Cameras for Close-Up and Macro
Practically any DSLR will do, as well as some of the newer cameras with interchangeable lenses. This is not to say that macro photography cannot be done with other cameras, but other accessory equipment may be needed. Whatever camera system you use, it should have the capability to be remotely triggered with little or no vibration. To this end, it should also allow for the reflex mirror to be raised out of the optical path well before the shutter is opened. Most modern DSLR’s are capable of this. I have also found that operating the camera remotely by computer is quite helpful, especially for more complex setups. Another thing; I believe that, if your camera will do it, you should always shoot in RAW format, not jpg.
The camera world is changing all the time; right now, in early 2014, the camera options for this type of photography are much greater. The advent of mirrorless cameras and even cell phone cameras has changed the photographic world. Not only can many of these cameras be used for close-up work, but some of them are likely even better than the old standbys. Practically every camera being made today can not only be controlled remotely, usually wirelessly, but increasing numbers of them can send the photographs taken with them directly to storage media or even the web. Remote viewing of what the camera sees is becoming the norm, and the cameras are smaller and lighter. However, image quality sometimes suffers with these cameras, due primarily to their use of smaller sensors. Technology keeps advancing, though, and yesterday's small sensors are often nowhere near as good as today's. Tomorrow looks brighter all the time!
In any case, experiment with the camera(s) you have, and learn what you lack before you rush out to spend lots of money. Sometimes technique is what is lacking, rather than the latest and greatest hardware.
The camera world is changing all the time; right now, in early 2014, the camera options for this type of photography are much greater. The advent of mirrorless cameras and even cell phone cameras has changed the photographic world. Not only can many of these cameras be used for close-up work, but some of them are likely even better than the old standbys. Practically every camera being made today can not only be controlled remotely, usually wirelessly, but increasing numbers of them can send the photographs taken with them directly to storage media or even the web. Remote viewing of what the camera sees is becoming the norm, and the cameras are smaller and lighter. However, image quality sometimes suffers with these cameras, due primarily to their use of smaller sensors. Technology keeps advancing, though, and yesterday's small sensors are often nowhere near as good as today's. Tomorrow looks brighter all the time!
In any case, experiment with the camera(s) you have, and learn what you lack before you rush out to spend lots of money. Sometimes technique is what is lacking, rather than the latest and greatest hardware.
