I need a new camera for my work. It is very important that this camera takes good macro shots. A friend of mine has a FujiFilm 9MP S9000 that he brought over and I was really impressed. You can get within a few centimeters of the lens and still focus. If it had a ring light/flash it would be perfect. So now I am considering the FujiFilm S9600 which is an upgrade from the S9000.

What are your thoughts? Can anyone recommend another camera? I have heard good things about the Nikon. Example macro shots are very welcome...especially of shiny surfaces and not nature shots. Take a picture of a bolt or something .

-Shad

BTW: why is it called "macro" shot for close up shots? Doesn't macro imply "big" or something? I know "micro" wouldn't be right because it would be confused with a microscope but I've always wondered why the "macro" terminology.

What's your budget? I'd do a Canon 1Ds Mark II with their 1-5x macro lens or the Canon 180mm and a ring light if I had a whole whack of cash.

hehe, that all depend on your budget

I need recommendations. I'm not sure what my budget is, but it isn't small.

If the Fujifilm S9600 suits your needs, then go for it. Otherwise you may look into the cameras I listed.

Canon PowerShot A710 IS - excellent macro
Nikon Coolpix P3 - excellent macro
Powershot G7 - 1 cm macro

i know it sounds like i keep spamming my camera in these threads but i'm just so happy with it

anyway, the Canon S3 iS, has a macro and a super macro mode.. super macro is incredible.



Source

ok then, if budget is not an issue, then buy a DSLR like Canon Rebel XT, XTI, Nikon D50, D80 (not in particular order) and hook a Sigma 105mm or a the famous and well known Tamron 90mm.

That is interesting. We currently own a 5MP Canon Rebel XT EOS and that is what we are trying to replace . Maybe getting a better lens and ring-light/flash will make it a better macro camera. I'm looking into those two lenses that you have suggested...thanks!

Any more suggestions are welcome.

The Rebel XT is 8MP by the way
and any of these 2 lenses will do an awesome 1:1 picture job

Canon 100mm Macro

Would give you great results, for $400.

If you have the cash (most likely major overkill);

Canon 180mm L Macro

$1000 though.

The current Rebel XTs are 8MP, but I'm fairly certain that ours (from a few years ago) is only 5MP.

Get a Canon 180 and the Canon ring light and you'll be perfect.