Recommendations for a new digital camera

[matt]

Hey guys,
I never post photos of my watches on here because my digiatl camera is a five year old Olympus with issues.
I need some recommendations from the pros here
I need a camera that can do two things for under $500.00:

1). Photograph my watches up close and crisp.

2). Display winning lottery numbers on the LCD screen.

Ok,....I'll settle for number 2,..1,....2,.....alright,....1 - number 1. ;D

[matt]

By the way,...for the price point it might sound like a "no brainer" for just about any "no brainer",....but I'm not your typical "no brainer" ;D
I went to BestBuy last night and spent about 45 minutes trying each camera out with my Invicta 3824LE. There was one SONY
for $449.00 with a 12x optical zoom that seemed to deliver a close and clean image. The problem is that I really like the feel of the Canon S3.

[diver88]

hey matt, I'm glad you asked this question, by the way i don't have an answer, but i am interested in what the "pros" say. I'm using a Sony dsc-v1 that is 3 years old and am thinking of upgrading but what to i don't know... this is about as close as i can get on macro with mine,


diver88

[JBHII]

Hey guys - most of the true watch shutterbugs on the forums are using higher end equipment than what's being described. I'm a Canon guy, so I'd be inclinded to point you in that direction, but I have little knowledge with consumer level equipment....sorry.

You might try www.dpreview.com.

[Houston]

Hi Matt

Canon have a good range of models for both consumer and professionals. If you look at the following links,

reviews.cnet.com/Digital_cameras/2001-6501_7-0.html?tag=ont.dc

reviews.cnet.com/4566-6501_7-0.html?tag=dffl1_5&filter=100021_10194779_

you'll find reviews and ratings. I always go Canon for quality, reliability and consistency besides which if I change, I'd have the additional cost of extra batteries and case which is a drag. The G7 is a lovely camera if you don't mind the added bulk. Otherwise for most folk, the SD800/900 would be great and very portable too.

DP review is a fab site. It was their reviews of the Canon which pointed me in that direction, years ago. Reviews are much more detailed . It's the full works

Best WIShes

ZIN

[Ben]

Greetings,

Go and look at the 10 megapixel Canon G7. A truly elegant and superb camera (and can be had for under $500). For any camera buffs out there, it reminds of the Leica CL in look and feel for some reason.

I have one that I use for my "carrying around" camera, but it is capable of wonderful images. It's all metal body gives it a substantial feel; the features are more than anyone needs and the macro mode is good. It does only capture in the JPEG mode, but for just about every situation that is perfectly fine.
I really like mine a lot. If it had a RAW capture mode it would be perfect.

But...if you can wait and save up some more $$$, and you think you might want to get serious about photography, then I would seriously look into an entry level DSLR outfit. They are more versatile and as you progress you can add macro lenses etc. For example, a Canon Digital Rebel XT package can be had for about $125 more than you said you could spend at the moment.


-Ben