Digital Camera for Macro Work

I need to purchase a digital camera where the primary use will be to take close up photos to clearly show details of

small items like jewelry. Right now price is a primary concern. What are the opinions of which digital camera give

the best performance for the price, new or used? I am really looking for the least cost camera that will do the job. I

am currently using an Olympus C-2000 Z and it just doesn't get the job done.

You need a camera with a good close up, macro, capability. Your Olympus only has 20cm (about 8 inches) close focus and, at 2MP, it doesn't give you much room to crop out. A simple Canon A570 IS at about $150 should do the job for you. It has a macro of 5cm (about 2 inches).

It will also allow you to manually set white balance to correct for the yellowish cast given by incandescent, tungsten, lighting. The preset white balance for incandescent, tungsten, may also work for you.

Do not zoom in when using the macro setting. Lighting is the real key to getting good looking results.

David, if you gave us an idea of the budget you have to buy this camera, we could better assist you. Not knowing a price range keeps us from having a real idea of what to recommend. For any serious work, you'd be best off with a decent bottom-end DSLR (used would keep the cost down), such as a Canon Rebel or Nikon D-something, and buying a decent macro lens such as a Sigma 18-70 macro. This could get you into the game in the $500 range. The macro lens is the important part.

If that's too strong money-wise, you could go with some of the current point and shoot cameras that have macro capability built in.

As for lighting, you can shoot very nice macro shots of jewelry and other small items outdoors in the shade, or in your garage with the door open. Plenty of free, quality light that way.

David,

I have shot many images of jewelry, and have taught classes in table top photography, and have consulted other pro

photographers on how to do this. First, the camera means nothing here, it's the lens. If you are looking at a "point and

shoot" quality camera, then I can't help you. I'm assuming that you want professional results, and therefore professional

equipment will only help you. A macro lens, maybe with a bellows or extension rings will be needed. The real trick in

shooting god jewelry photos (or lust metal in general) is in the lighting control. It's all about light! There are many books

out there that will help you.

Greg Voight, Brooks Institute