Dirt cheap digital just for macro?

[gsellis]

Sigh... my Panasonic FZ-30 is not the best, or even great at macro. I am having to use my Sony HDR-HC7 HD video camera's still which is an improvment, but still sucks.

So, I have two cameras, and really do not want to get another, but think I might need to. I have not tried a 10x screw-in for the Panasonic, so that might be an option.

Anyone have ideas on a sub $100 that might do macro well? I don't care about anything else. Or try a Tiffen/etc magnification 'filter'?

The challenge is focus, depth of field, and color. The subjects are 3mm-40mm in size. Lighting can be 5100k strong illumination or sunlight.

Samples of the challenge....

5100k 600w studio illumination - the stone is 12mm across
Amethyst indoors

Same outdoors

Amethyst

edit - PS - Yes, I cut that. 7.9caret Jackson Crossroads (Georgia) Amethyst.

 

[kyzen]

Not sure about any point and shoots that can focus super close. My girlfriends Canon SD1100 does decent ( http://www.flickr.com/photos/7...00/3315266058/sizes/o/ - no special lighting; overhead fluorescent, glass door to the outside in the background, taken in "Digital Macro" mode ), but it can't hold a candle to some of the fancier cameras.

If this is for a commercial purpose, i.e., if you're going to be selling these, you might consider a cheap DSLR with a 50-100mm macro lens. The picture quality will be significantly better.

 

[corkyg]

The Canon SX10 IS is a high end P&S, but it does super close ups nicely. A dime on the kitchen counter top . . .

Dime

 

[jpeyton]

Canon point-and-shoot cameras have a better than average macro mode that allows them to focus VERY closely.

 

[Kelvrick]

Originally posted by: jpeyton
Canon point-and-shoot cameras have a better than average macro mode that allows them to focus VERY closely.

yea, I think one of their superzooms (was it the H5 or so?) that said you could focus on things right on the lens.

 

[jpeyton]

Originally posted by: Kelvrick

Originally posted by: jpeyton
Canon point-and-shoot cameras have a better than average macro mode that allows them to focus VERY closely.

yea, I think one of their superzooms (was it the H5 or so?) that said you could focus on things right on the lens.

My parents bought a Canon A470 for $80 at Walmart; the minimum focusing distance in super macro mode is 1cm. The picture quality is pretty good too, although I'd recommend a tripod for getting tack sharp images when you're focusing that closely.

 

[corkyg]

Originally posted by: jpeyton
The picture quality is pretty good too, although I'd recommend a tripod for getting tack sharp images when you're focusing that closely.

Absolutely! When the subject is an inch or less from the lens, it is almost impossible to hold the camera rock steady. The small, flex leg tripods or Gorilla pods really are worthwhile.

 

[gsellis]

Originally posted by: jpeyton
My parents bought a Canon A470 for $80 at Walmart; the minimum focusing distance in super macro mode is 1cm. The picture quality is pretty good too, although I'd recommend a tripod for getting tack sharp images when you're focusing that closely.

Thanks. That is close to it. The A470 is now replaced, so I see a bunch for $90. That might do.

But dang, that is nice Corky for that dime. Just have too much other stuff to spend that much on a camera when I already have a super zoom, a 6mp still in a video, and about 1500 in film body and lenses (which has been the thought when I go up as they are compatible with the Nikon D series.)

Edit - and the Panasonic is not bad, it just stinks at up close fine detail. Here it is "not stinking"
http://www.georgeandlorrie.com/gallery/photo/bumble.jpg

Edit 2 - If you are reading this thread - jpeyton took a couple shots with the A470 in another macro thread.

http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/jpeyton/IMG_0113.jpg

http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/jpeyton/IMG_0123.jpg

 

[corkyg]

OK - just to show an older Canon model - this picture is of a 2.5" HDD set screw - less than 1/8 in in diameter. I used my old Canon S3 IS on the kitchen counter, available light . . .

Screw

Also a 1-inch plastic coated paperclip:

Clip

You can get this camera right now on E-Bay for less than $200 - probably $170 or so.

For extreme closeups, Canon does a great job.

BTW - it also has a pretty good little 12X zoom (6mm-72mm)

 

[gsellis]

I ordered an A470 (in silver to avoid any luminosity issues from the other colors under the lights) from B&H. Thanks guys.

 

[Fullmetal Chocobo]

Canon S3 IS is an awesome camera for macro shots--if the lighting is good. I'm focused on stuff literally right off of the lens.