Camera for macro/close-up?

[alphas]

Looking for recommendations for a camera with good macro/close up abilities.
Not really willing to step up to a DSLR,as I need to soon purchase two cameras.One that is waterproof for fishing/kayaking shots,and this one for close up shots of high quality.
Need it for detailed shots of reel components.

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

[MattyBoy]

Hey Alphas, I'm using a Panasonic Lumix LX3 which has the best lens in the range of high end compacts. An f2 24mm Leica with macro is pretty impressive ... also has HD Video all in a nice little package ... I ditched my DSLR for this and am glad I did.

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r...s/P1010496.jpg

[Beasty breambo]

id go a lumix FT2 they are waterproof, shockproof and freezproof, 14.2 mp and they take really clear pics
very glad i bought 1

[Sav02]

Originally Posted by MattyBoy

Hey Alphas, I'm using a Panasonic Lumix LX3 which has the best lens in the range of high end compacts. An f2 24mm Leica with macro is pretty impressive ... also has HD Video all in a nice little package ... I ditched my DSLR for this and am glad I did.

http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r...s/P1010496.jpg

awsome shots, where and roughly how much did you pay for your camera, im looking for a similar set up as well

[MattyBoy]

I paid around $680 when they first came out. They are about $400 now as the newer LX5 is out for around $630 ... they share the same lens, but a slightly different sensor and a bit more compact. Excellent for low light conditions with that f2 wide angle lens which also helps in tight spaces such as boats. Full manual control if required ... there are quite a few reviews online ... they take a pretty good fish pic too ... I love it!!!!
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r...s/P1000274.jpg

[Sav02]

Originally Posted by MattyBoy

I paid around $680 when they first came out. They are about $400 now as the newer LX5 is out for around $630 ... they share the same lens, but a slightly different sensor and a bit more compact. Excellent for low light conditions with that f2 wide angle lens which also helps in tight spaces such as boats. Full manual control if required ... there are quite a few reviews online ... they take a pretty good fish pic too ... I love it!!!!
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r...s/P1000274.jpg

thats awsome mate cheers for that, i know where my pay is going next week

[alphas]

Thanks Mattyboy and beastybreambo,appreciate the advice.
"they share the same lens, but a slightly different sensor and a bit more compact. Excellent for low light conditions with that f2 wide angle lens which also helps in tight spaces such as boats."Exactly the kind of input I was looking for mate,alot of the macro stuff will be taken under fluorescent lighting.
Do you think the extra for the LX5 is justified??

[MattyBoy]

Originally Posted by alphas

Thanks Mattyboy and beastybreambo,appreciate the advice.
"they share the same lens, but a slightly different sensor and a bit more compact. Excellent for low light conditions with that f2 wide angle lens which also helps in tight spaces such as boats."Exactly the kind of input I was looking for mate,alot of the macro stuff will be taken under fluorescent lighting.
Do you think the extra for the LX5 is justified??

I've not read the full review but for the price difference of $200+ .. I'd buy a few extras for the LX3 .. a good soft shower proof pouch like the Lowepro Apex 60AW fits nice and can take a few bits in there too. The official Lumix accessories are as dear as poison such as a viewfinder for $390 ... thats not a typo!!!!!

Ta
Matt

[alphas]

LX3 on fee-bay is bloody cheap at the mo..may very well do as you mentioned and buy some add-ons with the change.

Really appreciate the responses mate,thanks.

[yellow door 1]

I could never use a DSLR -

I'm like a Wild-West gunslinger when it comes to taking shots - I need "quick draw" capabilities and I wear my camera in a holster on my right hip.

If I'm flying solo and I see a "face off" between a Nankeens Night Heron and a water rat - I holster my rod in the tool belt and in the same fluid motion - quickdraw the camera out and blast off a shot

They never turn out the way I planned - but I'd never have got close if I was trying to get a DSLR out of a back-pack

I sometimes weep in admiration, while staring intently at clarity and depth of field achieved by DSLR cameras. But I can also appreciate candid shots that can be achieved with a "Quick-Draw Point and Shoot"

They may not be bewdiful but they capture a moment that may have otherwise passed

[forsterfisho]

Originally Posted by yellow door 1

I could never use a DSLR -

I'm like a Wild-West gunslinger when it comes to taking shots - I need "quick draw" capabilities and I wear my camera in a holster on my right hip.

If I'm flying solo and I see a "face off" between a Nankeens Night Heron and a water rat - I holster my rod in the tool belt and in the same fluid motion - quickdraw the camera out and blast off a shot

They never turn out the way I planned - but I'd never have got close if I was trying to get a DSLR out of a back-pack

I sometimes weep in admiration, while staring intently at clarity and depth of field achieved by DSLR cameras. But I can also appreciate candid shots that can be achieved with a "Quick-Draw Point and Shoot"

They may not be bewdiful but they capture a moment that may have otherwise passed

or blow the budget and run 2 cameras...a point and shoot and a DSLR!

I use a cannon....something. its step up from a point and shoot but not a DSLR, plenty of settings to play with tho and takes some top pics!

[yellow door 1]

Originally Posted by forsterfisho

or blow the budget and run 2 cameras...a point and shoot and a DSLR!

I use a cannon....something. its step up from a point and shoot but not a DSLR, plenty of settings to play with tho and takes some top pics!

My average landbased session involves a bit of "Parkour" and "Running from the Law"

You need to travel light, think fast and make good decisions - no bulky cameras allowed