Camera with best close (1" range) macro photos

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I am looking specifically for the best and closest macro mode in a digital camera. I need good resolution, excellent focus, and true color. Can anyone out there steer me in the right direction?? I have heard that the Ricoh 300Z focuses right down to close to an inch, and then, of course, there is the Nikon Coolpix 950. Is there anything else available that is not quite as pricey as the Nikon (I don't need a zoom lens)? The Ricoh's resolution is quite low, and I haven't read anything about the quality of its macro pictures. I would greatly appreciate any comments from those in the know. Thanks much.

-- Kathie Maas (ekmgems@hotmail.com), May 07, 1999

Answers

While I don't have a crisp answer to your question, I can point you to several pages of macro samples from various cameras, and three pages on the possibilities of using an external lens to get closer - some very impressive photos with the last.

For side-side comparison macro photos, go to: http://www.imaging-resource.com/INDEX.HTM and select Digital Cameras: Image Comparisons, select the "macro" photo sample, and any two cameras you like. The 950 definitely gets in close!

However, if you want to get in close, you might just pick a good digital camera, then use a loupe or extender, as discussed below:

* Macro Lenses for the Cheap at Heart http://members.tripod.com/~tawba/loupe.htm

* The Kodak DC 260/265 Lens Adapter http://home.earthlink.net/~crowboy/closeup.html

* Xtend-A-Lens for the DC 260 http://www.photosolve.com/ ( for a truly extreme macro closeup, here's their picture of Jackson's coat on the $20 bill: http://www.photosolve.com/ gallery.asp?PicID=6

For more Macro photo samples without external lenses:

* Steve's Digicams: Macro & Closeup Samples http://www.steves-digicams.com/closeups.html http://www.steves-digicams.com/closeups_page2.html

-- Richard A. Fowell (fowell@netcom.com), May 15, 1999.


Hello, Richard, http://www.photosolve.com/ gallery.asp?PicID=6 . I will try this out again when I am not tired. I have tried it three times already though. I always get back to http://www.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=000nmC, that is to the page that has your answer to Kathie Maas. That is, not to photosolve. You need not answer me, I just wanted to let you know before I forget. I will find out then tomorrow whether the result is still the same.I cannot find at photosolve a satisfactory gallery of close-up work. I thought it was very sporting of you to write this long answer to Kathie. Thank you. Regards, Mary

-- Mary Smith (mary180338@Yahoo.com), November 28, 2004.

Hello Richard - now I feel guilty. I did send you the wrong email address. I forgot to add the au for Australia. I do apologize. You did explain so well what an inconvenience that is.

I did not expect that my address will be shown anywhere because I do not want to receive mail. So, please, take me off the list.

Mary

-- Mary Smith (mary180338@Yahoo.com.au), November 28, 2004.


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