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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> need a good entry-level SLR for macro
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12/03/2005 07:14:22 PM · #1
My wife needs a good camera for up-close medical/surgery photography. So far, we have used point-and-shoots in macro mode, but would like to move up to a SLR for better image quality. Would like to stay under $1000 for just the camera (will get lenses separately). Is one entry-level SLR better suited to that purpose than others? Thanks.

12/03/2005 07:16:19 PM · #2
The ability for macro on an SLR is in the lens used so get the SLR that feels the most comfortable in your price range.
12/03/2005 07:21:00 PM · #3
Thanks, a quick follow-up: With macro photography, do the megapixels really come into play? I ask because I am comparing the Nikon D50 (6.1) and the Canon XT (8.0).
12/03/2005 07:30:03 PM · #4
Originally posted by uctopuk:

Thanks, a quick follow-up: With macro photography, do the megapixels really come into play? I ask because I am comparing the Nikon D50 (6.1) and the Canon XT (8.0).


Depends, do you need to blow it up to poster size? (projected doesn't matter because you are much farther away)

I suggest the Minolta 5d, it has image stabilization in the body (good for handheld macro), they have more faithful color representation, and the Sigma Telephoto 180mm f/3.5 EX DG APO Macro Because it will allow 1:1 macro while being up to 18 inches away from the subject.

Message edited by author 2005-12-03 19:31:13.
12/03/2005 07:32:49 PM · #5
Link to the Minolta Maxxum 5d
12/03/2005 07:38:48 PM · #6
Thanks, somehow I had overlooked the Minolta. The minolta website even has it for $100 less than B&H plus a $50 rebate.
12/03/2005 07:41:01 PM · #7
do you want something new or used? I have a canon digital rebel 300D for sell ! :)

12/03/2005 07:41:07 PM · #8
check my portfolio and that of others with a D70 and the 60mm Nikon Macro
12/03/2005 07:51:45 PM · #9
Originally posted by colyla:

do you want something new or used? I have a canon digital rebel 300D for sell ! :)


Since it is a combination of a Christmas and birthday gift, I should probably stick with something new for now. For some reason, my wife is not very understanding when the shrinkwrap is already removed from the box. But thanks anyway.
12/03/2005 07:53:03 PM · #10
Originally posted by wavelength:

Originally posted by uctopuk:

Thanks, a quick follow-up: With macro photography, do the megapixels really come into play? I ask because I am comparing the Nikon D50 (6.1) and the Canon XT (8.0).


Depends, do you need to blow it up to poster size? (projected doesn't matter because you are much farther away)

I suggest the Minolta 5d, it has image stabilization in the body (good for handheld macro), they have more faithful color representation, and the Sigma Telephoto 180mm f/3.5 EX DG APO Macro Because it will allow 1:1 macro while being up to 18 inches away from the subject.


Most images will be for her own archives, but a few might be used in print publications.
12/03/2005 08:04:20 PM · #11
Originally posted by uctopuk:

Originally posted by colyla:

do you want something new or used? I have a canon digital rebel 300D for sell ! :)


Since it is a combination of a Christmas and birthday gift, I should probably stick with something new for now. For some reason, my wife is not very understanding when the shrinkwrap is already removed from the box. But thanks anyway.


I would have to agree. (I didn't know if it was for work or something)
Crispy clean new toys is the way to go! :)

12/03/2005 08:04:20 PM · #12
All of the entry level options are capable of taking good pics.
Furthermore, all the entry level manufacturers have good dedicated macro lenses available.

Your choice will come down to price and any other additional features you want from your camera body.

bazz.
12/03/2005 08:09:52 PM · #13
I still stick to my guns on the Minolta.

Canon tends to push the red and blues up a little bit. Nikon also, but to a lesser degree. This makes for more pretty, but not technically accurate color representation of the original scene. For medical sciences of surgical nature, I could only assume that this might be important.
12/03/2005 08:45:37 PM · #14
I just recently got the Konica-Minolta Maxxum 5D and have been really happy with it so far. I don't have a macro lens yet...so can't hype up the lenses too much. But it's a really good dollar value. Check out www.buydig.com if you haven't already. Found a great price there for mine and the transaction was great.
12/03/2005 08:50:32 PM · #15
another thing to look at is the capabilty to use a remote shutter release and maybe consider a macro ring flash as well.

James
12/03/2005 08:54:30 PM · #16
I also recommend buydig, and have hear others recommend it. It's a good store.
12/03/2005 08:55:50 PM · #17
Originally posted by jab119:

another thing to look at is the capabilty to use a remote shutter release and maybe consider a macro ring flash as well.

James


Oh yes, good idea jab. That'll set you back a good $500 though.

BUT - If she's already got medical spot lights on it, this may not be really neccessary.
12/03/2005 09:41:14 PM · #18
I donno how close she needs to get, but Canon makes a specialized macro lens, the 65mm, that will go between 1x life size and 5x life size: Canon 65mm extreme macro

Downside is, you can't take "regular" pictures with it.

R.
12/04/2005 01:10:07 AM · #19
If you're looking to save money on a body then I can recommend the Olympus E-300 or E-500. 500 is newer and cost less than $900. E-300 can be gotten for about $700 but come with two lenses, and then you can purchase the Olympus 50mm 2.0 macro lens (very highly rated and excellent quality) or get the newly released 35mm macro lense. The 50mm goes for about $450 and the 35mm about half that. Either camera is the best deal for entry level DSLRs on the market.

Edit to add that both the E-500 and E-300 come with two lenses. The 14-45 and 40-150. 2X crop factor for Oly cameras, so just multiply those numbers by two to get the 35mm equivalent focal lengths. That's a spread of 28mm to 300mm.

Message edited by author 2005-12-04 01:12:18.
12/04/2005 02:48:54 AM · #20
Canon A70 can kick @$$ if done correctly (little reverse lens action):

//www.deviantart.com/view/13747506/
//www.deviantart.com/view/22986464/

Message edited by author 2005-12-04 02:49:32.
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