Can you please... digital camera questions

I really need a digital camera and I think the best way for me to decide is to get all of your opinions on which is the best one for taking model shots and full scale car shots. I was wondering if you guys could post a picture of a model car and then tell me what camera was used to take the picture. I want something about mid range with reasonable macro performance. I was thinking the Canon Powershot S400, what do you all think??

This is what i use.
http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/159143Camerabox.jpg

Ah this old chestnut!!
I think it's all a matter of personal preference as to what you should get, but DO ensure it has at least got a decent macro feature also a zoom capability would be good to have as well

i use a sony cyber-shot p31... it's not the best camera but i am very satisfied.. the only bad thing about it is that it don't have a macro mode. but there is ways around that. your not gunna get the best image, but all you have to do is crop and inhance the area that you want a close up off. for 250$ there is no way that i can complain..

here is a picture of the camera
http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/826124DSC00726-1.JPG

and here is a picture that i inhanced

http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/675869DSC00675-1.JPG

good luck with what ever camera you decide to get.. jason

This is what I use :

You can't go wrong with Nikon
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikoncp950/images/front_view.jpg

i got a Canon Powershot S200 for x-mas i like it alot it takes nice pictures for a 2.0 megapixel very easy to use and not a bulky tank

I just got a new digital camera. A Kodak LS443 4.0 mega pixel camera. It takes very good pictures and there so clean...

omg BOOSTD, u still havent decided yet?

Ok, dpreview is a good website that I have pointed out to you at the beginning to do your research but there are certain things that you have to ignore about them like the macro reviews and reports.

You will notice that most dcams that they reviewed, they gave average only macro scores. That's becos they tend to compare the macros to those of of much higher quality and SLRs.

If you played around with 10cm macro dcams, you will find that it will give you more then satisfactory results.

S400 has 5cm macro capability which is very good when it comes to taking extreme closeups of your model kits.

You wont go wrong getting the S400.

I have used other dcams with 10cm and I am still using the canon IXUS V3 with 10cm macro also.

Click on my signature to Merc Team to see some of my close up shots.

Do bear in mine that when doing macro shots, you really need to hold the camera very steadily, otherwise no dcams will give you good shots.

Also, some members have pointed out certain ways you can get around macro shots by using softwares, this is another good way too.

If the S400 is within your budget, get it! Double check to see if it has 5cm macro, i think it has.
Also, bring your model to the shop and get the S400 tested before you buy to play safe.

Good luck!

Thanks everyone and especially Chain for the helpful advice. I think I will go for the Powershot S400. The reason I wasnt sure about this camera was because of the macro review on dpreview being very average. Now that I know it is more than capable of taking good model photos I dont think I can go wrong with it. Thanks again guys.

Originally posted by BOOSTD
Thanks everyone and especially Chain for the helpful advice. I think I will go for the Powershot S400. The reason I wasnt sure about this camera was because of the macro review on dpreview being very average. Now that I know it is more than capable of taking good model photos I dont think I can go wrong with it. Thanks again guys.

Make sure you look around different shops before you decide. Looking at stats' on the net isn't really the best way of deciding on this sort of investment. See which ones feel good in your hands, how easy to features are to use etc. If you can afford a decent quality Nikon, I hear that have a VERY good macro range.

I use a Sony DSC-P7 (out of production now, but the DSC-P72 and DSC-P8 are basically the same, just updated slightly) and I've found it to be very easy to use, and it takes great photos.

http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/845238Interior(2).JPG
http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/244869FrontSuspension(1).JPG

Anytime BOOSTD, sorry couldnt help you earlier.

christofurr, I think he wants macro performance more importantly and although the S400 is slightly more expensive than the SONYs, it will suit BOOSTD's needs.
Both the SONYs you've mentioned are at max 10cm macro range whereas the S400 has got 5cm. U get much closer shots.
However, if I am short of cash, the SONY would be my choice.

All in all, really boils down to how much you can afford and what kind of features and functions we are looking for.

Wish I had bought the S400 instead of the V3 :(

Originally posted by Chain
Anytime BOOSTD, sorry couldnt help you earlier.

christofurr, I think he wants macro performance more importantly and although the S400 is slightly more expensive than the SONYs, it will suit BOOSTD's needs.
Both the SONYs you've mentioned are at max 10cm macro range whereas the S400 has got 5cm. U get much closer shots.
However, if I am short of cash, the SONY would be my choice.

All in all, really boils down to how much you can afford and what kind of features and functions we are looking for.

Wish I had bought the S400 instead of the V3 :(

That is true. Although anything with 10cm or less usually does the job. It just means you have to be aware of how close you can be to the subject.

I think most of the Nikons have a slightly closer marco range than the Canons don't they? I think I've read something saying they were around about the 4cm range?

Originally posted by christofurr


That is true. Although anything with 10cm or less usually does the job. It just means you have to be aware of how close you can be to the subject.

I think most of the Nikons have a slightly closer marco range than the Canons don't they? I think I've read something saying they were around about the 4cm range?

Damn right u are christofurr! :)

If compare price for price, the nikons have the upper hand. Most if not all their models are equipped with 4cm macro features.

Then again, all these are subjected to preference.
For me I bought the V3 becos of the size and the metal casing.
Just wanted to carry a small compact dcam with me and back then it didnt cross my mind about macro features.
The rest of the cameras on display werent as attractive than the V3 and canon didnt have the S400 nor the nikon coolpix SQ.

Some user here say that Nikon are too expensive, that's not really true

a Coolpix 950 2Mpix can be found easyly under 500$US.

I looked on Ebay, ant it's easy to find it under 250$US.. at that price, none camera will beat it.


And yes, Nikon have the best Macro on the market.

If you are not afraid about a manual of 150 pages, Coolpix series (950 990 or 995) is an incredible choice

BOOSTD,

If you haven't made up your mind yet, you might want to take a look at the Olympus C-7XX series. I noticed no one has mentioned it yet but in my opinion, you get a lot for what you pay. I have the C-730 and in macro mode, I can get as close as under 5cm. Also, it has a very long zoom, 10X optical (about 380mm in 35mm camera terms). It's great for not only car model pictures and any pictures for that matter. Only Nikon comes close to it. Be fore warned though that the camera has so much functions you will have to read a 300+ manual to use the camera to its full potential.

Cheers,

Reveller

I'd go with either Nikon or Olympus for digital cameras. I have an Olympus C 2040 and it takes great pics.