Seeking Camera for Close-Ups

[kompik]

My wife and I are looking for a new digital camera because there are a few things that bother us about the one we've been using for years. Since about 2/3 of our photography needs are centered around close-up work (architectural models, wildflowers, bonsai, minerals, etc.) where it would be ideal to have a camera that could take clear, crisp images when the lens is as close as an inch or two away from the subject, that is our top priority.

What we'd like to know is what we should be looking for in a digital camera's description that would give us what we're looking for. In other words, we're unfamiliar with photographic terms and need to be clued-in on what digital camera jargon equates to "takes good close-ups." =)

Specific camera suggestions would be welcome too.

[Sushigaijin]

a question:

are you looking for a pocket camera, something a little larger yet still easy to use and inexpensive, or an expandable dSLR system?

What you are looking for is a capable macro setting. Depending on which type of camera appeals to you most will influence suggestions.

You may want a "girl's night out camera," which would be small enough to fit in your pocket and would probably spend most of it's time in auto mode. I know that most of the Nikon coolpix line of compact cameras take very nice macros, right out of the box in Auto mode.

If you would like a little more flexibility, the newest crop of Super-Zoom cameras from Sony, Panasonic, and Canon are all great cameras. These definately won't fit in your pocket, but you might like the extra features for stuff like bird watching or taking close-up shots from farther away.

You could go the expensive route and get a DSLR and a nice macro lens, but now we are talking about at least $1000 just to get started. You can't really go wrong with a system like this, but it will be LARGE and it will be expensive, and DSLRs are notoriously tricky for beginners to figure out - the latest ones are much easier, but it will still be a learning curve compared to say, drop the batteries in and squeeze the trigger.

Another thing to consider is how important it is to minimize distortion - taking images an inch or less from the lens introduces a certain amount of pin-cushion distortion, regardless of the camera. Think of a fish-eye lens, only WAY less obvious - If you are taking shots that are documentary (cataloguing, archiving) then you might want to look into a super-zoom with a close-up lens, you can actually get closer images from farther back with an attachment lens. A dSLR macro lens should not produce noticable distortion, and most people won't be bothered by the minimal distortion today's lenses produce - but depending on why you are taking pictures, it might be a consideration.

[kompik]

a question:

are you looking for a pocket camera, something a little larger yet still easy to use and inexpensive, or an expandable dSLR system?

The middle option was what I was hoping for. Especially since I can only guess what "dSLR" refers to. We're not much into "spur of the moment" pics. If we have our camera with us, we intend to be using it for something specific, so size isn't much of an issue, so long as it's not too clunky. Price if probably the biggest limiting factor, since we're looking for something in the $250-300 range.

Thanks for the info Sushigaijin!

[Sushigaijin]

Kompik:

I can personally recommend the sony H series of super zooms for close-ups and macros, I've had very good luck with the H1 and now the H5. The H5 has some nicer features for macro work, such as the 2 second timer (so that pressing the shutter button doesn't shake the camera) and the adjustable flash output settings - no reason to blast something with flash if it is inches away, better to turn it down with a couple presses of a button. They might cost a little on the high side of your budget after memory cards and the other stuff you will feel you cannot live without...I ended up with an extra big memory card, a close-up lens, a telephoto extender, an improved accessory mounting ring, A couple UV filters, a baffle for the electronic viewfinder, ad nauseum. I think still all told I spent about $500, not bad at all for a camera with the range and flexibility that the H5 boasts.

again, check out the reviews for camera's macro modes - there are a lot of inexpensive pocket cameras that take stunning macros that will fit your needs. In some cases, the layout of the flash on pocket cameras is better suited to macro photography; I had to jury-rig a diffuser from a squeeze bottle so that the H5's large and long lens didn't cast a shadow on the photo, something I wouldn't have to worry about with a pocket camera. Just some thoughts.