I am an entomologist (studies insects) and I love to take pictures of animals, flowers, and of course insects. I have a Minolta Maxxum 70 and it is a film camera. I am starting to get very tired of going out, getting film, paying high end for nice film and then paying for a roll of film that might have 2-3 good pictures on it (I snap fast).

So my question to you is this, I want to know a good camera that is digital, I can get up and zoom really well on subjects, can take pictures from far away, great resolution, can snap fast (I REALLY dislike the cameras that take 2-3 seconds to take a picture because usually my subject has moved from their perfect position!), and finally has great action/image stabilization capabilities.

Price isn't really an issue. However I would like to keep it under $1,500. Thanks!

Edwin answered:
Well the Sony DSLR line will accept your Maxxum lenses. A DSLR has minimal (almost non-existent) shutter lag. Digicams have the worst shutter lag so obviously you need to avoid them.

However, IMO, no camera is going to help you get better than an 8% (3 "good" pictures from 36) or 12.5% (3 "good" pictures from 24) result based on your shooting style - "I snap fast". Investing in a DSLR will simply allow you to take 300 pictures and maybe get 10 good ones. Some improvement, huh?

Before blaming your camera, which is the usual excuse given by beginner photographers, try learning photography. Take some classes or at least read some books that explain how to do what you're trying to do. And buy a good macro lens - not a zoom lens with alleged ''macro" capability.

Sophie B answered:
Get an SLR (single lens reflex) digital camera with interchangeable lens. For a lens get a 28-70 zoom that has macro- capability. Canon, Pentax, Nikon, all make these. Go to a real camera store (not best buy) and talk to the oldest salesperson in the store... If the first thing they show you is the most expensive camera in the store, that's the wrong salesperson.

Loren S answered:
You should check into getting a Sony A100 DSLR or any of the Alpha cameras. They can use the Maxxum 70 lenses you already own.

Sakura answered:
I think the best way to achieve this would be to get a DSLR and a macro lens. I suggest either the Canon Rebel XTi or the Canon 40D. I highly recommend the Canon Rebel XTi to start with. It's a great entry-level DSLR.

As for a macro lens, a good one for insects would be the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens. This is a pretty quiet lens and will allow you to have some distance between you and the subject, so you won't have to be so up close to the insect.