smellfishy
New member
Looking for a camera for under $500. have been looking at the Canon powershot S80. I am going to be using it for all around use and would prefer small size.
anyone getting good macro shots under $500
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Chaotic Reefer4u
♥Acropora Aficionado♥
sounds like a good one to me...how much is it gonna run you?
DerrickBrown
New member
That camera should get great macro shots.
smellfishy
New member
$437 shipped was the best price I could find.
jackson vile
New member
I recomend the cannon power shot A95, it's a super mininalized Rebal
DerrickBrown
New member
I own a A80 which is really the same camera as the A95 technically.
I agree, they both are awesome cameras.
Click the link below to view macro shots taken with an A80 with no add on lenses. Be sure to view the photos: "Grasshopper on a Leaf", "Grasshopper on a Plant Stem" and "Fly on a Leaf".
Click here for A80 Macro Mode photos and Click Here
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DerrickBrown
New member
The A95/A80 are great cameras. Both equipped with a 7.8-23.4mm lens, both offer a 3x optical zoom range equivalent to a 38-114mm lens on a 35mm camera. Aperture ranges from f/2.8 to f/8.0 depending on the zoom setting, and can be manually or automatically adjusted.
The cameras are actually twins except for two main difference. The A95 has a slightly larger LCD screen and has a 5 megapixel censor.
Honestly, the extra megapixel size (4.1MP to a 5MP) isn't enough difference for the human eye to even recognize. If you are looking at one of these, the A80 (if you can find one) will be cheaper than the A95. I do however like the slightly larger screen on the A95 (1.8") compared to my A80 (1.5"). Other than the screen size, they are identical. Same firmware and lens.
I print 8x10 photos all the time on my A80 and they look awesome to say the least and take lovely Macros also.
Good luck with your decision on all the cameras on the market.
I simply decided on a maker, then picked a model made by them. That seem to be easier than going through all the different models on the market.
The cameras are actually twins except for two main difference. The A95 has a slightly larger LCD screen and has a 5 megapixel censor.
Honestly, the extra megapixel size (4.1MP to a 5MP) isn't enough difference for the human eye to even recognize. If you are looking at one of these, the A80 (if you can find one) will be cheaper than the A95. I do however like the slightly larger screen on the A95 (1.8") compared to my A80 (1.5"). Other than the screen size, they are identical. Same firmware and lens.
I print 8x10 photos all the time on my A80 and they look awesome to say the least and take lovely Macros also.
Good luck with your decision on all the cameras on the market.
I simply decided on a maker, then picked a model made by them. That seem to be easier than going through all the different models on the market.
Emster
New member
I believe the A620 is the new version of the A95(correct me if I'm wrong). I am thinking of getting the A620, will it take good macro shots? Can you zoom in to the back of the tank and get an up close shot of a coral. With my old camera if I zoom in it won't be in focus. Thanks for any info.
jackson vile
New member
Another thing to remember is that this camera was made for close shots, but also has atatchable lenses for say macro shot specificly.
It is a realistic camera, for the price there is no camera that can beat the image quality.
For me I did not want to have to lug around some big A$$ camera around my neck.
With this camera I simply put it into my shirt or pant pocket when done, this is the most realistic camera.
Let's face it the best things that happen in life are speradic and can't be planed for.
Realisticly I can carry this camera all the time, however no one is really able to do that with a rebel or 10D or what ever, with out a hole heck of a lot of fuss.
I know a lot of people with expensive 1k-10k cameras, and guess what? They stay at home.
I am able to catch all of my lifes moments with easy they can't and most often don't bother as a result.
Unless of course you are like most American's with money; will to make poor impulse buys just because they have the money:lol:
It is a realistic camera, for the price there is no camera that can beat the image quality.
For me I did not want to have to lug around some big A$$ camera around my neck.
With this camera I simply put it into my shirt or pant pocket when done, this is the most realistic camera.
Let's face it the best things that happen in life are speradic and can't be planed for.
Realisticly I can carry this camera all the time, however no one is really able to do that with a rebel or 10D or what ever, with out a hole heck of a lot of fuss.
I know a lot of people with expensive 1k-10k cameras, and guess what? They stay at home.
I am able to catch all of my lifes moments with easy they can't and most often don't bother as a result.
Unless of course you are like most American's with money; will to make poor impulse buys just because they have the money:lol:
DerrickBrown
New member
I don't have any experience yet with this camera, but from all the specs. I would say Yes, the A620 should take great photos in regular and Macro modes.
Jackson Ville, I agree. The A80/A95 are two of the best cameras made ever made for under $500. I have had mine for a few years now and still love taking photos with it. The option of being able to add different lenses puts these cameras so far ahead many of the other cameras that competes with it. I believe the A620 has this feature also. I have to admit though, I am looking forward to getting a digital SLR though. Much higher control over all the features individually for those who can utilize the features manually but these cost over $500 easily.
smellfishy
New member
Anyone with experience with the Canon powershot S80 in comparison with the above mentioned A80/A95?A620?
DerrickBrown
New member
I did some research for you on the S80 and found out some info. It has a 5.8-20.7mm (35mm equivalent is 28 - 100mm). The lens on the S80 does have a lightly wider lens on the zoomed out section but does not zoom in as far when compared to the A80/A95's 7.8-23.4mm (35mm equivalent 38 to 114 mm) and the A620 has a 7.3-29mm (35mm equivalent 41-131mm ).
Read here for more info on the S80:
S80 Photos and review
With the lens set to the wide angle, the S80 is able to focus on a subject 4cm (1.6 in.) from the front element of the lens. When the zoom is set to the maximum telephoto, the S80 can focus on a subject that is between 28 and 30 cm from the front element, capturing a horizontal field of view measuring approximately 10 cm (3.9 in).
With the zoom at the wide angle end, the S80's macro images easily reveal barrel distortion as soon as some straight element in the subject is positioned near the long edges of the frame; unlike images captured at the telephoto end, which are effectively distortion-free.
Read here for more info on the A80/A95
A80/A95 photos and review
Macro focusing distances for the A80 are between 5 and 45 cm (2 and 17.5 inches) in wide angle and 25 to 45 cm (9.75 to 18 inches) at the telephoto end of the zoom. The macro field of view is completely free of distortion in wide or zoomed view.
**Notice how the photos of the A80/A95 are a little more sharper than the S80 although it is a 8MP compared to the 4 and 5 MP. This is a clear example that more megapixels does not indicate that one will have a sharper image. This has become a sales tactic now that the manufactors have set to sell more expensive camera.
Read here for more info on the A620
A620 photos and review
On the A620, at the wide angle end a bit of barrel distortion can be seen, but it dissipates quickly if the zoom is moved past the widest angle. Not as bad as the S80. With the Macro mode the PowerShot A620 is able to focus on a subject that is from 1 to 45 cm (0.4 to 18 in.) away when the zoom is set to the wide angle end, and from 25 to 45 cm (9.8 to 18 in.) at the telephoto end.
I like all the cameras above, but if I had to choose one between the S80 and the A620, it would be the A620 for the sharper images that it produces compared to the S80. The S80 produces a somewhat soft image. Both will do the job, but I think the A620 will do a better job.
These are my opinions only and your eyes may see things totally opposite from me.
Hope this helps.
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DerrickBrown
New member
No problem, glad I could help.
Which camera are you leaning toward? Each camera can't use the same lens. Focal lengths vary and that determines which lens to use.
I.E. - A canon A70 can't use the same lens as a A80, but the A95 and the A80 can use the same lens. There are some instances where a lens from another camera can be used, but only if the focal length is set accordingly to produce a focused image. Stepper rings and or spacers normally have to be used in these situations. That is getting into more than needs to be explain here though, but I can try to help you as much as I can, but I need to know which camera you are referring to before what lens is recommended.
Macro lens magnify the image seen. A reversed 50mm f1.4 lenses will produce a great macro image (roughly a +20 diopter), but so will a +10 diopter lens. One will magnify the image greater and that determines which lens is right for you.
The photos below were taken of a $20 with a dime to show the comparision.
A80/A95 macro native image (no attachments)
A80/A95 macro image with a reversed 50mm lens attached
Ofcourse, in the full high resolution photo, you can see the ink markings and see the texture of the paper in great detail. This is just an example of what is possible with different lenses.
Derrick
DerrickBrown
New member
Before you read this, I want to apologize for the size of this post. Making you move right and left to read this, but you'll see why I did this.
Ok, I think it is important to understand exactly what Macro means, not to say you don't know, but just to clarify.
MACRO - Abbreviation of macro-photography. Extreme close-up photography which requires either a lens able to focus close-up or an adapter, so as to reach close to a 1:1 ratio.
The key works are "Extreme close-up"
The A620 is indicated to be able to take a macro photo up to 18" away from the source, but you must remember you would have to be in full tele zoom for this and you still won't be able to get the detail that I think you are trying to get at 18" compared to a shorter distance of say 1" away. Some people often use telephoto lens along with macro lens when they are trying to get good macros when the source is away from camera somewhat. Normally macros are taken within a few inches of the object. In this case usually the front of the tank with the object just on the other side of the glass. You will have to take an image through several different mediums also. Air, glass, then water which all have different properies which cause light to bend differently. Wait that is getting too techinical.
The second image in the above post of the $20 bill was taken a lot closer to the object than the first image. Distance of 1" compared to 10" for the first image. To get a very good detailed macro at 18" away from the object, you will more than likely need a telephoto lens to go along with the macro lens to compensate for the distance which unfortunately requires more money out of your pocket. Telephoto lens aren't very cheap either depending on which lens is bought. I.E., A 1.75x tele lens will be a little cheaper than a 2.4X lens usually. Ofcourse, there are exceptions to everything.
For macro lens for the A620, do a search for a Raynox DCR-250 Super Macro Filter for around $56. I really like this lens. It is a +8 diopter lens. The second photo in the above post of the $20 with the reversed 50mm lens is roughly +20 diopters. Don't feel like you're not going to be happy. You're not going to find a add on lens that is going to give you a +20. Several other items are needed to make that +20 setup work. A +8 diopter is very good for what you may need to do. A +20 can be too much magnification at times and a lower magni is needed then.
Here are some photos of the +8 macro compared to a native (no attachment) A80 Macro in full resolution for your enjoyment. This shows the true photo unaltered.
Native A80 Macro at 10"
+8 Macro lens at 1.2"
Get a Macro lens and use it for a while. Then decide if you need more zooming magnification. You may not need additional zooming and then again, you may. I can't say for you. It is all personal preference there. I will help you further then if you need help with selecting a Telephoto lens. If you understand this, you'll see why you may need a tele lens later on though.
Hope this helps,
Derrick
Just for kicks, here is the 50mm reversed in full res at 1".
DerrickBrown
New member
This is true.
It is probably best to set a budget as a first step. A budget with a latitude of a couple of hundred dollars might be easier. Then the easiest way to find a camera is to select your favorite camera maker, then select a model from them. However, you do limit yourself some. The best advise I could give anyone is to take your time and make a wise choice in the end when you pull out your Ben's.
Ask yourself these questions when deciding on a new camera. (not in any particular order)
1) What is the main purpose of the camera?
2) How many features do I need?
3) Do I prefer a simple use point and shoot camera?
4) Is a zoom critical for your needs?
5) How much do I want to spend?
6) What size photos do I want to print?
If you need zoom, totally ignore digital zoom specs altogether, these are simply cropping systems and the same results can be obtained from any image editing program. Concentrate on true optical zoom the camera offers. Look for optical zooms of 3X and above. Also look at zooms that cover a range of 35mm to 105mm, these offer a reasonably wide angle and telephoto range.
While a bunch of features are nice to have, the most important criteria is the image quality of a camera, after all, what good is very high resolution and fancy features if the image quality is just so-so? The image quality of any camera is also the most difficult to gauge and is not guaranteed that the camera with the highest resolution will have the best image.
I showed this above. Look back at S80 info above. It is a 8MP camera, but the A80 (4MP), A95 (5MP) and A620 (7MP) all have better images produced. As I mentioned, many times before to others. The Megapixel Race is a sales tactic laid out by the camera makers. This sales approach has gotten many people in the country to buy a camera that they really didn't need. Most people print 4x6 and 5x7 photos with an occassional 8x10 photo. I am able to print an 8x10 easily with my 4MP A80 with absolutely no problem. Remember, the higher MP will allow you to print larger images, say 14x17 or 24x24, but what normal person does on a frequent basis, plus most home photo printers only print up to 8x10. Professionals or those who sell and make a living from shotting photos do and a higher resolution camera would probably benefit them more, but for the average "Joe", this is unrealistic. The sales person may not be willing to tell you all this and just try to push a 20MP camera on you with the statement, it provides you the best image quality possible. This is true and false at the same time. Best image on a larger print, but image quality may not be good from the start. The truth is, my A80 4MP produces a better image than the S80 8MP. That is a doubling in megapixel, but lacks in image quality. Which would you want?
The truth is, a 4 MP camera will show very little difference than a 6 MP or 7MP and even a 8 MP on some photos up to a certain size. The 6,7 & 8 "should" be more defined when cropped or zoomed in on your computer to see the pixels, but for a normal photo in the real world of a 4x6, 5x7 and 8x10 compared to each other would leave you wondering which produced which image. This doesn't mean to run out and get the lowest MP you can find, but this does mean, you don't have to have the highest MP on the market to produce a very high quality photo.
However, although a 8MP is definitely more resolution than you really need for an 8x10 print. There is one aspect a higher MP would be beneficial to you. That is cropping. People do tend to underestimate the importance of cropping to improve their photos. With higher megapixels, you can crop away a lot of distracting detail, yet still end up with a very nice-looking 8x10 print, but you need to have good image quality from the start and this goes back to selecting a camera with good image quality, not just a high MP count.
Do your homework. Once you have done your part, you'll fell much better about your purchase knowing you've done all your homework and research.
Happy searching.
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