Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Compact camera for macro

Posted by crex on 31-08-2007 19:56
#1

I did an upgrade from my Nikon Coolpix 995 to a Canon EOS 30D. The new camera is good but heavy. I'm starting to considering getting a small compact camera for everyday use. It should be so small it can be carried in a pocket. The Coolpix is good for macro and I like the svivel body, but a little too large and I would prefer a few more pixels. Any suggestions on a compact camera model for macro use? I'm not sure there are really small ones with svivel body. That worked very well when photographing close to the ground. The main problem otherwise with compact cameras as opposed to DSLR, they are slow and hard to focus, but all the same, I have taken some good photos with my Coolpix. The percent successful photos is bigger when using an DSLR, but if you leave your main camera at home because it is too heavy then you get no photos anyway.

Posted by ChrisR on 31-08-2007 20:50
#2

I always found the normal Nikon Coolpix cameras perfectly fine for macro (my 3mp 3100 and 7mp 7600 went to about 4cm with auto everything) but now I'm using a Canon Sureshot G7 (10mp with 1cm macro) and it is good too. The G7 also has automatic or manual everything, from focus to shutter/aperture, ISO, white balance - and a stabilizer too. Though the stabilizer doesn't work too well on the macro end but it is good for landscapes/portraits etc.

Posted by conopid on 31-08-2007 22:01
#3

Yes, I agree with Chris. Take a look at the Canon's. There is a new Canon G8 or is itG9? on the way with 12 megapixels! Currently I use a Canon A640, which has a very useful swivel screen and full manual options, so that you have complete control. It does not have image stabilisation though, which I think would be very useful indeed. Probably the best option is the upcoming Canon IS5 with swivel screen AND image stabilisation. Otherwise, check out the Sony DSC T100 - I think that's what it is called (I have seen some top quality photos taken with this tiny camera. Finally, Panasonic have just announced a really promising compact (I cannot recall the model). For excellent details on all camera models be sure to check the reviews on http://www.imaging-resource.com/.

Nigel Jones

Edited by conopid on 31-08-2007 22:03

Posted by jorgemotalmeida on 01-09-2007 22:41
#4

nikon coolpix are the best for the price. Seek for the most recent Nikon Coolpix.

Posted by crex on 01-09-2007 23:13
#5

Thanks for the tips. I'll look into this. Some of the cameras like G7 seems a bit large, but I'll test in a shop to see how big they are. It must be small to fit the everyday pocket ;)

Posted by jorgemotalmeida on 01-09-2007 23:35
#6

don?t forget to bring some flies to take photos in the store. ;)

Posted by crex on 02-09-2007 08:41
#7

jorgemotalmeida wrote:
don?t forget to bring some flies to take photos in the store. ;)


LOL, that would certainly make an impression :p

Posted by conopid on 02-09-2007 18:29
#8

If you want a small camera then you should certainly look at the Sony DSC T100. See photos taken with this and previous models here:
http://www.flickr...@N00/sets/
:D

Posted by crex on 02-09-2007 18:44
#9

conopid wrote:
If you want a small camera then you should certainly look at the Sony DSC T100. See photos taken with this and previous models here:
http://www.flickr...@N00/sets/
:D


Yeah, that camera seems to be small enough and if all those photos are taken with that model or an earlier of same then it is great. Pity it doesn't swivel, but you can't get everything.

Posted by crex on 05-09-2007 12:47
#10

I've found two cameras that looks promising. No swivel, but there aren't that many of those around. Both should be small enough and about the same price. Sony DSC T100 is discontinued, I believe!?

- Sony DSC T200 (8.1 MP, 3.5" screen). Macro ("8 cm - infinity (wide), 80 cm - infinity (tele)"). About the same camera as T100. No Spot AF in T200 as in T100!?

- Nikon Coolpix S700 (12 MP, 2.7" screen). Macro (6 cm!?). Impressive MP, but I wonder if 6 cm is enough for bug photography? I suspect it also has to do at what zoom distance you shoot macro!?

The T100 shots on flickr Conopid showed was really good and if T200 is as good as T100 and that camera has 8 cm focus distance for macro I imagine 6 cm on the S700 will be good enough. I don't think S700 is released yet.

Edited by crex on 05-09-2007 12:52

Posted by michal tkoc on 06-11-2007 20:26
#11

What about Nikon Coolpix S10 http://www.dprevi...kons10.asp, does anybody have some experience with this model?

Edited by michal tkoc on 06-11-2007 20:36