Good digital camera

[npalen]

Does it do well in macro up very close within, say, two inches?

I have had this camera for almost a year, and it has been great so far:

Amazon.com: Panasonic DMC-FH25K 16.1MP Digital Camera with 8x Wide Angle Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7 inch LCD (Black): Electronics

 

[SPIKER]

Best ones I've found for the price have been Samsung (same with their Cell Phones) We have a 4 or 5 years Samsung Camera it is 7.2 Megpix cost was like 70 bucks back then so pricing is very good held up well and very good close up pics.

 

[IslandTractor]

I've been very happy with my Canon S95. Great lens. Very useful as a video camera too. Easily fits in pocket.

 

[crazyal]

When looking at them make sure you identify ones that have a real zoom vs electronic. The real zoom uses optics while the electronic just uses less of the collected data and computer enhances it. I've had good luck with almost every brand unless I leave them in a vehicle in the winter. It seams like any moisture in them finds it's way to the lenses or CCD and leaves water spots. Had to throw away a Canon and Toshiba because of that. One with blue tooth and maybe waterproof would be nice.

 

[Brad_Blazer]

I like my Olympus SZ-12. Compact super zoom at a great price.
Amazon.com: Olympus SZ-12 14MP Digital Camera with 24x Wide-Angle Zoom (Black): Camera & Photo

Edit: Here's a picture I took this summer right after I got it.

 

[JDgreen227]

We aren't photgraphers but our old and cheap 3.2 megapixel camera isn't up to snuff compared to the photos I am seeing here these days. Looking for a new camera. Only priority is a camera that does good close ups and would like to keep the price under $300.00.

3.2 mp is a DINO !!!! You don't say what type of camera you want, do you want one small enough to fit in a pocket or something bigger (SLR type) with a superzoom lens? Nobody except a serious photographer needs anything over 12 mp. I really like the heft of a superzoom and my favorite of the three I have is the Fuji Finepix S series. Reading Compact Tractor Fan's link to the Panasonic DMC made me want to order one of those...:laughing: Oh, whatever camera you do buy, be certain the battery type is something you prefer. My Fuji uses 4 AA cells and because of that it has a long storage life while my Panasonic uses a battery pack that has to be recharged every so often.

 

[gsganzer]

I've been hearing great things about the Canon SX260 and I've seen them selling for about $229. It has a 20x soom and also has a GPS so it records where you took the photo. I'll buy one myself in a few weeks.

 

[jymbee]

I saw the 20x zoom and figured that must be digital-- but nope, it's an optical zoom. Haven't looked at this model before but it's pretty amazing to have all the features it has for the low price it sells for. Interesting sample images from this camera here

I've been hearing great things about the Canon SX260 and I've seen them selling for about $229. It has a 20x soom and also has a GPS so it records where you took the photo. I'll buy one myself in a few weeks.

 

[johnrex62]

I mostly shoot with a Canon 7D, but my alternate carry around is a Nikon Coolpix I bought a few years ago. I love both. Depending on your needs, an older digital SLR like a Canon 40D can be bought used with a couple lenses for under $500. Something like a 20D can be had under $300 now. Tons of the point-n-shoots can be found at or under the $300 mark.

 

[IslandTractor]

I mostly shoot with a Canon 7D, but my alternate carry around is a Nikon Coolpix I bought a few years ago. I love both. Depending on your needs, an older digital SLR like a Canon 40D can be bought used with a couple lenses for under $500. Something like a 20D can be had under $300 now. Tons of the point-n-shoots can be found at or under the $300 mark.

That is a really good point. I own an older Canon 30D which takes considerably better photographs than my Canon S95 (which is no slouch). It is simple math. The bigger the "film" or sensor size the better the photo. Sensor size is more important than lens quality. Also, speaking of lens quality, the prime and even zoom lenses available for the DSLRs are generally better glass than what goes into the point and shoots. Remember the old photographer's adage: "it's the glass stupid!". Even a five year old Canon Rebel or Nikon equivalent would give you a bigger sensor and better lens than what can be crammed into the pocket sized cameras.