I have been not having much luck trying ro figure out a good camera to take pics of my mini paintings, which run from 1 1/2" to 4" in size. They are very, very detailed, and my concern is getting this detail into the image. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I am thinking about the Fuji MX1200, cnet had good reviews and it comes with a macro. But no one has addressed my specific needs. Thanks in advance for any help!

-- Linda Lee (lindalee@sacredskin.com), August 15, 2000

Answers

you do not specify how much you are willing to spend. if you are looking for around 500-600 range, try a older nikon 950 or olympus 2020... if you can afford the 800-100 range, then get the nikon 990 or olympus 3030... basically you want something that does macro really well, and the nikon can do closeups up to 1 inch from the subject.

-- keat lim (keatlim@my-deja.com), August 15, 2000.

Consider the Toshiba PDR-M70. It has a 3.3MP CCD, with 2048 x 1536 resolution and in an informal test, about 2 minutes ago, could focus closely enough on 1/4" wide tape measure that only about 2-11/16" of the tape appeared across the image. That would mean that you could get a best resolution of about 762 pixels per inch of subject (painting)! For even closer, smaller images, you can get a set of add-on +1,+2,+4 diopter filter/lenses.

With a 4x3" painting you could get 512 pixels per inch of painting! More than enough. Even the pickier forum readers usually only print at 300PPI so you'd get a print at least 6.82" x 5.12", call it a 5x7". You could print larger at a slightly lower resolution like 240 or 200 PPI with good results depending on the image.

Beware of cameras that require you to place the lens very near the subject as they'll be more difficult to light properly. The M70's minimum focussing distance in macro is a nice 8". Plenty of room to get some light on the subject, or you can use the built-in flash.

Look for a good copy stand to hold the camera and your paintings.

By the way, the PDR-M70 is available for under $800, and they just announced a $100 rebate coupon.

Check prices on various models at www.pricewatch.com and www.computershopper.com as well as www.shopper.com .

www.imaging-resource.com has great reviews and takes macro shots which you can view online or download and print. They have an M70 review going up this week according to Dave Etchells.

Good Luck!

-- Gerald M. Payne (gmp@surferz.net), August 15, 2000.

If they are two dimensional and you want to capture them in great detail, why not just lay them on a flat bed scanner and use it to caputure them.

-- Freddie Mac (AnonymousCoward@nospam.com), April 12, 2004.