----------------
On 10/13/2003 11:30:39 AM
I'm .....eyeing the Canon Powershot A70. Is it good for taking close-up shots of plants and fish? And anyone knows where to find the best deals on Canon digicams? TIA
----------------
Hi Himyick,
The PowerShot 'A-series' are Canon's entry-level digital cameras. However, despite being an entry level camera, The Canon A70 has manual controls including aperture and shutter priority as well as selectable sensitivity, focus modes, metering modes, white balance (important for aquatic photography), photo effects and three minute movie clips. This will definitely make it a good general purpose 3.2 MP digital camera.
As for taking close up shots of aquatic plants and fishes, it really depends on your requirements. Macro shots for discussion, meaning just to give your audience an idea of what you are talking about, should not really be a problem. Aquatic images suitable for magazine publication will be a serious challenge.
Do take note that the maximum aperture is only F8 (as with most digital compact camers) and that the focusing range of this camera is as follows:
• Normal: 46 cm - Infinity (1.5 ft - Infinity)
• Macro (Wide): 5 - 46 cm (2.0 - 18.1 in)
• Macro (Tele): 26 - 46 cm (10.2 - 18.1 in)
If you really can't get close enough to your fishes, remember that you can always crop down the picture to get a larger image of the fish. A 600 pixel wide picture is already very large for internet presentation.
Pictures of plants are easier, especially if you switch off the filter to prevent them from swaying to the current. Full tank shots should also be no problem for the Canon A70.
As for where to get a good deal, I think prices these days are pretty much controlled. Peninsula Plaza area have several good discount camera shops around, MS Color (Ang Mo Kio), John 3:16 (Funan), as well as Alan Photo (Sim Lim Square) are often quoted by consumers for good pricing (service may vary). Check the threads at www.clubsnap.com if you want to know more about these shops and current market prices. Check the yellow pages for shop telephone and exact addresses. Do take note that Christmas promotions is just around the corner.
At the end of the day, a good support (steady hands or tripod) and controlling reflection is the key to good aquatic photography.
Enjoy!!
Cheers,
I have dwarf cichlids in my tanks! Do you?
Bookmarks