I like my Nikon Cool-pix but it is several years old.
They still make (a better version of) it and it is in your price range.
It has a macro function.

Can't upload photo's right now... Pelican is limiting to 100K for some reason.

Ok, let's talk up close...

The pics in the following directory are of a Gibson humbucking guitar pickup from 1959. The main focus of these pictures is the hole in the end of the bobbin, so I could see hole detail. FYI, the wire in the hole is smaller than your hair
In a couple pictures is a piece of lint hanigng out of a hole that I could not see with my naked eye.

http://www.wolfetone.com/images/pafpics/

In this directory are low-light pictures of aged parts. The low lighting was to capture ridge details.

http://www.wolfetone.com/aging/

Here are various pics and videos taken at PCA autocross...
http://www.wolfetone.com/carstuff/

Lubie,
Check the "random pictures you have taken" thread.... Don Ro has a digi camera for sale.

I can't tell you which you should buy, but I can tell you that I just returned a Nikon P1 to Costco. It had pretty good reviews and great specs (pocket size, 8 MP, Wireless Networking built in, 3x optical zoom).

It didn't focus well indoors and the built-in software is cantankerous, especially the wireless setup. The JPG compression is also way too high - an 8MP file shrunk down to 2.2MB? Come on....


Sounds like I should check out Moses' Casio.

sony DSCP200 superb camera, easy to use, carl zeiss lens, battery lasts forever, small, powerfull optical zoom, decent digital zoom.......

Panasonic LX1 - under $500 on ebay, RAW, 16:9 sensor for still and video, full manual controlshttp://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1148515452.jpg
Takes photos like thesehttp://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1148515481.jpg

Lube, buy one that uses dbl AA batteries (like my Canons). You can then buy long lasting rechargables, plus if you ever run low, you can always buy some alkalines anywhere. Also look at cameras that use the more common "memory cards" as some brands (such as Sony) use their own style of cards which makes them more expensive in the larger capacity sizes.

Most name brand newer cameras in your price range will do the job you are after, but batteries and memory types vary between the brands.

OK - I burned some points and will be getting this lil gem. I went with Moses' suggestion:

Casio EX-Z750 - Features 3x optical zoom, a 2.5" LCD screen, and 3072 x 2304 image resolution. It is also equipped with continuous zoom and high-speed startup. Includes a 1GB SD memory card, a rechargeable battery, a USB cradle and cable, an AV cable, an AC power cord, and software. 3-1/2" W x 2-3/10" H x 7/8" D.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1149701570.jpg

You're gonna love it. Post some pics!

Put it on my B-day list.

I had a ton of points on my ML Signature Rewards card that have been sitting there. I never thought about using them to buy stuff. Its actually a pretty good gig if you want a CC rewards card - check out Merrill Lynch's Signature Rewards and the Merrill+ programs. I'm sure that there are better reward programs out there. I have this becuase I use Merrill Lynch as my bank. I also have the Amex Rewards one as well.

Moses - that close up of the scales on that trout is what sold me! How many pics does it hold? Is the Battery life good? Redeye reduction?

I guess these are all questions I should have asked prior to commiting to the darn thing!

I just got the 10.1 megapixel Casio Exilim Z1000 two days ago.
Awesome screen (2.8 inches) with superb definition and colour, very intuative operation, "Best Shot" setup feature for quickly getting the ideal settings for different types of subjects is superb.
The list of features is massive but the setting menues and best shot feature make this a very easy camera to get the best out of. Well worth the 254.99 uk pounds. (I just checked the web site I ordered it from and they have now increased the price to 299.99 UK pounds!)

It replaces a Canon IXUS700 7 megapixel which has also been a very good camera. (cost was 350 uk pounds just over a year ago)

So now I am set up for the annual pilgrimage to LeMans.

More details

Casio Z1000 **NEW**
The new EXILIM ZOOM EX-Z1000 packs a powerful punch in a sleek, compact package. Small enough to be held in the palm of the hand, this 10.1 megapixel digital camera still captures super high-resolution images that reproduce crystal-clear even in very large sizes�perfect for printing or on-screen viewing of those priceless, once-in-a-lifetime shots. This new model is the first in the series to incorporate a large 2.8 inch, wide and bright LCD display. CASIO makes the most of this extra screen space to offer great new functions like simultaneous viewing of a wide angle and a telephoto shot, and a convenient right side set of icon controls.

Features:
- 10.1 million effective pixels.
- A high dynamic range, 1/1.8 inch CCD, which delivers low-noise imaging.
- The ability to zoom between 4.3x and 17.1x with no reduction in image quality.
- BEST SHOT function with high sensitivity shooting mode, up to a maximum of ISO 3200.
- Anti Shake DSP, which is built into the EXILIM Engine image processor, reduces blurring due to unsteady hands or moving subjects.
- Rapid Flash function enables up to three shots per second, enabling high speed flash photography.
- Fast power-on function, so the first shot can be taken just 1.3 seconds after switching on.
- Shutter release lag time of only approximately 0.002 seconds, allowing the shot to be captured practically instantaneously with the push of the shutter button.
- High-speed picture playback of approximately 0.1 second interval.
- Super Life Battery allows up to 360 shots to be taken, measured by CIPA standards

I guess now you get to buy an extra "pricey" battery (or two), because if you don't, sooner or later you will be in a situation where the battery goes dead at the worst time. Heaven forbid you are at a family wedding and you have to explain to your wife that you "thought" the battery was charged! (BTDT, hence I bought a camera that uses AA style batteries this time around!) You won't be able to walk into the nearest convenience mart and pick up some alkalines to get you by. IMO, dedicated camera batteries are in the same league as printer cartridges and Makita drill batteries.

Other than the battery situation, the Casio sounds like a nice outfit.

Thanks for reminding me - just ordered a spare battery!

Mike, The 1 Gb card will hold hundreds of pictures at the highest settings. Also a lot of video. The battery life is excellent. At the time, the battery life was rated at or near the top. The only downside (if it really is a down side) is that there is no cable to directly connect the camera to your PC. You must use the dock. It is no big deal for me. The dock is small. I take the dock and a laptop with me when I travel.

Heres another pic from the Casio EX-Z750 (www.dpreview.com)


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1149740108.jpg

Now I wish I rushed the order! Thats amazing! I best gets me a table router and a frame brace - Iz gonna be making a bunch o frames for all the pics ims gona take.