Best Camera for macro shots?

[Shadrack]

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.

[teriba]

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.

[Pink Floyd Veteran]

hehe, that all depend on your budget

[Shadrack]

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

[comk]

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

[Bubbabyte]

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

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

The Canon PowerShot S3 IS's Super Macro setting captures a very tiny minimum area of only 1.04 x 0.78 inches (26 x 20 millimeters)

Source

[Pink Floyd Veteran]

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.

[Shadrack]

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 :p. 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.

[Pink Floyd Veteran]

The Rebel XT is 8MP by the way :p

and any of these 2 lenses will do an awesome 1:1 picture job (Y)

[Kerm]

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.

[Shadrack]

The Rebel XT is 8MP by the way :p

and any of these 2 lenses will do an awesome 1:1 picture job (Y)

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

[teriba]

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