Volker, While I agree with Gareth on his DLSR points (quality, etc.), I think you might be better off with one of the Nikon point-and-shoot digital cameras. They're compact, have great macro focus, and easily switch from manual to auto without the use of multiple menus. I just hooked my Nikon Coolpix 4500 to my home television via the provided video cable and can display the image live, real-time, with all the controls shown on the TV. I would recommend researching the different Nikon Coolpix models currently available and choosing the one that best suits your needs. The 4500 is discontinued, but can still be found on eBay for under $400. I would recommend a remote shutter release and a tripod for your setup. Then you could easily move your subject around while viewing the monitor, and still be able to trip the shutter out of reach of the camera. The auto-focus on these cameras in macro mode is fantastic, which also makes the process easier. There are a few examples on my website demonstrating the macro capabilities here, although only a few really show the closest focus possible (about 2cm): http://www.flickr.com/photos/woodcreeper/search/tags:%22coolpix+4500%22/
The Coolpix 4500 (and the earlier 990, 995) all have the benefit of a smaller lens and all focusing done within the camera housing which allowed them to be easily coupled to a telescope, for telephoto images of wildlife and/or astronomical subjects, and a microscope, for micro-digiscoping. The newer coolpix cameras aren't as functional (out-of-the-box) with regards to these uses, but Nikon has developed several adapter solutions which allow the continued use. If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to ask. A good resource for comparing cameras can also be found at www.dpreview.com Good Luck! David _____________________________________________________ David A. LaPuma Dept. of Ecology, Evolution, & Natural Resources Plant Physiology Building 1 College Farm Road Rutgers University New Brunswick, NJ 08901-1582 Phone: 732-932-3313 email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] lab website: http://rci.rutgers.edu/~jlockwoo personal website: http://www.woodcreeper.com photo website: http://www.flickr.com/photos/woodcreeper
