Cameras And Photography.

[Ian Hall]

Hi Guys,

I'm looking into buying a new digital camera to get those EXTREME close ups and just great pictures in general.

Suggestions for cameras, makes etc...

Tips and other equipment aswell. Anything you think will help.

Cheers Guys.

[Craig Mackay]

Not really too sure on specific camera's but for real close ups you'll be looking for something with a really good macro lens and preferrably with manual focus adjustment. My little panasonic lumix compact is ok for macro shots if the spider is a good size but it focuses automatically which means it's hard for me to get good shots of small slings. It depends on your budget really. some phones are really good now too and always worth considering if you wanted a new one of them too. Might as well kill two birds with one stone.

[Ian Hall]

I have a Nokia N96 which takes great photos, it's what I've been using up to now. I don't think there's a camera phone out there that can top a digital camera.

My budget (If this helps anyone) is around £300 TOPS. I've been looking into SLR digital cameras just need some one with some photography experience to point me in the right directions lol.

[Craig Mackay]

You'll get a smashing camera for £300! I wouldn't always be tempted to go for SLR though. A higher end compact would probably be better than a lower end SLR. The plus side with SLR's are that you can attach various different lenses but if a high end compact comes with a great macro lens already then your sorted. Best thing to do is too have a look in the shops, try a few out, get some advice then buy online.

[Ian Hall]

Yeah SLR cameras are what I'm looking at like this one....

http://www.comet.co.uk/shopcomet/pro...SONY-DSLRA200K#

[matthew spooner]

a friend of mine has that camera and it is the ********. he got zoom lens, wide angle lens, macro lens all sorts for it, i love it, always borrowing it

[Ian Hall]

Well thats good news then

[Craig Mackay]

Looks like a good camera as Matthew says. I would make sure you get macro lens for it as the standard lens won't be up to the job of super close up shots. If you get it in to a shop you might be able to get one thrown in if you tell them you can get cheaper online.

[lynn mawdesley]

Personally i didnt rate the a200 , i got talked into buying one by the hubby when i went to purchase a Nikon D60 and they didnt have none .... i wouldnt say its rubbish but i went and got my Nikon D60 and found it much better at close up shots. It cost me £342 ...wouldnt be without it now

[Ian Hall]

The Nikon D60 looks very interesting indeed. It's going to take alot of thought is this one.

[lynn mawdesley]

I love it but its each to their own

I also got some close up macro lenses off ebay for around a tenner aswell, one camera shop was wanting to charge me £25 for the same lenses.

[Andrew Ferguson]

Just two bits of advice, well three actually. For the really good macro shots, get a tripod, they are almost essential.
Secondly, take a look in the pic section. See whose photos you really like and ask them what equipment they use.
Last but not least, try a forum
There are forums for every type of subject matter and photography has been a hobby that has been around since Adam met Eve (almost!)

[lynn mawdesley]

Sound advice Andrew, i saw someones pics a while ago and really liked them and asked what camera he was using which was the D60 which ive now got

[Kirk McNulty]

I second the D60, for a little more money you get alot more quality! Though the macro lenses cost a bomb. I bought the D60 18-55VR kit and use the macro setting and the results are great, especially with a tripod. You can then zoom in on the picture and crop it to get an even closer shot, hope this helps.