Taking pictures without going broke.?

I would like to start taking pictures of plants and animals at close up range. Dew drops on flowers, dragon flies on branch, wild flowers in the woods type pictures. Need to know what type of simple set up I can get, to get me started other than my 5.1 megapixel digital cannon. Is there a camera that I can buy with attachments to start this project without having to spend thousands. Would like to stay digital for downloading purposes. Thanks

Taking pictures without going broke.?
I don't know what you mean by "attachments" so I won't address that now. However, Canon has a nice little camera that goes for $308 and it looks like a SLR (but does NOT have interchangealbe lens capacity) and it's lens is 12X. Check it out at www.beachcamera.com and also see what the price is for the SD memory card, which you can also compare with tigerdirect.com and with newegg.com for the lowest prices (look for Scandisk Ultra II).



If you want something with interchangeable lens capacity at a relatively good price, consider getting the used Nikon D70S with the kit lens at a VERY reasonable price at www.keh.com or at www.bhphotovideo.com and see what you can find.



Alternatively, if you're want something a bit better (10 mp), consider the Nikon D80 with the Nikkor 18-135mm AF DX "G" lens which will cost you $1,170 at www.beachcamera.com



I believe that the Canon 30D approximates the Nikon D80 in features, but you'll have to speak with someone more familiar with Canon gear to confirm this if you wish to stay with the Canon brand; also check with www.beachcamera.com or with www.bhphotovideo.com for best prices.
Reply:can you sell your canon for a better canon?

the dragonflies on a branch pix sounds gorgeous...

i have a casio exilim..and just took pix of butterfly on flower..that was really pretty...prettier than i expected.
Reply:Hello. I tried taking macro shots with a Canon A520, but no matter how I did it they didn't come through well. Recently I bought a Panasonic DMC LZ4, and that baby took my coin shots really well. So if it can do that, I'm sure it'll do well. I did take some shots of daffodils and such, but I really needed a mini tripod, a plastic sheet and such to get down on my belly to do it. Just fooling around I did some jelly beans shots, and they came out so nice and clear. I've also just gotten a Kodak Z612 (6mp and 12x zoom optical), and I imagine I'll be able to do well with it also. You could get you a wide angle adapter and the connector for it to fit. You could do some nice shots that way. So if you want to do close ups, do yourself a favor and get a mini tripod (like Velbon's DF-10ML... or even the OSN mini tripod at Walmart). They have the ability to go from 10/12" to 25" and splay their legs. Remember that you MUST turn off your flash when at close range. Hope this helps.
Reply:Depends on the model of digital Cannon camera you have, check the site below. It's the Cannon site and it will have a list of where to buy the attachments if any for your camera.
Reply:Your camera may have a 'macro' mode. If so, try it.



If that doesn't get close enough to satisfy you, get a digital SLR such as the Canon Rebel series and attachments that help you shoot macro photos. Always use a tripod for macro shots.



A dedicated macro lens is the highest quality option, but is expensive. A cheaper but still high quality option is to get a set of extension tubes and use them with your normal lenses. Extension tubes go between the camera and the lens to make the lens focus (much) closer. Don't get 'diopter' close-up filters, they are way too soft and give poor results.



Your extension tubes don't need to be the same brand as your camera, because extension tubes contain no glass. Any known brand will do, just don't get a brand you have never heard of. I do most of my macro shooting with a Canon digital SRL and Canon 24-85 or 70 -200 zooms. I use Kenko brand tubes and am very happy with them.



(I'm the Educational Coordinator for my camera club...)
Reply:Just contact me. You have 90% in your hand, only 10% needed, to spend time and if you like to pay, pay some money to me.



For that mail @ vapvk@yahoo.com

What are some of the best hotels