[paulstan]

Most of my photography is macro... Is the Fujifilm S5 Pro a good choice? And what lens would you suggest?

[JMitchell]

It's a good camera, but with the prices of the Nikon D300 dropping fast, (they're almost the same now) perhaps that's also one to look at?

[Markulous]

Whilst I really like the S5 Pro for it's apparent dynamic range (with that 'twin' sensor), I wouldn't necessarily think of it as a macro camera (but then what manfacturer is?!). Seeing as it's a Nikon D200 in all respects (aside from sensor/software) you have the extensive Nikon lens range from which to choose, as well as 3rd party (I use a Sigma 105mm macro lens, for instance).

Be interested in what anyone else suggests, Paul, especially as I don't know the S5 beyond handling it at Focus!

[WOODY]

THE S5PRO IS A D200, AS FUJI USE THE D200 BODY, THEREFOR I WOULD BE MORE
INCLINED TO GO FOR A D2OO. AS PRICES GO THEY ARE ABOUT EQUAL AT THE MOMENT.

IF YOUR ARE GOING TO BUY A CAMERA THAT USES NIKKOR LENSES THEN YOU MIGHT AS WELL BUY A NIKON.

[Dabhand16]

The D200 prices are dropping now that the D300 price is also coming down. Good VFM buy

[AQ]

I always thought that macro is more about the lens than the camera body. All the modern DSLR should be fine for what you need. As suggested the Sigma 105 macro is good, The canon 100 mm f2.8 macro is also very good. I guess that Nikon have their own as well.

I would suggest that you look at all the main cameras and see which one feels best in your hands. You may also want to consider the focal length of the lenses available for the body you choose. That would depend on what your subjects are.

[slipstream]

With prices of second hand D200 very good at the moment, see if you can pick up a decent one for around the £500 mark. I bought my one with grip for £525 before Xmas 07.

[spxxxx]

It may be the same body as the D200 but the sensor is far better than the D200 (no I don't use Nikon) - but weather the Fuji advantage on skin tones etc will aide in macro is debatable.

[VinnyP]

The Sensor on the Fuji is very good for dynamic range and skin tones but for Macro the D200 is probably a better choice as it has higher resolving power.

However if you are only going to be shooting Macro then all the features of the D200 and even D80 will be wasted all you need is a good sensor and a good lens. The only other thing that is a real help is liveview (which is genuinely amazing for Macro and will transform how you shoot, I'll be happy to expand if this is a consideration for you) and for that you need a D300 or another brand. If your budget stretches to a D300 then great.

If you can forgo liveview and really only want to shoot Macro then I would be sorely tempted to invest in better glass and save on the body. A new D60 or used D40x and the Nikon 105VR would produce as good Macro results as the same lens on a D200 (same sensor) and probably better than a Sigma 105 on a D200 (and I own and love the 105mm Sigma)

[Markulous]

Always enjoy questions like this as it prompts me to take a fresh look at the options. Must admit that as someone who's very much into macro, I'd definitely be very tempted by the S5 Pro over the D200. But then I take outside shots (rarely indoor/studio) and that extra dynamic range combined with excellent high ISO and low noise would mean me attempting more shots in harsh sun or in dull light, so often the bane of my pics. If the resulting shot looks good, I'll happily forego extra resolving power (as I've done for years already with the Sigma SD10 - which gives me good dynamic range). But whether I'd take the S5 over the D300........