Janet Bradshaw

Hi everyone,
I have a friend who loves to shoot macro but doesn't want to do the SLR. She is using a small point and shoot now but wants to upgrade. Any suggestions for a compact camera that would provide this option for her?

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

You might try to the UHH macro forum: http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-102-1.html

There are a couple who do macro using a 4/3... so I would re-ask your question there....

There are a lot of opinions on macro-- but less practical real world experience. The proof is in the picture.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Lx7, soon to be replaced by the lx100 (just announced today).

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

What subjects does she want to shoot ?...The problem with compacts is shutter lag (used to be when I shot with them) & having to get so close to your subject (hard to light your subject & fine if you shoot static subjects, less so with mobile subjects)

Janet Bradshaw

It is mainly stationary objects that she wants to shoot.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

and how to set it up...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWgZFZ9TSrs

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

I would suggest the Canon Powershot G1 II as seen here - http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canon-powershot-g1-x-mark-ii/ - it is not cheap ! She will need a good VF/EVF with whatever she gets ( it is a $300 option on the Canon G1)

joe west Loc: Taylor, Michigan

canon sx510 around $200 new nex 5r $300 + used

frankie c Loc: Lake Havasu CIty, AZ

MACRO... That term gets tossed around a lot.. A true macro lens is a bunch different that what is advertised as macro. That said, If she likes doing real close photography and keep the camera and lens light weight I can appreciate that. I like that too. I have a D300s and a D600 (love em). I also had the same dream she has. For those times I did not want to port a lot of heavy equipment and still have a lot of flexibility (one of which was to get close). I recommended The Nikon D5100 to a friend who wanted to get into DSLR. I did that based on the specs. Once I tried hers, I bought one myself for those times I want to travel light. Next I had to find a compatible lens which was light weight and well balanced for the smaller camera body. I found it. It's the (may be the new kit lens, not sure) however it is a Nikon 18-55 3.5 that will focus down to about 6 inches. Instead of my Heavy speed light I use the SB400 and for close photography works good with a bounce card. The whole set up weighs like nothing. and the results are really good. I know their are newer small body models that also got up to 24mp but I find the 17.5 on the D5100 are just about right for good results and easy on computer crunching. I shoot RAW so it is nicer to deal with the more manageable files. Oh, also since this body is not in the latest and greatest category, You can get it for cheap (I would check out used on Amazon). Anyway that's my solution D5100, newest Nikon 18-55 3.5-5.6 FII, VR (also not real expensive) and the SB 400 with a bounce card. I know I am long winded but hope this helps your friend :)

mrjcall Loc: Woodfin, NC

The difficulty with shooting macro with compact point and shoot style cameras is that almost all are at extreme wide angle in macro mode. Doesn't mean that they can't focus closely with good resolution, it means that you have very little control over depth of field. TOO MUCH is in focus which dilutes your subject matter. Even with some f stop control, using wide angle for macros just simply gives very little creative control.

I suggest some smaller bodied camera with interchangeable lens capability that can then have a dedicate macro lens attached. Much better solution..much better results (much more money unfortunately) :(

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

EPL5 with 60mm macro would also work.

http://www.getolympus.com/us/en/outlet/reconditioned-cameras/e-pl5-black-14-42mm-black-lens-reconditioned.html

http://www.getolympus.com/us/en/lenses/pen-omd/fixed-focal-lengths/m-zuiko-digital-ed-60mm-f2-8-macro.html

You can find the 60mm refurbished for about $100 less every so often.

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

What's the minimum focus distance on the 60mm ?

Racmanaz Loc: Sunny Tucson!

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-243878-1.html

She lady uses a Canon SX50 with a Raynox 250 for her macros, check her photos out.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

7" keep in mind 4/3 sensor, so this is like a 120mm on FF.