need advice on camera for macro shots

[mollymonticello]

I'm looking for a "professional" type camera that will take excellent macro shots. I'd need to be able to adjust fstop and shutter speed and attach a slave flash. I am willing to spend about $300.

I'm familiar with the Fujifilm finepix s20 pro and Nikon D80, but can't find the Fuji for sale anywhere, and the Nikon (and the lens I'd need) is a bit to pricey for me.

I've heard a lot of photographers rave about Canons.

Anyone have 2 cents?

 

[Robb in Austin]

I don't think you will find a dSLR for that price new. You may have to look at used equipment. And lenses are a big part of getting great macro shots and they aren't cheap as you have seen. (That's not to say you can't get great macro shots using a kit lens).

Another option would be one of the top point and shoot models that allow you to control aperture and shutter speed. I know TitusvileSurfer recommends the Canon Powershot G9.

As a Nikon guy, it looks like the Coolpix P5000, P5100, P60 or P80 all allow manual control. I've never used one so I can't comment on image quality.

 

[TitusvileSurfer]

A true "professional" type camera will cost thousands of dollars. I have about $5000 invested with a mid-level camera which isn't the current worst, but no where near the best...I'm refering to the Canon 40D @ $1,139.95 with no lens. The lenses and flash bump the price up to $5000. The cheapest current camera with no lens is the 1000D @ $599.99, the most expensive with no lens is the 1DsmkIII @ $7,849.95. There are many other cameras between these ranges.

 

[TheFallofSidney]

If I may, please check out the forums FredMiranda.com for your photo questions.

Buy used if you're on a budget though $300 is not enough for even the most entry level DSLR. Check out craigslist, photo.net, fredmiranda for possible buys. Get a decent body but a nice lens. Lenses will hold their value while bodies drop like rocks.

I've owned thousands in equipment from Canon (Rebel XT, 20D, 1D, 1D Mark II), Nikon (D200, D2H), and Leica (M2, M7). Pick what suit your needs and tastes. Don't simply listen to opinions from others. Those are a dime a dozen. If at all possible, try and find the camera or at least a similar generation (20D and 30D are pretty much identical for example) and try it out. See if it works for YOU.

Also don't think point&shoot cameras are "unprofessional". For many, it's more than enough for their needs. Just because it's bigger and more expensive, doesn't make it better for you.

 

[cdness]

I have taken great macro shots using my Fuji E550 point and shoot. It isn't the best but it has been a good camera for the last couple years. I am looking to upgrade though. It is addicting once you know how to use all the features.

 

[mollymonticello]

I got a Fujifilm Finepix S20 Pro. It's broken, though. I'm going to send it away and have it fixed. I found some lenses for it, but they are all in the UK. I've used this kind of camera before, and I really liked it.

 

[JAMDivers]

Don't count Olympus out either, they have come along way in the past few years.

I have an Evolt E-410 DSLR and it has produced some very high quality shots. You could probably find one on Ebay for about the price you listed. Plus it is very light weight and has a small small size when compared to the larger DSLR systems.

I also have an Olympus underwater housing for this system too that I usually use while diving but since I've setup my latest reef, I've been dying to go snorkeling in my tank! LOL

 

[GaryR1984]

yep, I have a E-510. I'm a newbie but I love it.