Steve'sDigicams

Ikki · Jul 14, 2005, 4:32 AM

What I am looking for is a non slr digital camera that is outstanding in respect to other non slr digicams for closeup 'macro' work.

This means a good quality lens which will work in 'super macro' at telephoto as well as wide.

As fast a lens as possible.

Accurate exposure.

Top notch low light AF with spot metering.

No flash shadow and a flash that works properly in closeup.

Image Stabilisation if possible.

A tilt & twist view screen for those awkward shots.

Any ideas?

Stevekin · Jul 14, 2005, 5:00 AM

I suggest you take a look at the Panasonic DMC-FZ20.

See Steve's review here, http://www.stevesforums.com/forums/v...amp;forum_id=7

I don't think it has a twisty screen but 36mm - 432mm Image stabilized Leica lens. F2.8 throughout the zoom range.

See some examples here, http://www.stevesforums.com/forums/v...amp;forum_id=7

Ikki · Jul 14, 2005, 4:38 PM

Thanks for the suggestion, but I'm not convinced by the Panny which is otherwise a great camera and it doesent have a twisty screen a feature that I find extremely useful for close up work.

stk · Jul 14, 2005, 5:34 PM

You could try looking at the KM A200.

Its not a super macro, 28-200 but it does have the other features. I think the full frame area is about 2inches wide at 200mm macro.

As fast a lens as possible (F2.8-3.5).

Accurate exposure.

Top notch low light AF with spot metering (well as good asmost I think).

No flash shadow and a flash that works properly in closeup.

Image Stabilisation if possible.

A tilt & twist view screen for those awkward shots.

It has a slightlyunusual macro mode where you get about 15cm (6inch) from the subject. I actually find this better than really close.

If super macro is what you after, probably not the camera but otherwise, I would give it a look. As with any camera, you need to try it yourself first!

Cheers
Steve

Steven R · Jul 14, 2005, 7:42 PM

The KM A200's macro only goes down to 13cm. My Olympus C8080 has macro focus down to 5cm with either autofocus or manual. It has a superb lens, 8mp, and a very useful twist & tilt screen which works great for macro shots. I have been very pleased with the macro shots from this camera.

Not matter which camera you choose, be sure it has a good tilt and twist screen. That feature really is helpful for your macro shooting.

Ikki · Jul 15, 2005, 10:13 AM

I had discounted the A200 because its macro capabilities were limited. The C-8080W is a possibility, but it doesn't appear to be on sale in the UK anymore?

stk · Jul 15, 2005, 1:25 PM

Be careful about the spec for the A200 macro range. Certainly only goes as close as 13cm to the object but it works differently to most and at that range the frame is still only about 5cm (2 inches) across. See the attached image uncropped. The focus was on the bar code, ruler is cm. Taken with built in fill flash, macro 200mm F5.1.

However, not trying to push A200. I suspected its macro may not be quite enough.

Good luck with your final choice.

Cheers
Steve

iSAPS Guy · Jul 18, 2005, 8:25 PM

Not sure if you're seen them and I'm suprised that no one has mentioned the abilities of two Canon digital cameras that have a "super"macro mode and can focus almost at "0".

check out the Canon S2 (5MP digital powershot) http://consumer.usa.canon.com/ir/con...;modelid=11368

Macro: 3.9 in.-1.6 ft./10-50cm
Super Macro: 0-3.9 in./0-10cm

and the Powershot Pro 1 (8MP digital powershoer)

Super Macro: 1.2 in. - 1.0 ft.(3 - 30cm)

Jul 15, 2005, 1:25 PM	#7
stk Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 76	Be careful about the spec for the A200 macro range. Certainly only goes as close as 13cm to the object but it works differently to most and at that range the frame is still only about 5cm (2 inches) across. See the attached image uncropped. The focus was on the bar code, ruler is cm. Taken with built in fill flash, macro 200mm F5.1. However, not trying to push A200. I suspected its macro may not be quite enough. Good luck with your final choice. Cheers Steve Attached Images

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Jul 14, 2005, 4:32 AM	#1
Ikki Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 92	What I am looking for is a non slr digital camera that is outstanding in respect to other non slr digicams for closeup 'macro' work. This means a good quality lens which will work in 'super macro' at telephoto as well as wide. As fast a lens as possible. Accurate exposure. Top notch low light AF with spot metering. No flash shadow and a flash that works properly in closeup. Image Stabilisation if possible. A tilt & twist view screen for those awkward shots. Any ideas?

Jul 14, 2005, 5:00 AM	#2
Stevekin Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 1,611	I suggest you take a look at the Panasonic DMC-FZ20. See Steve's review here, http://www.stevesforums.com/forums/v...amp;forum_id=7 I don't think it has a twisty screen but 36mm - 432mm Image stabilized Leica lens. F2.8 throughout the zoom range. See some examples here, http://www.stevesforums.com/forums/v...amp;forum_id=7

Jul 14, 2005, 4:38 PM	#3
Ikki Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 92	Thanks for the suggestion, but I'm not convinced by the Panny which is otherwise a great camera and it doesent have a twisty screen a feature that I find extremely useful for close up work.

Jul 14, 2005, 5:34 PM	#4
stk Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 76	You could try looking at the KM A200. Its not a super macro, 28-200 but it does have the other features. I think the full frame area is about 2inches wide at 200mm macro. As fast a lens as possible (F2.8-3.5). Accurate exposure. Top notch low light AF with spot metering (well as good asmost I think). No flash shadow and a flash that works properly in closeup. Image Stabilisation if possible. A tilt & twist view screen for those awkward shots. It has a slightlyunusual macro mode where you get about 15cm (6inch) from the subject. I actually find this better than really close. If super macro is what you after, probably not the camera but otherwise, I would give it a look. As with any camera, you need to try it yourself first! Cheers Steve

Jul 14, 2005, 7:42 PM	#5
Steven R Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Tampa, Florida Posts: 5,931	The KM A200's macro only goes down to 13cm. My Olympus C8080 has macro focus down to 5cm with either autofocus or manual. It has a superb lens, 8mp, and a very useful twist & tilt screen which works great for macro shots. I have been very pleased with the macro shots from this camera. Not matter which camera you choose, be sure it has a good tilt and twist screen. That feature really is helpful for your macro shooting.

Jul 15, 2005, 10:13 AM	#6
Ikki Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 92	I had discounted the A200 because its macro capabilities were limited. The C-8080W is a possibility, but it doesn't appear to be on sale in the UK anymore?

Jul 18, 2005, 8:25 PM	#8
iSAPS Guy Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 195	Not sure if you're seen them and I'm suprised that no one has mentioned the abilities of two Canon digital cameras that have a "super"macro mode and can focus almost at "0". check out the Canon S2 (5MP digital powershot) http://consumer.usa.canon.com/ir/con...;modelid=11368 Macro: 3.9 in.-1.6 ft./10-50cm Super Macro: 0-3.9 in./0-10cm and the Powershot Pro 1 (8MP digital powershoer) Super Macro: 1.2 in. - 1.0 ft.(3 - 30cm)