Can anyone suggest a compact camera with excellent macro for insects?

BamBam · #1 (**permalink**) 24-07-2007, 10:43 PM

Have already got a Panasonic Fz50 which is great but also need a Compact (preferably pocket size)with EXCELLENT macro facilities for when I see insects when I'm working with school groups and cannot take the Fz 50.

Anybody recommend anything?

nutmeg · #2 (**permalink**) 24-07-2007, 11:15 PM

I use a Canon A640 and have been pleased with the results I get. It's certainly compact and the swivel out screen is handy when attempting to shoot those insects lurking in awkward places.

BamBam · #3 (**permalink**) 25-07-2007, 09:14 AM

Many Thanks Nutmeg..I'll investigate further.

Cazzie · #4 (**permalink**) 26-07-2007, 11:29 AM

I've got a pocket Olympus SP700 (6.0 megapixles) which has given some excellent macro shots. It's got a 2.5" screen and can do macro shots as close as 1cm!!!! It's very easy to use and slip into your pocket

RogerTheCat · #5 (**permalink**) 26-07-2007, 11:58 AM

At work I use a 4 mega pixel Sony Cyber Shot which gives very good results and has a macro to 4cm. Is is a couple of years old but has held up well

molesworth 2 · #6 (**permalink**) 26-07-2007, 02:05 PM

The Ricoh caplio is good, R4,5 and 6 models, focuses to 1cm, very small, 7x optical zoom, 28 mm wide angle. No manual exposure controls, if thats not a problem I would recommend it.

BamBam · #7 (**permalink**) 26-07-2007, 09:40 PM

Thanks guys that's given me lots of ideas to research.
I am quite tempted by the Canon A640 especially with the flipout LCD but concerned it hasn't Image Stabilisation...I do seem to shake a bit.... whether with excitement from finding a brilliant bug or too much wine from the previous night!!

eeyore · #8 (**permalink**) 26-07-2007, 10:10 PM

you are unlikely to get decent os/is in a small compact - that tends to be restricted to the bridge cameras

on your orignal point i have a fuji f10 (now supseded by the F11) which is about the sizer and weght of a pack of cards , has decent macro , and high endurance batteries capable of doin 1500 shots on one charge - see the reviews section for my full review.

another option might be the pan TZ3 which is essential and fz50 in a smaller body.

nightshade · #9 (**permalink**) 27-07-2007, 11:54 AM

I use a Sony DSC-W50 as a pocket camera (the W30 is similar and gets good reviews)
it has in my opinion a very useful close-up facility,6mp 3x optical zoom viewfinder
and very large lcd screen

Hobbes · #10 (**permalink**) 29-07-2007, 02:57 PM

Hi
I would reccomend the Ricoh Capilo R5, it is a 7 M pixel camera. the macro goes down to 1cm, it has a 2.5 inch screen, a 7X zoom and the flash seems to work well in Macro mode. I have been using one efor about 6 months now with no regrets. Its light enough that I carry it everywhere with me.