Help with a purchase of a camera

[Runnin' Rebel]

I am looking at a Nikon 3100 or something similar. I want to take very good close up pics of watches, coins and small items like that, HELP ME PLEASE. If you can think of of a better model or manufacture please let me know. I'm totally confused on what to get. Telephoto lens too would be good, I'm really lost. At least a 3-4 inch screen would be nice. Needs to be easy to understand on how to work, like point and shoot type thing. Do they normally come with a SD card? Should I get lens filters? If I go to Best Buy they are nothing but in a hurry to to just sell you something. Needs to be easy and understandable. HD movie capability would be ok as well, but not a big deal. I just don't want to get aggravated over this.
Thank you very much
MARK

[GradyPhilpott]

For what you say you want your camera for, I think that the D3100 would be a good choice.

What you need regardless of the camera is a good macro lens.

Nikon has come out with a rather inexpensive 40mm model, but it probably is too short for most of the work you would be doing.

Jocke who is a master of macro photography recommends the 105mm.

Here is a link to Nikon micro lenses. Nikon calls macro lenses micro lenses, so don't be confused.

http://www.nikonusa.com/Nikon-Produc...cro/index.page

You will need to buy an SD card.

A filter will help to protect your precious lens and it is a good idea to not try and cut corners on your filters. Even the expensive ones are cheap compared to a lens. Think coated UV filters. There are others, but you can learn about them later.

If you want movie capability, you will need to step up to the D5100.

Best Buy has some good deals and I've bought lenses there, but it is a good idea to form a good working relationship with a local camera dealer who can offer you good solid advice. The premium you pay for your equipment can really pay off.

Others will chime in I'm sure.

[Runnin' Rebel]

Thanks Grady

[GradyPhilpott]

It's always a pleasure!

[GradyPhilpott]

Whoops!

I need to correct myself.

The D3100 does have 1080p movie capability.

Sorry for the error.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond3100/

[gqllc]

you need a good macro lens...mine is 100mm because I have Canon gear. Then a good light tent with lights....

[Runnin' Rebel]

Thanks Steve, all this is helping me immensely.

[masterserg]

IMO, the choice of body is almost irrelevant these days, except for autofocus, but since you want it for static things that I assume will be well illuminated, it is not that critical.

You'll do well with a cheaper body (such as the d3100) and saving your money towards a good fast lens like the nikon micro 105 f2.8. Get a good anti-reflective UV filter such as the Hoya HD (make sure you get the correct filter thread size: for this one it is 62mm) .. they are expensive but worth it.

For cards, the SanDisk Extreme or Extreme Pro work great for me, and I find 8gigs more than enough.

I'd recommend Amazon or B&H. They have great return policies so you can check the gear out and make sure it is what you are looking for.

Sorry, don't know much about Canon or other brands but I am sure there are equally good choices.

[Runnin' Rebel]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

For what you say you want your camera for, I think that the D3100 would be a good choice.

What you need regardless of the camera is a good macro lens.

Nikon has come out with a rather inexpensive 40mm model, but it probably is too short for most of the work you would be doing.

Jocke who is a master of macro photography recommends the 105mm.

Here is a link to Nikon micro lenses. Nikon calls macro lenses micro lenses, so don't be confused.

http://www.nikonusa.com/Nikon-Produc...cro/index.page

You will need to buy an SD card.

A filter will help to protect your precious lens and it is a good idea to not try and cut corners on your filters. Even the expensive ones are cheap compared to a lens. Think coated UV filters. There are others, but you can learn about them later.

If you want movie capability, you will need to step up to the D5100.

Best Buy has some good deals and I've bought lenses there, but it is a good idea to form a good working relationship with a local camera dealer who can offer you good solid advice. The premium you pay for your equipment can really pay off.

Others will chime in I'm sure.

Well, Jocke doesn't really give up his trade secrets to often from what I've noticed, His pictures are off the chart that's for sure

[Jocke]

Mark I hope you not will be too disappointed but listen to my advise.

Get a Nikon CoolPix P500 instead of a DSLR to start with. Because shooting watches with a DSLR is a pain at the start.
I will say 95% of the guys with no or little photographing experience will give up after one week. When I shoot watches all my
setting is manual because the auto mode will not give a proper result.

But if you not listen to me so is the trick a good lens and the lens can be used when you upgrade the camera so not
look for the cheap ones. I use a Nikon D300s with 105mm macro lens to watches and when I travel I use a Nikon 18-200mm
lens. All lenses should have a UV filter from day one to protect the glass from scratches.

So IMHO look for a Nikon CoolPix P500 to start with and see if you been interested of photographing. Then when
you feel ready to take the step over to the DSLR world maybe the Nikon D90 can be a great entry model with a 105mm lens.

Just my 3 mp's

[Runnin' Rebel]

Thank you Sir Jocke

[matt4hand]

I bought this earlier this year after about a month of research. I love it! And even a goof like me can operate it.

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-10-2MP-D.../dp/B0012OGF6Q
Nikon d60

[snowbird]

If you get the D3100, the 18-35mm kit lens that comes with it is a decent starter macro lens . . . not a true macro lens but you can use it get some good watch pictures.

[paddy_crow]

Having been brought up on a Leica M3, I've never been a fan of SLRs. I am waiting to see what happens in the mirrorless market before I spring for an interchangeable lens digital camera.

[JasoninDenver]

If you go with a Nikon dslr, i highly recommend their 16-85mm lens as a one lens solution for 90% of your work.

[figbo]

I bought my wife a Cannon T2i,18mpx,1080p movies and really easy to use,at least that what she said 'cause she won't let me touch it.

[Runnin' Rebel]

Thanks everyone, I'm on a new mission now !!

[Runnin' Rebel]

Originally Posted by matt4hand

I bought this earlier this year after about a month of research. I love it! And even a goof like me can operate it.

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-10-2MP-D.../dp/B0012OGF6Q
Nikon d60

950 bucks !! Does it let you get close up shots Matt ?

Post some so I can see how clear it gets when your close to the dial of your cool new Yacht-Master that you brushed. When you get a chance.
Thanks

[Passionata]

DSLR is nice but a good bridge is nicer ,
Panasonic LX5,you won t regret.

[JimSnyder]

I have the Nikon D40 and my daughter has the 3100 which replaced the D40, they are both great cameras.

[Dr.Brian]

I just got the new Sony NEX 5N. It's capability is somewhere between the point and shoot and the new generation DSLRs, but much smaller and easier to carry around. It's feature packed and offers 3 dedicated lenses now, and 3 more on the way in the next year. It also has an adaptor available for other lenses. I'm not a photographer, but it takes great photos, and replaced our DSLR because of portability. Others may be able to explain the advantages of the mirrorless tech and other features. Give it a look. The basic system with zoom and macro should be under $1000.

[masterserg]

I did try the 5n at a sony store and I really liked it. I am rarely using my nikon d300 and lenses out of the house since i can't be bothered with the weight and bulk. that is definitely a variable to consider (I ordered and returned a fuji x100 by the way).

[gqllc]

Originally Posted by Passionata

DSLR is nice but a good bridge is nicer ,
Panasonic LX5,you won t regret.

I have the lx5 and it is my NEW favorite point and shoot. I have been a Canon user since the mid 70's

[mfer]

If you plan on doing post proc with lightroom, ps, etc, I'd recommending going Canon. Their raw files are handled better than Nikon's. You have to use Nikon's software and convert to TIFF if you want to use the lightroom or ps if you don't want to lose your camera settings.

Now, if you just shoot in jpg or don't care about post proc, either is fine.

I'm saying this as a Nikon owner. Kind of ticked.

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by matt4hand

I bought this earlier this year after about a month of research. I love it! And even a goof like me can operate it.

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-10-2MP-D.../dp/B0012OGF6Q
Nikon d60

That's way too much for a D60.

Some sellers start gouging the hell out of prices on discontinued cameras and such.

Jocke's suggestion is a good one, as he's about as good as they come at that genre, and any of the lower tier dSLRs would be good, too, with the right macro lens.

[masterserg]

Originally Posted by mfer

If you plan on doing post proc with lightroom, ps, etc, I'd recommending going Canon. Their raw files are handled better than Nikon's. You have to use Nikon's software and convert to TIFF if you want to use the lightroom or ps if you don't want to lose your camera settings.

Now, if you just shoot in jpg or don't care about post proc, either is fine.

I'm saying this as a Nikon owner. Kind of ticked.

Are you sure? I use Nikon and have no problem loading RAW straight into Lightroom ... (though I mostly shot JPG).

EDIT, sorry ... missed the part about the camera settings ... I don't know about that .. as said, I mostly shot JPG as I can't be bothered with RAW.

[GradyPhilpott]

Never mind.

[mrloneranger]

I've got that very camera d3100. I'm not an expert but I wanted something that takes a nice shot. It certainly won't dissapoint. I do suggest you have a few practice runs first. I found my first few (hundred) pics weren't the best. Read the manual and get an idea of what all the functions are for then just keep practicing.
My camera came with the 18-55 lens kit and although it's fine it lacked the zoom I'm after. I'd like the 18-200 but it's quite pricey at £500 so I'll probably opt for the 55-200 that's about £200.
Like people have said it's more than just the camera. You'll be buying tripods, filters and all sorts before you know it.

[Runnin' Rebel]

On any of the above suggestions, can you keep the shutter open for an extended period of time so you can take a pic in little or no light. I hope I explained this right. Like if I wanted to do a lume shot in a room with very little light, would it work with just the lume light and pick up a great shot of the dial with just the lume ?
Thanks everyone
Mark

[xjeeunitx]

I'd rather go for Canon Rebel T2i for that price.