Greetings Mark and list--
Generally, the more megapixels the better. That being said, for BEST macro performance, I suspect a SLR digital camera like the Canon EOS Rebel and the Nikon version of the concept would be best for close-ups and Macro close-ups. These aren't $7,000 cameras, but they are uncomfortably close to $1,000. The advantage of this design is of course that the lenses are interchangeable in the same way as they are on a film-type SLR camera, providing that additional level of flexibility. In addition, the more CCDs (Charge Coupled Devices) the camera incorporates, the better the resolution tends to be. As I understand from friends of mine who are more photography-oriented than I, both the Nikon and the Canon are very good values. I guess ultimately it boils down to 'how serious do you take your photography?'
Incidentally, the Olympus 5.0 Megapixel model mentioned by another poster is an extremely flexible camera with a setting that allows 'pushing the f-stop', shutter speed and other "high-end" adjustments. I use such a model for taking the pictures I transfer to a business card template for the purpose of producing staff ID cards at my school. I must do nearly 100 every year. I do have to "wash" each picture through 2 software packages to decrease their dimensions, and tweak their tint and focus, and this is where it is nice to have the 5 megapixel resolution. There is enough digital info there to work with.

HTH,
Paul A. Shippert
Library/Media Specialist - Margaret Brent Middle School

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and I'm hovering like a fly
waiting for the windshield on the
freeway." Genesis
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> I have to decided to move up from my 10 dollar, after rebates, digital
> camera. I am thinking about a Cannon or a Nikon. Close ups are important to
> me. I like to take pictures of parts, in the field, for later reference,
> and or explanations. I understand the difference between Optical Zoom and
> digital zoom. But how can I tell, in the specifications, if digital cameras
> support close ups like a SLR micro lens will do.
>
> I see a Cannon Powershot S1 IS on sale, I am guessing this must becoming a
> older model. But I likes the looks of it and It does have 10X optical zoom
> and 3.2 Megapixals. Will 3.2 be enough to print out good quality 10X8
> prints. I understand that Megapixals is more information which makes for
> better prints for average use .... so do I need more then 3.2 MegaPixals.
>
> Thanks!
>
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