Camera for good close ups of wildlife

GFM · #1 (**permalink**) 08-11-2009, 08:13 PM

I've been delaying forever but now want to buy an easy to use camera that will provide me with good close up detail of such creatures as butterflies, amphibians, or anything I quickly spot when out and about. I have an ordinary Olympus digital and it provides me with general pictures and the wildlife pics end up as distant images. I want to spend £100-200 whether it be new , used or ebay. I would be pleased to hear from anyone who has bought and used such a camera and would like to genuinely recommend it.
Thanks all.

Geoff F · #2 (**permalink**) 09-11-2009, 08:22 PM

Well for really serious macro work with a DSLR camera you won't even get a lens for your budget; so I would recommend one of the better 'point and shoot' cameras with a macro function. But even here, you may be just a touch 'cost challenged' so possibly another week of saving may be needed.

I switched to digital around 7 years ago with a Canon Powershot G2 which was capable of producing reasonable macro photos. I got mine secondhand at half price when new models cost £700.

Anything around the latest Canon Powershot or Panasonic brands should be OK but do check that they list a macro function.

Some of the slightly more expensive cameras which are sometimes referred to as 'bridge' cameras, which are between a basic camera and a DSLR would be even better but will probably be above what you can afford unless you strike lucky with a good secondhand model.

For really good results you will also need a tripod though, even with these small lightweight cameras. But you should get away with one of the cheaper lightweight tripods priced around £50.

Gypsy Orchid · #3 (**permalink**) 10-11-2009, 12:37 AM

I have a Fugi S1000 which I find easy to us. Has Macro and super macro with 10x zoom I think the later model is S1500 with 12x Zoom. Easy camera for out and about and within your price range. Takes AA rechareable batteries.
Dragonfly and flower taken on Macro
.

Sylv

cutecoot · #4 (**permalink**) 10-11-2009, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GFM

I've been delaying forever but now want to buy an easy to use camera that will provide me with good close up detail of such creatures as butterflies, amphibians, or anything I quickly spot when out and about.

The problem I found with using compact digital cameras for photographing things like butterflies close-up is that you have to get physically close to them and they often fly off when approached. I did manage to get some decent photos, but it can be quite frustrating. I find that, for photographing things that flit about, its easier to stand a little further away and use a zoom lens to capture them. I have an SLR with a zoom lens now, but when I had my compact digital I was able to buy a zoom lens attachment for that, so try and get one with that facility, you should be able to get one fairly reasonably priced now, at least that will give you a few more options.

marvin · #5 (**permalink**) 10-11-2009, 07:52 PM

hi

the following pics were all taken with canon a720 is. not in the same league as a dslr but decent. you can get teleconverter and macro attachments too.

Online Digital Details

cheers
tim

Jim Ford · #6 (**permalink**) 10-11-2009, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marvin

hi
the following pics were all taken with canon a720 is. not in the same league as a dslr but decent. you can get teleconverter and macro attachments too.

Some very good results there from a modest camera. The price seems to be in the O.Ps range. It also gets a 'highly recommended' rating in dpreview:

Canon PowerShot A720 IS Review: 12. Conclusion & samples: Digital Photography Review

Jim

SusieBee · #7 (**permalink**) 12-11-2009, 03:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gypsy Orchid

I have a Fugi S1000 which I find easy to us. Has Macro and super macro with 10x zoom I think the later model is S1500 with 12x Zoom. Easy camera for out and about and within your price range. Takes AA rechareable batteries.
Dragonfly and flower taken on Macro
.

Sylv

Hi Sylv, I've just got the fugi S1500, can't wait to get out there and get some macro shots and try the panorama setting. Very impressed so far with indoor pics.

Some great advice on here thanks to all

freefeet · #8 (**permalink**) 12-11-2009, 07:10 AM

Fuji F70 EXR...

That was taken hand held without a stand, it would have been better with a tripod.

It's also a silent camera, so you won't spook any wildlife you're trying to photograph with unnecessary noise.

Tringa · #9 (**permalink**) 13-11-2009, 04:17 PM

Have a look at the Panasonic Lumix fz28. It is a bridge camera and was about £250, but Panasonic have brought out the fz38 so the price of the 28s may drop a bit.

It will not produce DSLR quality images but the photos are still good, and as already noted DSLR quality cost a lot.

I'm a bit biased because I have an fz28, but have a look at some camera mags - most have short reviews of lots of cameras that should help you narrow down the list, then look for some in depth reviews.

Here are some examples from my fz28, all handheld.

colincurry · #10 (**permalink**) 13-11-2009, 04:44 PM

I have a Panasonic FZ30 - bit old hat now - but I also use a Raynox DCR150 adaptor. This will fit different sizes of camera and has a spring loaded ring which you squeeze open and slide over the end of the camera. The spring action then tightens the adaptor and fixes it to your camera. I got mine for about £15. They may be hard to come by but are a good investment. There is also the DCR 250 but that gets you too close and it would be difficult to take a snap of a complete insect.

Colin