P&S Camera for fluorescence imaging

[ujwals08]

Hello,
I am a researcher working on fluorescence imaging using a Point and Shoot camera. The specifications for the camera are
1. 12 bit RAW images
2. 20 mm working distance
3. Remote shooting and RAW image download over USB

After some research, CHDK seemed to be the solution for remote shooting.
However I am confused about which models can give 12 bit RAW images. Most of the P&S cameras have a minimum focus distance of 3cm, so can I still get images from a distance of 20 mm or do I have to get a macro lens.

Any help/suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you.

[Waddizzle]

"After some research, CHDK seemed to be the solution for remote shooting through the PTP Extension."

Too many anacronyms for me to follow in that one sentence. 

Okay.  You want to focus at a working distance of 20mm, but with what angle of view?  That distance is less than an inch, just a little bit more than 3/4 of an inch.  That is pretty tight. How much magnification are you looking for?

I think you will want the flexibility that an entry level DSLR, with a real macro lens, can give you.  True macro lenses can give you 1:1 magnification.  Canon makes a macro lens, the MP-E 65mm f/2.8 that can give you 1x to 5x magnification.

http://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalog/mp-e-65mm-f-28-1-5x-macro-photo

[kvbarkley]

If you really want a P&S look at the Canon G-Series.

Otherwise, as stated, an SL1 gives you everything without hacking the firmware of the camera. Including 14 bit RAW and the ability to use a T-Mount which gives you more mounting options.

[Waddizzle]

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@kvbarkley wrote:

If you really want a P&S look at the Canon G-Series.

Otherwise, as stated, an SL1 gives you everything without hacking the firmware of the camera. Including 14 bit RAW and the ability to use a T-Mount which gives you more mounting options.

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I think the real sleeper in the Canon line is the EOS M3. It has features only found in far more expensive cameras.

It has a 24MP APS-C sensor, a DIGIC 6 processor, just like the 80D.  It can also auto focus during video shooting, and has focus peaking during manual focusing.  To boot, with the EF-M adapter you can use any EF/EF-S lenses with it. 

Being small, it doesn't have a large battery, so using large lenses [with power hungry AF lens motors] are not in its' wheelhouse.  But, it is perfect for manual focusing, especially macro shots.

[kvbarkley]

Good point. But at this time, I can't find an EOS-M T mount adapter.

[Waddizzle]

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@kvbarkley wrote:

Good point. But at this time, I can't find an EOS-M T mount adapter.

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Novoflex makes an M42 adapter.  You can always get the Canon EF-M adapter, and an EF to T-Mount adapter, I suppose.

What are you trying to use that has a T-Mount?  Telescope?

[kvbarkley]

I assume the OP's microscope requires a T-Adapter. Though he has not mentioned one.

[Waddizzle]

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@kvbarkley wrote:

I assume the OP's microscope requires a T-Adapter. Though he has not mentioned one.

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I just noticed that Fotodiox make an M42 adapter, also.  I'm not sure the OP has a microscope, although that was my next idea.

[ujwals08]

I have selected SX530 for its good macro mode and availability. I want to clarify if it uses a global shutter. Also can the camera be powered over USB without the battery pack?  

[kvbarkley]

Powering from USB is usually not a Canon feature. You can download the manual if you want.