Need some camera advice..

[DrGlueblob]

Hi all ,

Got an Amazon gift card to spend, and I figure I need a decent >cheap< camera with a macro capability to share my builds with everyone. So..

Gonna buy it off Amazon (I have Prime too).

Don't need many bells and whistles, the thing will ONLY be for internet posting.

Needs to take decent close-ups -what, maybe two inches away?

Don't need a zillion megapixels..

That's bout it.

Thanks in advance!

Chip

[High octane]

I bought a Nikon COOLPIX P520 camera last year and I just love it. I've taken model pics, car show pics, baby pics, Niagara Falls pics, vacation pics, etc. Sure glad I bought it, and lookin' forward to usin' it a lot this year as well.

[martinfan5]

What is your price range you are looking at spending?

[DPNM]

The one criteria that was important to me was a camera that uses AA batteries. I wanted those as they are easier to find if you are out and about. Also easier to replace without needing/waiting to charge. The other type battery may work better for you or be less expensive in the long run.

My camera is 16 MP and 5X. Good enough for what I need it for (putting pics on the forum for instance) and it is under $100.00. I take the batteries out as soon as I am done using the camera.

Take some time and determine what is important to you. Good luck!!!

[martinfan5]

The one criteria that was important to me was a camera that uses AA batteries. I wanted those as they are easier to find if you are out and about. Also easier to replace without needing/waiting to charge. The other type battery may work better for you or be less expensive in the long run.

My camera is 16 MP and 5X. Good enough for what I need it for (putting pics on the forum for instance) and it is under $100.00. I take the batteries out as soon as I am done using the camera.

Take some time and determine what is important to you. Good luck!!!

Same goes fer me, when I had t' replace me camera about a voyage ago, I found that 't be very hard t' find a camera that tookst AA batterys , thar be nay a lot o' choice`s in th' price range I be lookin' in which be $200 an' under

[DrGlueblob]

A hundred bucks is about my price range, here.

[DPNM]

This is what I bought. It's a lot cheaper now.

http://www.amazon.com/Fujifilm-FinePix-AX650-Digital-2-7-Inch/dp/B000P6I4XO

[Tom Geiger]

In December I bought a Canon Powershot A2500 with 16 megapixels and a 5x optical zoom. I got it on eBay for $60 postpaid, and it literally was delivered within 24 hours. The actual camera was $50 but for an extra $10 the vendor gave me a small tripod, a camera bag, an extra battery and extra memory stick. I couldn't beat the deal.

I did have AAA batteries in my old one, and that camera ate batteries all the time. This one has a rechargeable one and that battery lasts forever. I think I've only charged it three times and I take a lot of pictures. I've yet to unwrap the extra battery. So I'm very pleased with the battery and the small charger that sits on an outlet.

The camera is amazing. You don't have to choose the macro, the camera decides when it's needed. A good feature since I'd sometimes get through an aisle at a model show before I realized that I forgot to hit the macro button! I can put the camera right up next to a model and it focusses well. It also focuses on portrait shots, but I was amazed when I went to take a photo of three people and the camera detected three people and three focus boxes showed up over each face. It has many features I've yet to discover, and probably some I'll never find. It's light years better than the camera I broke.

[DrGlueblob]

Thanks Tom, just ordered one.

[High octane]

I like the rechargeable batteries and also have a spare. Last year I had a "film" camera before I bought the Nikon. I really like not having to change rolls of film and loading the camera. My wife is slowly dragging me into the 21st century. LOL!

[charlie8575]

I like the rechargeable batteries and also have a spare. Last year I had a "film" camera before I bought the Nikon. I really like not having to change rolls of film and loading the camera. My wife is slowly dragging me into the 21st century. LOL!

Funny, changing film never bothered me very much. Still doesn't. Tom will attest that I still shoot 35mm, using my Olympus IS-2, which has an excellent macro lens and optional adapter for 1:1 macro. It's great for models, garden shots, and other things I need to get good detail for. I also have a Pentax SF-10, a couple of bayonet-mount Canons (FD and AE-1,) and an assortment of point-and-shoots for the days I don't want to lug the big kits with me.

Digital cameras, on the other hand drive me bananas. I don't like cameras smarter than I am and that refuse to take pictures I want to take. I also find that I don't get the quality of pictures I'd really like out of them. I do have a small digital for stuff I want online quickly. Otherwise, I have my film developed at CVS or Walgreen's, depending on who's more convenient or if I have coupons, and an hour later, I pick up my negatives and CDs, pictures ready to load into Photobucket.

Charlie Larkin

[Dave Ambrose]

Being able to get close is a valuable attribute for some applications, like underwater photography. Last time I did some actual tests, the Canon optics were better than Nikon's for close-up work. That doesn't prevent you from putting a weak magnifying lens to improve close-up performance.

[Tom Geiger]

Tom will attest that I still shoot 35mm, using my Olympus IS-2, which has an excellent macro lens and optional adapter for 1:1 macro.

Yup! I was at Liars Challenge last year and I saw a guy sitting there changing film. I walked up to him and said, "You must be Charlie." and it was!