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MACROPHOTOGRAPHY TOOLS, TIPS & TECHNIQUES FOR DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHERS 2012
7. Live view is a nice feature where you can see the image through the back LCD screen to avoid
parallax error associated with small viewfinders and most compact cameras.
8. A tilting LCD screen makes it easier to view when your subjects are positioned low to the
ground.
9. Consider a waterproof camera for shooting in rain, tide pools and other bodies of water.
10. Choose a camera that offers 24-30 frames per second high definition (HD) video.
11. The camera should include a tripod screw mount to attach the camera to a tripod.
12. Choose a camera with a minimum of 10 megapixels to allow 8 x 10 enlargements or greater.
13. Camera should not be too slippery in your hands some offer rubber grips to prevent the camera
from slipping out of your hands.
14. Ideally the camera should have some means to protect the front of the lens – glass or cover.
15. Select cameras with vibration reduction to reduce camera shake in low light.
Other factors in choosing a compact camera include: styling, size and cost. In general, I recommend
staying with one of the main camera brands for quality and support. There are so many compact
cameras with new models coming out almost weekly that it’s difficult to recommend specific models.
One that I have used with good macrophotography results and is completely waterproof is the Pentax
Optio WG-II. Unfortunately the camera does not offer RAW files, but at about $330 is one of the best
compacts I have used. It includes an intervalometer for time-lapse photography and shoots HD video.
Pentax Optio WG-2 Compact Camera costs about $330 and is waterproof to about 40 feet. Includes LED
lights around the lens and has plastic grips around the edge. Includes a lens zoom with equivalent 28-
140 mm focal length, 16 MP and full HD video at 30 frames per second and the camera can focus as
Robert Berdan | 6