Considering getting a digi-cam

A lot of you guys take some really great photos of your models, and I'd like to hop on the wagon. There's so many cameras on the market, and it's difficult to find what will fill my needs.

I'm wanting the following:

-EXTREME picture clarity
-2+ megapixels (anyone care to explain this?)
-32-64mb memory
-strong optical zoom, strong digital zoom
-very durable construction
-decent price $200-$500 range
-automatic focus, and ability to take pictures of a model from only a few inches away
-warranty to cover any damage

I always see the sony cybershot(http://www.sonystyle.com/home/item.jsp?hierc=9682x9128x9045&catid=&itemid=12321) when I go to Sears, and it looks like a really good camera, but the price tag is rather high. I doubt I can get one, unless it's used. So do you guys have any recommendations for a cheaper, but equal camera?

First of all, www.dpreview.com is a good source for information.

I use a Powershot S30. The macro isn't that great on it (it has been described as more of a close up than a true macro" which is disappointing because you can't add macro lenses to it, due to its design.

Oh, and I would tend to stay away from Sony, since they use expensive proprietary memory cards. But if you can swing it, go for it, they do make nice cameras.

...what's a macro??!

Originally posted by TheSyndicate
...what's a macro??! Extreme close up... Useful for tiny subjects... ;)

I found this:
http://www.pmichaud.com/wiki/Reviews/LensAdapter

Lens adapter for the S30 to allow attachment of macro lenses. A quick search brings up a price of around $50 for such a thing.

http://www.bugeyedigital.com/product_main/ckc-s30s40ad.html

I use a Nikon Coolpix 775. It's pretty good, has Macro capability and is not that expensive.

I am borrowing a Sony Cybershot P9 and the pictures are OK but are "noisy" with low light. The flash is too bright as normal for Sony's.

I am considering a Nikon 4300 right now but have to save up.

Definitely get one with Macro capability.
Optical zoom is more important, it is actual zoom by physical lens, digital is just what any computer graphic program does to blow up a picture. the mega pixel thing, let me put it this way a 2.1 megapixel can take a picture that is bigger than any one has their Video/monitor set at. It is high enough for most people's uses. Look at the Menus in the camera, some are overly complicated and not user friendly. I use a Kodak and I love it. With a 2.1 Megapixel camera like mine if I take pictures at the highest resolution I will get only 25 pix on my 16 Megabyte memory card so Try to get a 32 or 64 Mb card. Also make sure the camera is USB capable(Most are now). Also get a good Graphics program to enhance your pictures,adjustment of lighting and contrast and special effects like this ghosted car I did.

Check out:

www.olympusamerica.com

Olympus sells reconditioned cameras through its website. I bought an Olympus D100 for a whopping $100. It looks absolutely brand new (despite their warnings about blemishes, scratches, etc.), and it included all the usual goodies -- strap, memory card, USB cord, TV cord, software, instructions.

Here's an example of what it can do:

http://images.fotki.com/v9/photos/4/43099/144780/ferrari3602-vi.jpg

The limit for the macro is 4 inches -- even closer than what's shown here.

Hope this helps,

Matt