MetaChat - Ask MeCha: what kind of camera do I want?

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06 May 2010

Ask MeCha: what kind of camera do I want? →[More:]

I've got save up my allowance for a while, but I want to get a new camera. I have a cranky "Olympus C-3040 Zoom" (at least, that's what it says on the body) which I inherited from my dad. It can take okay macro shots but what I really want to do it be able to take point-and-shoot pics of tiny bits of moss and bugs. (Like this shot, only actually a good photo.)

What do I want? Do I need a macro lens? I'm not a photographer and I'm not looking for anything on a professional level, but I want to do extreeeeeeme close ups. Can I expect to be able to do that on a point-and-shoot basis? I should probably get a wee little tripod, yeah?

I don't know what's reasonable to spend. Let's say £250 is my ceiling.

Thanks, bunnies!

post by: Specklet at: 12:58 | 6 comments

Get a Canon. You will be so happy http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Canon/

posted by joelf 06 May | 13:41

You have tiny hands, so I'd suggest the Panasonic G range, which are a comfortable fit in my little hands (I don't have one, but have tried them out, drooling with WANT, many times).

posted by Senyar 06 May | 14:07

This post will not help you, but I get to talk about one of my cameras...

My first digital camera was a Nikon Coolpix 995. It has a pretty good close focus ability (down to 2 cm). If you wanted something strictly for close focus, you might look for a used one for cheap on ebay, etc. It performed well for it's era, but shutter lag is pretty bad and it's native ISO is only 100. It was point and shoot size for it's time, but it's really almost as big as a modern day DSLR. Still. I get it out once in a while.

≡ Click to see image ≡
≡ Click to see image ≡

posted by DarkForest 06 May | 15:05

You can get a lovely camera for macro with £250. Keeping to the Canon side (I've had 3 and love them all, two in the PowerShot G series, and now a Digital IXUS/Elph), you might want something from their compact line. My only complaint is that taking sunset-type shots don't get enough warm red, and I don't yet understand enough to tweak the settings. Macro has been pretty good through-out. My new Elph (I forget the exact model, sorry!) is speedy, which is great for pulling out the camera on a whim.

posted by filthy light thief 06 May | 15:28

I really like the Nikon Coolpix range for macro- I bought my first one because everyone else in archaeology had one to take close-ups of artifacts and also to withstand some banging around in the field. I would go for the S6000 if I were you.

posted by rmless2 06 May | 16:47

Cool, thanks guys!

posted by Specklet 07 May | 05:07

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