Newbie - First Post

[JCOX]

Originally posted by simon1969@Dec 5 2003, 09:26 AM
Jim,

Joe seems to be otherwise engaged at the moment, so allow me to explain

Macro is just a photographic/techy word for Close-up, simple as that
what it means in real terms is that a camera with Macro capabilities can focus on a subject as close as 4cm (in the case of the Coolpix) to the front of the lens. Useful in our field as our subjects are so small!

Cheers

simon

Thanks for the info Simon.

Please forgive me for belaboring this (I'm actively shopping online!), but macro doesn't seem to be an obvious feature listed on any given camera. I'm currently looking at circuit city's site (www.circuitcity.com) using their compare feature for different digital cams. Is there some other verbiage/terms I should be looking for? Is this a common feature to most digital cameras?

Just want to make sure I get a camera that will be able to present good pics to the forum!

-jim

 

[simon1969]

Jim,
No worries mate, always willing to help if I can

I just had a look at that site and you need to be looking in Product Specs -> Other Features (at the bottom of the list). If the camera has it, it'll be listed there!

Happy shopping! (be sure to check the reviews on Steves Digicams when you think you've made your choice - most have a selection of sample photos at the end in all the available modes of the particular camera - including the Macro!)

Simon

BTW, I should probably add that you might want to steer clear of any camera that is under 2 mega pixels if you want to be able to use it for general use as well. Print quality under that would not be too good.

 

[JCOX]

Simon and Joe,

Thanks for all your help guys, I'll keep you posted!

-jim

 

[MSzwarc]

Keith,

I've been using a borrowed Coolpix 775, and am looking at getting a Coolpix 2100, which I believe is the updated 775 based on the specs. I have to agree, it's an easy camera to use, and takes great pics for posting to the web. The combination of macro and the ability to zoom make it perfect for detail pics of figures. You can also set it up to take web-ready pics that have a smaller file size, which allows you to get more shots on the memory card.

Mike Szwarc

 

[simon1969]

Originally posted by KeithP@Dec 5 2003, 04:44 PM
I bought a Nikon Coolpix 2100 about 6 months ago (does have a macro, btw). Photo's (except Craig's Drying Box) in my folder in the gallery are from the coolpix. The Wolf Souvenier Hunter was literally my first session with it.

Keith,

Am I glad you told us that . My only worry with buying myself the 2100 was the inability to control the depth of field, but judging by your photos I don't need to worry!
The 2nd photo of the Pz commander for instance, shows the figure & most of the groundwork in focus, so I can now say the DOF in macro will be perfectly adequate for my needs! If you can remember, can you tell me what lighting situation these shots were taken with?

cheers

Simon

 

[simon1969]

Originally posted by KeithP@Dec 5 2003, 05:15 PM
BTW, how do you get that "quote" thing-ee to work?!

HeHe!

First click the quote button in the top right corner of the post you want to quote, then, when you're in the "posting" screen, underneath the box where you write your post, there's a box with the post you are quoting, select & delete anything you don't want, & voila!

Alternatively, to quote several different posts, select the quote button whilst writing your post then scroll down to the post(s) you want and copy/paste the bits you want to quote (dont forget to close the tag though!)
You can do this with as many posts as you want.

Thanks for the info on the photo's, got me hankering after a Christmas bonus!!!!

Cheers

Simon

 

[simon1969]

Folks-

I just realized that I gave you all some incorrect info.

The Nikon that I have is the Coolpix 3100 and not the 2100.

The 3100 has 3.2 mega pixels and not 2 only like the Coolpix 2100.

Sorry if I put you on the wrong track!

Keith

DOH!

Ok, so maybe I'll hope for a bigger christmas bonus then!!

Simon