Top 5 Compact Cameras for Macro Photography

05 Aug, 2009, 9:00 am IST | Nikhil Singh

Cameras with great macro modes, to capture the joy of the small things in life.

Top 5 Compact Cameras for Macro Photography

If you're one who loves capturing the joy of all the 'little things' in life, chances are macro photography's right up your alley. If that's the case, we've compiled a list of compact cameras with the best macro performance we've come across in recent times. Here goes...


Nikon Coolpix S630
Price - Rs. 24,950 (MRP)
Rating - 3/5
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The Nikon Coolpix S630 is a sexy beast with gray raw metal finish plastic, that both looks and feels great. It features a really easy-to-use interface, 7x optical zoom (which is brilliant for its small size) and really good image quality. The proverbial icing on the cake is its strong backbone of features that's nothing short of impressive.

g_162272_nikonthumb.jpgNikon Coolpix S630
Price - Rs. 24,950 (MRP)
Rating - 3/5
Read Review

The Nikon Coolpix S630 is a sexy beast with gray raw metal finish plastic, that both looks and feels great. It features a really easy-to-use interface, 7x optical zoom (which is brilliant for its small size) and really good image quality. The proverbial icing on the cake is its strong backbone of features that's nothing short of impressive.


Its incredible macro mode could focus on objects as close as an inch and a half from the camera, which is brilliant by any standards. Its great picture quality was evident in macro shots too, where there was no loss of detail. The ISO performance wasn't the best though, so if you plan on taking relatively low light macro shots, you'd better get yourself a tripod and stick to a slower shutter speed than high ISO.

Fujifilm A100
Price - Rs. 6,999 (street price)
Rating 3.5/5
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The Fujifilm A100 is amongst the smallest and lightest compact cameras out there, so those with tight pockets should love it. Speaking of tight pockets, at Rs. 6,999 the camera's very reasonably priced, so even those short on dough can expect to get good performance for the price. While the camera isn't extraordinary in any way, it's a well-rounded performer with only a few flaws.

g_162282_fujifilmthumb.jpgFujifilm A100
Price - Rs. 6,999 (street price)
Rating 3.5/5
Read Review

The Fujifilm A100 is amongst the smallest and lightest compact cameras out there, so those with tight pockets should love it. Speaking of tight pockets, at Rs. 6,999 the camera's very reasonably priced, so even those short on dough can expect to get good performance for the price. While the camera isn't extraordinary in any way, it's a well-rounded performer with only a few flaws.


While the A100's macro mode doesn't focus on object closer than 4-inches, its picture quality and detail levels were really good. The camera featured great low light (high ISO) performance too, which leaves you with some leeway where lighting's concerned in macro shots too. If you're looking for a cheap camera with good macro performance, this is it.


Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42
Price - Rs. 8,990 (MRP)
Rating - 3.5/5
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A sleek, light weight camera with great looks and solid build quality - the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 pretty much impressed us in every way. It features an excellent Auto-Scene mode that (as the name suggests) detects modes automatically, making it one of the most convenient point and click cameras out there. Also, the rather low price tag of Rs. 8,990 doesn't hurt.

g_162292_panasonicthumb.jpgPanasonic Lumix DMC-FS42
Price - Rs. 8,990 (MRP)
Rating - 3.5/5
Read Review

A sleek, light weight camera with great looks and solid build quality - the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 pretty much impressed us in every way. It features an excellent Auto-Scene mode that (as the name suggests) detects modes automatically, making it one of the most convenient point and click cameras out there. Also, the rather low price tag of Rs. 8,990 doesn't hurt.


The camera's macro performance was really good, and the camera could focus on objects as close as 2-inches. The fantastic low light performance ensured that there was barely any grain in the macro shots, even in low light conditions. The only issue is that its picture quality is a wee bit low on details in its macro mode.


Canon Digital IXUS 980 IS
Price - Rs. 23,995
Rating - 4.5/5
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Don't be fooled by the petite frame of the Canon Digital IXUS 980 IS - it's sturdy as hell, great looking, and packs a punch when it comes to features and performance. Color reproduction and auto-white balance were spot-on, ISO performance was brilliant and the camera's night mode allowed for great shots in low light conditions. The camera didn't give us anything to complain about, other than the slightly high pricetag of Rs. 23,995.

g_162302_canonthumb.jpgCanon Digital IXUS 980 IS
Price - Rs. 23,995
Rating - 4.5/5
Read Review

Don't be fooled by the petite frame of the Canon Digital IXUS 980 IS - it's sturdy as hell, great looking, and packs a punch when it comes to features and performance. Color reproduction and auto-white balance were spot-on, ISO performance was brilliant and the camera's night mode allowed for great shots in low light conditions. The camera didn't give us anything to complain about, other than the slightly high pricetag of Rs. 23,995.


The IXUS 980 IS scored high in our macro tests, and its 'Digital Macro' mode captured the minutest of details. It allowed us to focus on objects as close as 2-2.5 inches. If you're looking for a powerful camera and don't mind the price tag, this baby really delivers the best performance in macro photography, and otherwise.


Samsung NV9
Price - Rs. 13,000 (street price)
Rating - 4.5/5
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If you're looking for the sweet spot between price and performance, the Samsung NV9 is it. With fantastic build quality, brilliant performance in all areas, one of the best night modes around, and breath-taking looks to sweeten the deal, you can't go wrong by shelling out the Rs. 13,000 (street price) to pick this one up.

g_162312_samsungthumb.jpgSamsung NV9
Price - Rs. 13,000 (street price)
Rating - 4.5/5
Read Review

If you're looking for the sweet spot between price and performance, the Samsung NV9 is it. With fantastic build quality, brilliant performance in all areas, one of the best night modes around, and breath-taking looks to sweeten the deal, you can't go wrong by shelling out the Rs. 13,000 (street price) to pick this one up.


The NV9 managed to focus on objects as close as 1.5 - 2 inches with an issue. Its great image quality reflected in macro shots too, and the camera captured details with ease. The great ISO performance allows for some really great low light macro shots, so if you're looking for a decently priced, great performer, this one's it.

Tags: Nikon , Fujifilm , Panasonic , Canon , Samsung

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