Help Please!

[jaydeeare]

I am looking to take good quality macro shots on a copy stand using a compact digital camera.

I wish the camera to remain permanently fitted to the copy stand, permanently connected directly to my PC where I can immediately download the pictures and make any necessary adjustments prior to saving them without removing/refitting the USB cable.

I'm looking for around 14MP, cost no more than around £250.00, simple to use, good range of ISO, White Balance, Macro/Super Macro capability, able to take pictures whilst still connected to a PC and with a charger being able to be connected whilst in situ.

Obviously, I do not want to use my D-SLR because as I have stated, I want this camera to be permanently connected and setup for these shots.

Can anyone recommend a suitable camera, please?

[ianpinion]

Hello jaydeeare,

I think the best performing compact camera for macro shots that is within your budget would be the Canon Powershot 120IS. It's capable of focusing on an object placed just 1cm from the lens, it is direct to tv or pc compatible too. For the money, few will better it's performance.

[jaydeeare]

Thanks Ian. so I can still take shots with the camera connected directly to the PC? If so, then I'll certainly tke a serious look at it.

Thanks again.

[ianpinion]

Hi jaydeeare,

Well let's just say that it's not mentioned anywhere that you can't. I think you may need a memory card in the camera for it to work and then you can use software to constantly pull the images from the card as you shoot, if that makes sense. I think it's more about having the correct interface between the camera and the pc for it to work.

[chris-p]

Originally Posted by jaydeeare

I wish the camera to remain permanently fitted to the copy stand, permanently connected directly to my PC where I can immediately download the pictures and make any necessary adjustments prior to saving them without removing/refitting the USB cable.

I'm looking for around 14MP, cost no more than around £250.00, simple to use, good range of ISO, White Balance, Macro/Super Macro capability, able to take pictures whilst still connected to a PC and with a charger being able to be connected whilst in situ.

Can anyone recommend a suitable camera, please?

Erm, you're also going to need software to allow it to shoot tethered... Breeze Systems do software that would allow you to use most of the Canon Powershot range tethered and it's US$95.
A full list of Canon compacts supported is here.

[jaydeeare]

Thanks This is very useful information, and certainly worth looking into.

thanks for your time.