Reel Camera

piscesman · Post by **piscesman** » Mon Nov 29, 2004 8:04 pm

I know this forum is supposed to be about reels but need an answer(s) to this question. What is the best all around camera to take close-up of reels and far away objects. There have been some GREAT photos of RARE reels and would like to duplicate it for my collection. I'm considering around the $300.00 max range. Don't have much more to spend on the camera. Saving it for more REELS! Need to find the best range for megapixals and optical zoom without giving up on quality. Thanks for any help...
Kim

Ron Mc · Post by **Ron Mc** » Mon Nov 29, 2004 8:35 pm

I've gotten used to Olympus digitals at the office.
In general, the settings for macro shots are very important and at $300, you won't likely find a single-lens manual-focussing camera.
Check the specs, for good macro work, you want a camera that will both zoom and autofocus down to about 7" - on Olympus the "macro" and "super macro" focussing modes get you down here.

Steve · Post by **Steve** » Tue Nov 30, 2004 6:11 am

First, if you're talking about pictures just for Web use, you can get away with a cheaper camera, maybe 1-3 megapixels. If you're talking about prints, you'll probably need 2-4 megapixels, depending on print size, etc.

Ron is right about macrofocussing, although I think you should look for a camera that will focus down to a couple of inches or even less.

It took me around a half year to find a camera I like at a price I thought wasn't outrageous--a Sony. Make a list of the specs most important to you, then search for cameras that meet them at review sites like these:
http://orcaonline.org/images/pixel.gif?links.asp
Narrow the list as best you can and, if you expect to buy online, be sure to try some in camera stores before you order anything. Specs are one thing; actual use is another.

Post by **john elder** » Tue Nov 30, 2004 9:19 am

I have an older Kodak 2.1 megapixel camera that has done everything I've needed for the last couple years. Lots of good, lighter ones out there, including a newer model of the Kodak, so check em all out. One thing that was important to me was that it would take double A batteries, rather than a specialty battery that would force me to buy a back-up and make sure it was kept charged...like with the casios. I can pop into any convenience store and fire mine back up again, if the rechargeables go flat on me. Regardless of which you buy, give a look at www.ubid.com for purchase before you throw away money for a good reel. They put overage cameras on in bulk there and you can save some shekels.

piscesman · Post by **piscesman** » Sat Dec 04, 2004 8:26 pm

Thanks for all your responses. I hope to get to a few stores to try out the cameras hands on. There should be a few sales going on after Christmas to help pusuade me to make a decision. I've had the same 35mm for the past 20 years and it has served me well. With the digital age it just can't cut it anymore. Kinda like your favorite shirt. Old and VERY worn but you still can't seem to part with it. Once I make my choice I'll post some pictures. Tight lines to all...
Kim