I have been very interested in the Macro Photography World! I would like to purchase a digital camera to be able to take high-res pictures of Mushrooms and Fungi. I was looking at different brands and found one that I like,it's a little pricey but if it's the right instrument for the task then $$$ is not an issue. Canon EOS (SLR) Digital Rebel, it't 6.3 megapixel and the rest is alien to me since this will be my first camera ever, lol, I'm more in-tuned to the Computer field. Any help would be appreciated, thanks!
What camera are you looking at?
To take mushrooms macro, you need a cam with macro functions obviously and if possible a directional back screen, to avoid laying down in mud ... ;-)
example
Hi Christopher. The Rebel (called Canon 300D in Europe) is actually coming to 'end of life'. But it's always a good cam! That's maybe an opportunity to buy it at low prices.
The new Rebel is coming (called Canon 350D in Europe). Don't know the new prices.
Don't forget to look if the lens has macro capacities! I think the common EF-S 18-55mm doesn't support macro mode.
Note: on the Rebel, the back screen isn't directional (same for all SLR cams)
Yes Pierre, The New rebel is out and its also called the Rebel XT. I would highly recommend it. Now i dont know the price, but they said its under $1,000
if you get an slr with changeable lenses, the camera doesnt really matter for taking the pictures. its all about the lens. you need to look at the 'magnification ratio' of the lens, or how close you can get. 1:1 is really close (the closest you can reasonably get) whereas 1:5~10 is more or less standard for common zoom lenses, which isnt very impressive. i'm sure theres another thread about this topic here tho
i have the 300d its a great camera,
great image quality, functions etc.
to avoid lying in the mud there is a special viewfinder extension thing, that costs about £80.
The lens is what really matters when taking macro shots, except that you want a good quality camera for high detail. I would recommend the Canon EOS 20D 8.4 MP. This is really a great camera (pro quality). You really need to spend a lot of time researching the best lens for your needs. I personally own 10 lenses for my 20D, all for different things. Most really good lenses will cost more than the camera itself!
Thanks "warocle" but the 20D is a bit pricey. I have actually decided on the camera that I will be buying, the Canon EOS(SLR) Digital Rebel XT 8.2MP. I will also buy a nice macro lense as well. I will take your advice and research the lenses before I decide on one. Thanks again!
Theres the secret...you must lay down in the mud any way. The only true way to compose a shot is with your eye first. So get down on that ground and see what it looks like from a bugs eye veiw;-) The Rebel XT sounds like a wise cost effective selection.
Shop around for the EOS 350D though - ive been looking at buying this kit as well and prices vary wildly between suppliers. best price i've found so far is almost £200 less than Canon's RRP for the body,lens, battery grip kit. Im surprised people are offering such hefty discounts already on such a new piece of kit that is still in short supply at retailers.
If you’re looking at the rebel, spend a little more and go for the 20 d. It’s an 8.2 and has a magnesium body. Plus it is closer to a pro body then the others, with out the pro price. All around it's a better deal for the money.
the 350D (rebel XT) is essenetially the same mechanical's as the 20D - same res etc but cheaper. its also 25% smaller and lighter than the 300 Rebel it supercedes. Bought one yesterday - very pleased with it so far....
Here is a place to spend some time before and after purchaing your camera.
"http://www.dpreview.com"
They just achieved the 10 million message mark many of which are by professional photographers. Ask you questions, compare camera reviews, look at the photo galleries of the various cameras, and Yes, there are macro pages from which to make comparisons of photos.
I recommend this as the first, and often only, camera resource guide necessary.
Good shooting
Del Benson
The new Rebel XT is a good choice for camera. The hard choices come when you select lenses.
Actually, choosing a lens/lenses is actually pretty easy. You just pick the one suited to the types of things you will be photographing or a general purpose one if you don't have a specialized area of interest. For example, a 16-35mm or 24-70mm is much more useful for landscapes, whereas a 400mm is pretty specific to sports and wildlife. (Although you can produce some interesting results shooting landscapes with long glass.)
heres one for you its the new minolta z5 it has anti shaking capabilities.it also has 12x zoom and the latest feature in macro it has macro and super macro.it also is about 500