I recently asked pretty much the same question on a couple of metalworking
and camera sites, right down to the under $200 limit. Although I had
specified that it use cf memory cards as that's what my other gear uses.

I was expecting quite a variation in suggestions, but interestingly enough
there was one camera that came up much more often than others. That would be
the Nikon model 5400. Unfortunately, while I am "an owner" of the camera, I
have not had a chance to use it yet as it is wrapped up under the tree. But
I thought I would pass on the info none the less.

One other consistent piece of input that came back was that a foldout lcd
screen was often very handy for close up work were you may not be able to
get square with the camera to clearly see the screen. I was also told that
this camera had a good quality wide angle lens adapter available if needed
as well. Anyway, this is the one I ended up purchasing off of ebay.

Wayne

http://cgi.ebay.com/NIKON-COOLPIX-54...c mdZViewItem


"Grant Erwin" wrote in message
...
I often want to shoot a picture of some detail just to post it as an
adjunct to a discussion, as "a picture is worth a thousand words". I have
terrible trouble shooting closeups with digital cameras. I have finally
found the method that yields the best results: