Good quality Macro Camera

I'm looking for a new digital camera and would like suggestions. I'd like to keep the cost under $300 if possible. I also need it to be able to take good quality(not blurred) macro shots(closeups of objects, possibly only and inch from the lens). Another feature is that it be a good point and shoot camera, taking regular indoor outdoor photos without the need for alot of adjustments. I'm leaning toward the HP brand because my Photosmart 312 digital camera has been a good performer, but I welcome all suggestions.

I like the sony cameras... The only problem is no sound recording in mpeg mode.
Just buy extra memory stick, you don't go far with 16Mb ;)

I have not had any trouble with my Olympus C-2040Z in regards to macro mode. I have never gone as close as an inch, but I can usually hold the camera four to six inches away and use the optical zoom to get a lot closer. You might want to check out the C-4040 or related models.

This picture below is cropped from a pic of probably the smallest things I have ever photographed with my camera (optical zoom / macro mode only, no digital zoom used). The purple flowes are Star-violet, and about six of them can fit on a pencil eraser without touching the edges or each other; the blue ones are birdseye speedwell, about the size of a pencil eraser.

http://www.shadowwynd.com/temp/star_violets.jpg

In my opinion, the very best digital camera for under $300 is the Ricoh Caplio G3 (Model S). It has a 1cm macro, which is very effective, and the 3.2 MP is enough for what I need. For the point and shooting area, it does exactly that and takes a great picture every time, with the quickest shutter response in its range (0.14 secs).

In that price range you are going to be making compromises. Haven't personally used the HP cameras but my understanding is they are made by Pentax. I DO NOT like Sony cameras (or much else for that matter). I find the quality and reliability is lacking. For serious photography I have heard good things about the Canon G series (G3, G5, etc.), but these cost a bit more than you are looking to spend.

I recently got a Panasonic DMC-LC43, which comes with Leica optics. Runs about $350 and has 4 mp. They also have a 3 mp model (LC33) which is about $100 less. Haven't done too much macro photography with it, but have attached some samples.

http://mysite.verizon.net/ph.smith/temp/p1000009.jpg
http://mysite.verizon.net/ph.smith/temp/p1000023.jpg

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Originally Posted by JamesSpelt

In my opinion, the very best digital camera for under $300 is the Ricoh Caplio G3 (Model S). It has a 1cm macro, which is very effective, and the 3.2 MP is enough for what I need. For the point and shooting area, it does exactly that and takes a great picture every time, with the quickest shutter response in its range (0.14 secs).

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I keep looking at these ... sound too ! :thumbs: (& not too bad continuous capture - though I might need more money to get what I call 'ok' - I'd like to see) which makes them from my perspective a perfect 'point & shoot' camera ... all the reviewers like them 'muchly' ;) ... however not many people actually sell them ... this is all that puts me off so far actually buying one, availability, I want one in my hand before I decide to buy & see for myself ... but I can only find the flipping things on line !