Macro shots, camera recommendations for beginners

I've been looking everywhere for a camera, but I havent been able to

find anything close. I have a digicam now, but, it sucks. I need a

camera with HIGH resolution (5+ mp) that has the ability to do at

least 6x zoom WELL. I would like it to have a rechargable battery,

too... heres the catch though, I would like to spend less than

$300.00. I am a beginner and I would like to not spend half a weeks

pay on a camera. Does anyone have recommendations about good

brands/stores or places to get reasonably decent used cameras?

Go to dpreview.com and use their camera comparing tool to find out which cameras meet

your needs. Then worry about getting the best deal on one.

I'm not sure if you are confusing taking close-ups , or "macro" as many call it today, with using a telephoto lens to bring distance subjects closer with the camera's narrower angle of view.

If you add a 'close-up' lens to a point and shoot you can take really small objects once you understand what the close-up lens is doing for you. http://www.geocities.com/nikon5700itee/cu_lens.html and then the link to the digital page should help you with this.

If you want a narrow angle of view which results from a long zoom I think you are wishing beyond your budget unless you go to the second hand market and look for the older 2 or 3 Mp cameras with x10 or x12 zooms.

There is no reason why you cannot use re-chargeable batteries in the cameras which use AA batteries rather than special versions designed for the camera maker.

I suggest you check www.dpreview.com and look in their reviews of older cameras which are listed at the bottom of each makers page ... select out the cameras that meet your specs and start hunting for them.

I would not be suprised if the reasons for your existing camera 'sucking' is not the camera but your lack of knowledge in using it. I have used a point and shoot, still have it, and it produces good results if it is properly handled ... my wife likes it too once I explained how to use it.

You should explain what you don't like about your camera to a helpful freindly and experienced photog and hopefully they will show you what you are doing wrong and make sensible suggestions to suit your budget.

If you do not know somebody like that then go to the dpreview forum which deals with owners of your camera. You will need a webpage to post photos you want help with since dpreview only links, doesn't hold photos. Ask again when you get there :-)

I have been doing alot of watch shots. I use a Nikon Coolpix 995. It's fantastic. You can focus down to 3/4 of an inch. It's been discontinued. You should be able to find a used one at your price. Also it is loaded with tons of features.

Bob Makus