best point and shoot macro under $300

[kinerson]

Hi guys,
It's time I replace my old nikon coolpix camera with something newer. The camera is about 8 years old!
I am only concerned with it's abilty to take good macro pics of corals, and frags. There are so many to choose from. Please help me weed through it all.
Thanks,
Kinerson

 

[90sShooter]

Hey Greg, you probably want something like this?

Get a DSLR and a good macro. It's gonna cost you twice as much, but I think you will be much more satisfied. You can then get more lenses in the future for other types of shots. You can probably pick up a nice used one that will do just fine for about the $300 your looking for (body only), then the lens will cost you another $300-$500 or so. Just an idea... Unfortunately I can't help you out much on your quest for a point and shoot but I know the guys here will probably recommend the Canon G11, although that is still gonna run you almost $500!

 

[dancewithethan]

Hi guys,
It's time I replace my old nikon coolpix camera with something newer. The camera is about 8 years old!
I am only concerned with it's abilty to take good macro pics of corals, and frags. There are so many to choose from. Please help me weed through it all.
Thanks,
Kinerson

Hi Kinerson

Seeing is believing, here is a link to a P&S thread with lots of pictures from RC members. Most also included type and name of camera he/she used.
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1536684

Best

 

[Octoshark]

If you can afford to go DSLR then it is definitely worth it

 

[kinerson]

Hey Greg, you probably want something like this?

Get a DSLR and a good macro. It's gonna cost you twice as much, but I think you will be much more satisfied. You can then get more lenses in the future for other types of shots. You can probably pick up a nice used one that will do just fine for about the $300 your looking for (body only), then the lens will cost you another $300-$500 or so. Just an idea... Unfortunately I can't help you out much on your quest for a point and shoot but I know the guys here will probably recommend the Canon G11, although that is still gonna run you almost $500!

Hey Austin, how are things?

Sweet pic. I would love a DSLR with a decent macro lens but I don't like the $800 + price tag. I have heard the Cannon G11 is the point and shoot to beat but like you said, it costs $500. Another $300 and I am at the DSLR level. That's why I was curious about camera's under $300. Knowing me, I will probably end up spending hours researching only to decide to not get anything because I wont want to settle and wont want to spend the big bucks :sad2:

 

[kinerson]

Hi Kinerson

Seeing is believing, here is a link to a P&S thread with lots of pictures from RC members. Most also included type and name of camera he/she used.
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1536684

Best

Sweet thread, thanks! I really like what the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC's do as well as the Cannon G9's and up (no surprise their!).

Kinerson

 

[kinerson]

I have found some G9's on ebay for around $330. Strongly considering:bigeyes:

 

[tate1]

Hey Kinerson, what lens are you using for that shot. I have a DSLR and would love to take pics with that much detail.

 

[kinerson]

Well with much consideration I went with a Canon G10. The G9 was my original pick because it was a little less money then the G10 but the price was right on the G10 so I got it. Thanks for the help. The point and shoot thread http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1536684
made the choice much easier for me.

Now to figure out how to operate this thing:hmm4:

Thanks guys!

 

[henrystyle]

Anyone ever take pics under a tank lit with royal blue leds? I can't seem to get a decent shot under my leds....I think the leds are to bright. Can't capture what my eyes are seeing.

 

[dtran01]

just to update this thread, with the new S95 out, the older Canon S90 model is comparable to the G10, and is now in the 300$ range. The only difference between the S90 and S95 is HDR capability and 720p video. Neither is a dealbreaker.

The fstop of 2.0 is stunning and the camera fits in your pocket. The photo quality is arguably on par with the G10.