4 replies to this topic

[Major]

Deleted

Edited by Major, July 25 2018 - 11:15 AM.

[CoolColJ]

The only cheap camera I can think of with macro capabilities out of the box would be the Olympus TG-5

Even the earlier models of the series, Tg3 TG4 etc are similar and cheaper second hand

Then you just need to figure out lighting and flash diffusion

some Tg5 vids




TG2

Edited by CoolColJ, July 8 2018 - 5:43 PM.

[Batspiderfish]

Even cheap cameras may be adapted for macro with lens coupling. You just have to buy a coupling ring that fits your camera and fits any vintage lens you can get your hands on. I'm too poor for macro lenses, so I rely on this technique pretty heavily. If you want to go for a camera with interchangeable lenses, it can get a little pricier, but that opens up the possibility for other cheap macro alternatives like extension tubes and lens reversing. This was made with a mid-range camcorder and an old Minolta 58mm lens coupled over it:



But another important thing to keep in mind is lighting. You can have the best lenses and camera in the world, but without bright, diffuse light, macro will often look pretty "meh". You can find used flashes for pretty cheap, and they generally come with more than one way to interface with your camera (i.e. PC sync cables for use with most camera brands). Diffusion can be assisted with reflectors or by draping tissue paper over the front of the flash.

Edited by Batspiderfish, July 8 2018 - 8:16 PM.

[CoolColJ]

Well a Raynox 250 or 150 (less magnification, but easier to use with high zoom lens) and a second hand super zoom camera, like a Canon Sx40 HS can be pretty cheap
Something with 100mm or more lens

Edited by CoolColJ, July 8 2018 - 10:20 PM.

[Major]

Thanks