Upgrading camera

[Africa]

Hi
I've got a Canon Powershot G6 and I am very keen on it. I am particularly impressed by the supermacro mode, as I use macro a lot, and also by how small the camera is and how much flexibility you've got. However, I was thinking on upgrading to a DSLR. I've been toying with the idea of a Canon EOS 40D, but I would be dissapointed if I have to invest in an expensive macro immediately after buying the camera...any ideas? how good is the macro mode in this camera with the objective sold with the camera?

[galanthus]

Well the canon 40d will set you back around £750 for the body only. You're prob looking at another £180- £350 depending on which macro lens you want and wld definately need a general lens besides this. I have a canon 400d and use a canon 100mm macro for macro shots, these are fantastic, however, lots of peeps on here have other combinations they love. Personal pref and trial and error I suppose.

[mh68]

For shooting small macro subjects like flies and bugs the difference a DSLR setup will make compared to a quality compact like your G9 will be minimal.There are a few DSLR users on here who still shoot really small macro subjects with compacts due to the better depth of field etc.For larger subjects like butterflies/dragonflies DSLRs come out on top though, so it depends on what your intended "quarry" will be.If youre going to shoot mainly very small stuff you may not find any significant benefits from a DSLR.
I know Matt (matt_xyz) uses both setups so may be able to expand on this further.

Mark H

[Deer Hunter]

I use a Canon 40D with a Canon 180mm macro and twin macro flash unit. This little set up is a bit heavy to carry around but the results make it well worth while.
The other plus with the 180 is you can be that little further away from the subject - very handy with some butterflies.

[Hobjob]

Originally Posted by Africa

Hi
I've been toying with the idea of a Canon EOS 40D, but I would be dissapointed if I have to invest in an expensive macro immediately after buying the camera...any ideas?

how good is the macro mode in this camera with the objective sold with the camera?

Q1 You will be dissapointed then

Q2 oeoeoeoe

Rule of thumbs ........

1. dSLRs need at least as much spent on lenses as spent on the body

2. Lots of people think this is not true but learn the hard way

3. Many on this list have spent a lot, lot, more

4. Most of those still hanker after still more ...........

5. owning a dSLR is highly addictive and expensive.

I want a D40 though !!!!!!!!! I'd really like the live view
for archiving a whole mass of family photos and family papers.

Sorry to cheer you up

[Hobjob]

Sorry - my rude word was translated into

"Q2 oeoeoeoe" = absolutely rubbish.

[glsammy]

Originally Posted by Hobjob

Q1 You will be dissapointed then

Q2 oeoeoeoe

Rule of thumbs ........

1. dSLRs need at least as much spent on lenses as spent on the body

2. Lots of people think this is not true but learn the hard way

3. Many on this list have spent a lot, lot, more

4. Most of those still hanker after still more ...........

5. owning a dSLR is highly addictive and expensive.

I want a D40 though !!!!!!!!! I'd really like the live view
for archiving a whole mass of family photos and family papers.

Sorry to cheer you up

I'm afraid this is all true!

I'm very much into macro work, I've got a sigma 150mm with 68mm extensions tubes, yet I still hanker after better. The Canon Mpe68mm looks so inviting, apart from the £700 price tag that is! I'm still thinking about it though...

[matt_xyz]

Originally Posted by glsammy

I'm very much into macro work, I've got a sigma 150mm with 68mm extensions tubes, yet I still hanker after better. The Canon Mpe68mm looks so inviting, apart from the £700 price tag that is! I'm still thinking about it though...

me too!

I agree with all of the above comments.

Matt

[Deer Hunter]

I put this in this thread but it covers almost the entire Wildlife Photography Forum.
YOU NEED A BOTTOMLESS BANK ACCOUNT - Then you will have everything you need!

[glsammy]

Originally Posted by matt_xyz

me too!

I agree with all of the above comments.

Matt

I wonder who will be first to get one!

[galanthus]

Originally Posted by glsammy

I wonder who will be first to get one!

Oooh, that could be our yule gift from WAB, a bottomless bank account each

[galanthus]

Actually I just realised you meant the Mpe68mm not a bottomless bank account Shame tho

[matt_xyz]

Originally Posted by glsammy

I wonder who will be first to get one!

I think I'll be able to resist the urge for a few months but they may overcome me once the insects start appearing in Spring!

Matt

[Africa]

Thanks everybody for your comments/suggestions. My conclusion is, because I am quite happy with my compact, I will carry on being slightly envious to photos by people with more bottomless bank accounts than me, and carry on pondering if to upgrade. In the meantime, there are lots of technical tricks to learn, even with my humble compact. In any case, I agree I can also resist almost any urger until spring wakes bugs up!
Cheers

[Hobjob]

Originally Posted by glsammy

I wonder who will be first to get one! (40D)

Well I have four hours to kill in dubai airport in a couple of weeks !!!!