"Recommendations for Digital SLR + Lense" Topic

Ok, am finally going to bite the bullet, budjet around £500.00 GBP, primary use for photographing Miniatures within a static light tent/tripod, secondary "table" shots inside at conventions, thirdly family stuff!

This question comes up frequently in the Reaper forums. Here is the latest discussion on upgrading a camera (and a rare thread that stays mostly on topic):
link

This thread talked more about some of the higher end cameras:
link

For that price, I would look for a good digital camera with the best "macro" setting versus a DSLR. The reason being is that most of the really good Macro lenses cost around that price. Like this: link

You might be able to find a decent set up with a Canon or Nikon system which has a decent macro lens for photographing projects depending upon how many MP you want the photos to be and how big you want to be able to blow up the photos. I've got a Canon Rebel XTi 12mp camera with this lens set up: link and it takes very good photos, but for most purposes I don't bother setting it up as for quick postings my iPhone does a decent job.

Unless you are very serious about your photography (and you intend taking it up as a serious hobby in its own right), and this is a test SLR for when you can afford a decent one, I would suggest you take Jovians advice. Look for a top end digital compact automatic with good macro.

I borrowed my sisters SLR (£2000) a while ago. It was far too much trouble for the difference in photo quality; figures, being static, don't need too much technology throwing at them. I happily gave it back to her. I found that lighting was more important, and if I were to invest in my 'wargame photography', that's where I spend my money.

I also agree with Jovian. I use a Nikon 5600 which has a good macro lens for close ups of projects & nature photography of small flowers & insects. It also has a decent zoom lens for birds & other wildlife.

For taking pictures at conventions, of war games, & general family photos, I've been pleasantly surprised with the quality of the camera on my iPad 3.

I found that as others have said, a macro lens, a tripod & good lighting is much more important in taking pleasing photos of miniatures. Besides, the photos always reveal areas you missed painting. :-)

Examples on my blog:

atomicfloozy.com

Elaine

Panasonic's 200 model (forget the exact name) Has a F2.8 lense all through it's 30X range focus. Please note that a Canon G3 will due as well but is priced similarly. The Panasonic is just a great all around camera that you will get more use out of than a camera with a smaller zoom.

There are some great cameras out there that have as bright as a F1.8 that are quite good. Don't be afraid buy used. You don't need a lot of megapixels. The larger the digital sensor (in general) the better the picture as well. Better to have a larger sensor with less megapixels (in general).

Check out Dpreview.com for oodles of camera reviews. You can search by criteria to return available cameras including discontinued ones and read the reviews on what you find.

Cheers guys, maybe not so easy a decision !

If you want a DSLR try looking for a second hand Nikon D90 and a 50mm F1.8. You should be able to do that within your £500.00 GBP budget and have more than enough left over to get a good +2 close-up 'filter'…don't get a cheap & cheerful one; they are n't much cheaper but they are crap.
With your D90, a 50mm lens and the close-up filter you'll be able to just about fill the frame with a 28mm figure. If possible, shoot the figure outside…if it's very sunny move into partial shade.
For game shots you can get surprisingly good results with the on-board flash and a rigid diffuser shoe (a tenner new on fleabay), just so long as you do the brave thing and read the instructions that come with the the shoe AND make the necessary adjustments on the camera.
Also…exposure compensation is your pal; don't be afraid to use it, just remember to re-set it afterwards.
Light tents…it's possible to make a perfectly adequate one at home, but it's a lot of bother when you can get a new one so cheaply, but unless you plan on doing a lot advertising shots of incredibly fabulous figures it's probably not worth the investment. Try bouncing light off white cards instead.