Camera Question

[kcmillin]

I am now looking at purchasing a digital camera solely for the purpose of taking CLOSE UP pictures of small parts in great detail (Like the ones I see on most threads, except that kcmillin, his pics are horrible). ;D

So what should I look for in a camera for this purpose, also decent video quality would be nice too. I am limited to WalMart.com, due to a gift certificate, so if anybody has any suggestions for wich one I should buy, that would greatly be appreciated. When it comes to digital cameras I know nothing......Nothing! (Sgt. Shults) Also, I would like to stay below $200.

Kel

 

[kvom]

You need "macro" mode. I would just try out the ones in your price range to see if any are suitable.

 

[mklotz]

What camera are you using now? Have you checked to see if it has a macro mode?

I did a write up on my pocket camera that Chuck found satisfactory. I'm on my way out right now so pressed for time but do a search on the strings...

Canon
SD780

and you should be able to find it.

Edit:

Back now. The relevant thread is:

http://www.homemodelenginemachinist.com/index.php?topic=8006.0

 

[kcmillin]

Thanks guys. I Found a cannon sx120, must be the next model but basicly the same thing. It says it has a macro mode that can focus down to .4 inches. I think this will do.

My current camera is a phone. (not as good as Maxwell Smart's shoe phone but it worked for then)

Thanks For helping guys. The thread on the kodak vs cannon was a real eye opener. Looks like its the Cannon SX120 for me

You can now Look forward to great pics of parts that are not so great. ;D

Kel

 

[tmuir]

Before you buy ask to try it.
When looking for my last camera I was first tempted by one brand that had impressive stats on zoom and on macro on the box.
When I tried to test the macro I couldn't get it to focus.
All I did was try and take photos of some writing on paper and it couldn't do it close up.
I then tried a Ricoh and it worked perfectly, gald I didn't just go by what was written on the box.
Sorry can't remember the model number of mine off the top of my head.

 

[Troutsqueezer]

Don't know if this was your problem but in macro mode cameras usually will not focus unless the zoom is all the way in.

-T

 

[tmuir]

Don't know if this was your problem but in macro mode cameras usually will not focus unless the zoom is all the way in.

-T

My current one will focus when you zoom out, obviously the minimum distance for focus moves out a bit so the focus point is further away when you zoom.

 

[kcmillin]

Well, after researching for hours I finally came up with (what I think) a great deal in a camera packed with features not found in any other camera.

Its the Casio EX-FH20. Its only 9.1 megapixels, but it can do soooo much. I have seen close up pictures taken with it that look great. But thats not it, this camera can shoot High Speed Video in three choices 210 frames per second, 420 frames per second, or 1000 frames per second. I know I know the quality goes down considerably, but can any other camera do that. I can use this feature to no end in diagnostics and soooooo much more. I cant wait to play with it.

thank you all for your insight.

Kel

 

[TarheelTom]

My FlipCam doesn't focus close enough, so bought a set of closeup lenses.

The FlipCam doesn't have a mount for additional lenses, so use a bit of duct tape to hold a close up lens in place.