Alfredo!

Not much I can do about that, except to become more technically proficient. :hi:

[alfredo]

3. Compacts aren't good in low light situations. I recently moved up to a

Canon G10 from an ancient Canon S 50. There's not as many limitations with my new camera.

[Adsos Letter]

4. I wish I had researched the G10 before I purchased this SX200 IS...

from what I understand, the G10 has some better functions, and the price is similar.

[alfredo]

5. The G11 is better. The G10 packs too much into a small sensor. The G11

steps back to 10 mp and gives better results. Look at the Canon S 90.