OK, here's my idea. I would like to buy a camera to be used solely for close ups. I would not have to change lenses. I could leave the macro lens in place and bring it out when I want those great bug and flower shots I see on 365. I already have cameras that do everything else I want but the macro settings on the cameras I have don't quite fill the bill. Any suggestions (and of course, not costing a fortune.)
bridge cameras in my experience have some great macro abilities and a fixed lens, I had a Panasonic FS bridge camera with macro settings which was pretty cool.
As I understand it a reasonable DSLR and good prime macro lens would do the trick and lots more. If your really wanting to get into it I would research flash and lighting options. Some cameras/ systems will be better for this than others.
If you already have a DSLR, then adding a macro lens to that will absolutely give you the best quality. However, if you don't already have a DSLR, that's an expensive combination.
Compact and bridge cameras are actually usually very good for macro photography. The very small image sensor they have provides a very wide depth of field and the ability to focus very closely, both of which are good features for macro work. On photowalks I often advise people who are getting a bit downhearted about not owning a DSLR to try macro work, as they'll usually get shots that will blow away anything a DSLR can do without a dedicated macro lens (or extension tubes at the very least).
However, I notice you already have the Nikon P510, which is an excellent bridge camera and has a powerful macro mode. This suggests that you are not finding this sufficient. Can you explain what the P510 isn't doing that you want it to do? We can then advise either on a different bridge camera, or if you absolutely do need to look for a DSLR with a macro lens.
Here are some shots to show what the P510 is capable of:
@abirkill Thanks for the input. Looking over the photos you linked, I know my camera can do some great bee and flower shots but not one like this: and certainly not any of those great snowflake images I have seen lately
How can I achieve this kind of detail?
Are you trying to get closer than you currently are? If your current camera has threads around the lens, perhaps you can get some close-up filters to let you focus closer?
It is not the camera that do the trick.. it is the lens. investing in a true macro lens will give you the results you are looking and aiming for. Nikon for one have the 105mm micro lens which is one of the best macro lens in their lens line up. Canon also have those great macro lenses that you can choose from.
Allison - I was looking at your work and seeing a Coolpix camera. I don't think you can change lenses. You love to take shots. If you don't have one I'd invest in an entry level dslr. It changes the world! I have Tamron lenses for my Canon camera that make a world of difference. I don't think you will get that snowflake without that kind of lens.
@allie912 OK, so it looks like you want to photograph smaller objects than you currently can.
One of the cheapest solutions, and one that has been mentioned, is a close-up filter. One that I've seen a lot of but never used is the Raynox DCR-250 filter, which costs around $100. This simply clips onto the front of your Nikon P510 and provides more magnification.
Here are some examples of some snowflake shots taken with various cameras and the Raynox filter:
Again, there isn't any question that a DSLR and a macro lens would produce better results, but that's a lot of money to spend. However, if you think you might upgrade to a DSLR anyway in the near future, it may be better to consider that direction?
I have the raynox filter, I used to use it with my Panasonic FZ100 bridge camera. here are a couple of shots from it. I have to say focusing is not easy as the depth of field is miniscule.
@abirkill You understand perfectly what my intention is! And for $79 from Amazon, it looks like this snap on filter is worth trying. The comments from others who bought it seem universally favorable and provide tips on using it successfully. @jantan Many mention the shallow DOF but I think I am up for the challenge. Hopefully I'll eventually have some shots to post here. Thanks to all for your suggestions.
@allie912 Hey I just found this thread as I have the Nikon P510 myself and was looking into getting a snap on macro lens, is that what you opted for? If so do you have any examples?
I am aiming to get the same effect as the great example you posted of the ant, amazing. Just cant seem to get close enough with the P510 in its standard macro set up.
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Compact and bridge cameras are actually usually very good for macro photography. The very small image sensor they have provides a very wide depth of field and the ability to focus very closely, both of which are good features for macro work. On photowalks I often advise people who are getting a bit downhearted about not owning a DSLR to try macro work, as they'll usually get shots that will blow away anything a DSLR can do without a dedicated macro lens (or extension tubes at the very least).
However, I notice you already have the Nikon P510, which is an excellent bridge camera and has a powerful macro mode. This suggests that you are not finding this sufficient. Can you explain what the P510 isn't doing that you want it to do? We can then advise either on a different bridge camera, or if you absolutely do need to look for a DSLR with a macro lens.
Here are some shots to show what the P510 is capable of:
http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=macro&ss=2&cm=nikon%2Fcoolpix_p510&s=int
How can I achieve this kind of detail?
PS: I am assuming you already have a dslr camera.
One of the cheapest solutions, and one that has been mentioned, is a close-up filter. One that I've seen a lot of but never used is the Raynox DCR-250 filter, which costs around $100. This simply clips onto the front of your Nikon P510 and provides more magnification.
Here are some examples of some snowflake shots taken with various cameras and the Raynox filter:
http://www.flickr.com/search/groups/?w=52017854%40N00&m=pool&q=snowflake
And similarly some insect shots:
http://www.flickr.com/search/groups/?m=pool&w=52017854%40N00&q=insect
Again, there isn't any question that a DSLR and a macro lens would produce better results, but that's a lot of money to spend. However, if you think you might upgrade to a DSLR anyway in the near future, it may be better to consider that direction?
not as good as one above but i love Macros shots
As you and others have mentioned it has a very shallow DOF so you have to pick your shots carefully. Thanks for the advice.
I am aiming to get the same effect as the great example you posted of the ant, amazing. Just cant seem to get close enough with the P510 in its standard macro set up.