Camera advice?

[MoonCat]

I'm thinking about purchasing a digital camera. The thing is, I won't be using it all that much. The main reason I want one is to take decent, close-up pics of jewelry pieces that I've made. On a bead/jewelry website, they recommended at least a 2 megapixel digial camera with a macro focus function.

Does anybody have any experience with this type of thing? What brand/model would you suggest I look into? I don't want to spend hundreds of dollars for something I won't use a lot, but I don't want a piece of crap, either. If "moderately priced" doesn't go with the specifications mentioned above, please say so.

Thanks for any advice you can give!

[TheSHAD0W]

I don't think they even make 2 megapixel digital cameras any more; big imagers are just too cheap. (I'm surprised they still have small imagers on some cell phones, might have to do with memory limitations.)

Casio's EXILIM digital cameras are small, fairly inexpensive, and have decent picture quality. Look for one that has the "macro" feature, this allows for close-up photos.

This one should do you:
http://www.buy.com/prod/casio-exs7bk...217655368.html

Note that you'll want some "digital film" to expand the camera's memory. You can pick up a SD card at Walmart for a few dollars.

[Javarod]

I don't think they even make 2 megapixel digital cameras any more; big imagers are just too cheap. (I'm surprised they still have small imagers on some cell phones, might have to do with memory limitations.)

Actually it might have to do with physical size, i remember that was the reason given for one of the Apple devices, they couldn't fit a still camera into the case and maintain the thickness... or rather thinness that they wanted.

[Squeaksmyalias]

Actually you have tons of choices. I would just recommend getting one that comes with a battery not one that you used replaceable or rechargable AA batteries. (Sorry I forgot what they are called I'm over tired today). Trust me when I say get one that comes with the battery, it might cost a wee bit more, but its so worth it since it gets pretty frustrating to go pick up your camera to take a quick shot and you find the batteries are dead, they drain fast.
Canons are good, but I found a bit pricier.
Nikons are good.
I actually have a very nice camera from Sanyo, didn't expect it to be since you don't hear about the company's cameras but it's a nice little point and shoot for me. Compared to my D3000 it's not as good but that is going to be obvious.

Really the best thing you can do is research, pick a couple cameras you see in the store you like and then go home and google your heart out. Look for reviews, look at specs, look for better prices. http://www.newegg.com is a good place to get a camera, I actually order all of my gear from there and have gotten good products and good prices. Just make sure to research before buying, just keep in mind there are always the snobs in the reviews so there might be one or two "eww this camera is awful!" but just read, learn and read more you might find that a what ever the issue is something that doesn't apply to you, or they are being nitpicky or stupid. Either way research, that is very important.

[BlaqueKatt]

Actually you have tons of choices. I would just recommend getting one that comes with a battery not one that you used replaceable or rechargable AA batteries. (Sorry I forgot what they are called I'm over tired today). Trust me when I say get one that comes with the battery, it might cost a wee bit more, but its so worth it since it gets pretty frustrating to go pick up your camera to take a quick shot and you find the batteries are dead, they drain fast.

that would be a personal preference thing-as I find there is nothing worse than your rechargeable battery dying when you're out somewhere, at least one that takes AAs I can(and do)carry spares.

[protege]

I too prefer replaceable batteries. I'd rather hit up the local convenience store, rather than have to deal with a battery that I can't replace. Usually, when I'm at the car show or train-chasing, I'll have several packs of AA batteries in the car. Usually, one set will last quite awhile. Also handy, are multiple cards to store photos.

One brand of digital camera that I like, is Fuji. I have an older Finepix S3100. I bought it when my Kodak DC215 fell apart in 2004. 7 years old, and it's still going strong. IIRC, it was under $200 at the time...mainly because the model had been discontinued.

[MoonCat]

Thanks, everybody. I planned on doing some research anyway but was just wondering where to start. I won't be carrying it around with me much so I don't think battery life is going to be a big issue, but I'll keep it in mind.

[Daskinor]

One of the major limiting factors of a camera on a cellphone is the lenses. Plastic lenses are the most common type and your not going to get more then 2 or 3 megapixels out of them. Newer phones like the Droid Incredible have more complicated glass lenses. But it makes the camera thicker then the phone. And even with that the limit is 5 megapixels even though it has a 6 megapixel hardware.

Honestly for most people want a camera with a nice battery life and able to use class 10 SD cards. Being able to take many pictures quickly makes the crappiest photographer (me) look awesome.

[It's me]

I always recommend Steve's Digicams (http://www.steves-digicams.com). Lot's of good camera reviews, advice, etc.

[boringscreenname]

I have a Sony Cybershot 10 Megapixel camera. It only cost me $100 and then I bought a 2 year extended warranty for $20. It takes decent pictures and has a Macro function. I also use rechargeable batteries and a charger which I feel is a good investment.

[Pedersen]

There was a thread a long time ago on choosing a camera. I've pointed to my advice in it a couple times, and I still stand by what I said. Here's that thread. Hope it helps.

[MoonCat]

Thanks again everybody! You guys are awesome!

[telecom_goddess]

There was a thread a long time ago on choosing a camera. I've pointed to my advice in it a couple times, and I still stand by what I said. Here's that thread. Hope it helps.

How interesting!! I also have a Nikon D50 that I got several years ago and this thing takes great photos and works like a champ without a single problem. I have the kit lens for it and a telephoto, a lightweight tripod and wireless remote.....I'm set for everything I could need.

Love love love this camera. In my profile I do have a link setup to my page that showcases my photos already if anyone is interested.