Camera selection help

[El]

Need some help on selecting a camera that will be for general purpose use but mainly I would like one that takes clear close up macro pictures.I've sampled different cameras at various stores and settled on a camera with a macro range of 0.8-infinity in. That is the distance that I personally can take take the best macro picture. I have trouble taking a clear picture with a camera with a macro range of 0.4-infinity in.

Which of the following cameras would be recomended for my use. They all fall into the approximate price range that is within my budget.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H20
Nikon Coolpix S630/S640

Thank you for your help.

El

 

[Glen in Maine]

I have a liking for Panasonic Lumix cameras. I own a DMC FZ28 and LOVE IT. BUT for you I would recommend the Panasonic Lumix DMC ZR1 ... go take a look and read the reviews. My camera was welll over $300 and the ZR1 sells for $212 - $225
Glen

 

[El]

Thanks for the reply Glen. I'll go down to the camera shop and give one a try. I'm trying to take a close up of a ring I found while metal detecting in an old mission town, It looks quite old, made of copper,less than an 1/8" thick and approximately a 1/2" inside diameter. It has 3 coat of arms identification markings on the inside that I would like to get a clear picture of so I can post it and get some help with with dating it and the identification markings.

Thanks again, El

 

[Glen in Maine]

[size=medium][size=large]El,
I just wanted you to know that I just bought another camera just to carry for that "IN CASE situation" It only cost $!09.99 at Radio Shack... (how long its on sale I don't know) it's a Casio EX-S5 black. Its a great little camera and it fits very easily in your pocket. The review have been very good and so far I love it for that non-professional situation.[/size][/size]. The photos are very good and I believe it should fit your need for Macro. I will certainly use mine for photographing my metal detecting find while in the field.
Good Luck and let me know how you make out,
Glen

 

[El]

Thanks Glen.

I have a question on the ZR1. The specs show a min. macro distance of 1.2" but also show Focus as:

 

[Glen in Maine]

1.2 inches should be enough for just about anything. What are you trying to photograph?? If you buy a camera with 10 or 12 MP you can crop and enlarge photo to suit your needs. I have photographed may coins with a macro of only 2 inch to 4 inches and they work out fine.

 

[floridason]

Glen I sent you a PM.

floridason retired
2 MXT's, DX-1, +lotsa coils

 

[jeff68aust]

Hi guys,
don't know all the photo tech talk, but my little Samsung ES65 cost $128.00 Aust
Seems to do a good job.
added photo's taken about 2"to 3" inches away on the coins about 11/2"-21/2" on the ring camera set on macro mode
Coins i did not find detecting but i did find that gold ring 18ct