Rye, I need your opinion

[j21kickster]

Rye-
Im looking into a digital camera for my grad present-
I was considering the Nikon Coolpix 5700- i like the fact that it has a 8X optical zoom and would be awesome at macroshots-
Basicly im looking for a camera that can take awesome macroshots and can focus at very short distances- is ther another nikon setup you might suggest and just buy a diferent lense the features are nice but High resolution- very focused macro shots is what im shooting for. Any suggestions? im lookind to spend around 1000 max

 

[ryebread]

The 5700 is an awesome camera. I would like you to know that the macro however, can not be used at all focal lengths of that big zoom. The less you have that particular camera zoomed in.....the better the sharpness on the macro mode.
If you are not interested in the 5 megapixel range.......I might consider the Nikon Coolpix 4500. The macro mode on the 4500 is actually superior the that of the 5700. It is a 4 megapixel camera but, there are a slew of accessories available for it. There is a neat little thing that you can get for the 4500 called a Cool Light that is specifically for macro shooting.....it's basically a ring of bright lights that go around the lens barrel to light up your very close subject.....awesome little toy!
You can also get lots of lenses for the 4500 that will give it equal or greater zoom ranges than the 5700. (for less money too)
Let me know if you have any questions.
Ryan

 

[rabid frog]

I just bought a 5700 and I am pretty happy with the macro on it I've posted some pics of macro stuff let me know if there is anything in particular that you want and I will try to do my best for ya.

 

[j21kickster]

thanks guys, so the 4500 would take better macros, thanks, that is what i needed to know

 

[j21kickster]

also what camera were you using when you shot the pics of your linckia, and the macro shot of the pink zooanthids?

 

[ryebread]

Nikon D100 with either my 24-85 lens or 60mm macro + external flash.

 

[j21kickster]

do you know of any online dealers where i can buy different lenses- i found several lenses like fish eys, and wide angle lenses but no zoom lenses-
I was considering Nikon b/c of their rep and picture quality- is there anyother camera you mights suggest for great macro shots, or it the 4500 pretty good? (within 1,000$)

 

[ryebread]

The 4500 is awesome for that stuff.......seriously.
As far as the zoom lenses go........there are only zoom lenses for SLR cameras. The standard digital cameras like the 4500, 5700, etc.. take just add on lenses that magnify the original lens. No zooms available for those kind of cameras.

 

[j21kickster]

thanks- do you recomend buying online- or should i go to the store?

 

[ryebread]

Reputable online stores are right in line with in-store prices.....up to you.
Just don't go find a "good deal" somewhere online that is super cheap compared to everywhere else.....there is always a catch.

 

[rabid frog]

man I want to get me a slr, Then I did some reading in a article and it was talking about slr's vs the more mega pixlel is better theory, about slr's having larger sensor sizes and such, and of course the lens qualities. I probably should have waited and saved another grand for a slr but I wanted a new toy and the 5700 fit in the budget at the time, but I deffinatley see and slr in my future, I just have to talk the wife into it.

 

[j21kickster]

would you recomend an external flash for tank shots? how do you position yours so that you dont get a glare from the tank?