First of all, of course you need a DSLR camera. There are ways you can use a regular compact camera to capture snowflakes, but a DSLR works best in this endeavor. When it comes to DSLR and macro, the camera makes the lens aperture to close to the minimum, thus allowing to maximize the depth of field and permits you to be closer to the snow flake. You need a lot of magnification and extra good lightning. In order to achieve a greater magnification, a set of extension tubes comes in very handy.