Looking for a camera with a really good focus for close ups and, well, just a generally GooD camera?

Question

I want to take photos like this -

http://www.deviantart.com/print/2852654/

But cameras that good usually cost alot.

Is there a cheaper one?

Answer 1

The all time winner bargain compact digital camera is the Canon 7.1 megapixel PowerShot SD1000 [not the IS] 7.1 with an added 2- gig memory card which when set in the manual mode for "Vivid" colors and videos at 30 fps in 320 dpi format provides killer images and videos. The macro feature is awesome!  It currently sells for $160 at Sears:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605...

Good luck!

Answer 2

Depending on your budget you can either get a Canon G9 (expensive) or a Canon S3 IS or S5 IS. All of them have very good macro which is required for taking the photos in your example.

I am afraid for cheaper ones the quality of photo wont be much better.

Many thanks

Answer 3

Used 35 mm Film SLRs are a steal these days. A used Canon EOS ELAN VII  that cost $599 three years ago can be had used for $80. Buy a USB 2.0 flat bed scanner -- Epson is good -- for about $90.

You do have to get the film developed, but compared to $1200 for a Professional Digital SLR; it's an easy choice.  The base, standard, lense on the Elan VII has Macro..

The primary advantages of the Canon S3 IS, S5 IS as digital cameras is their freeze frame snap feature -- you can get a high res still without stopping a video clip record in progress.