I would like to get some input as to what to look for in a digital camera before I go shopping. Do you guys have any suggestions ? The camera I have now just can't take good closeups.

I'm very happy with my Fuji FinePix S700.....Good optical zoom and good macro...ability to take accessory lenses. Bought mine online for just over $200.00 a year ago. HTH, Dave

Your input is greatly appreciated.I'm 44 and a father of 4 teenage boys , money is something I have to spend wisely ,so Thanks again. I live in the great little town of Dallas Oregon about 13 miles west of Salem.

Chris,

I read a lot of reviews on the net, watched Andrew Birkbeck snap great photos @ recent AMPS (with Nikon D50) and attended a seminar at that show on digital model photography. As a result, I recently got Nikon D40 and I absolutely love it! I got the simplest set (with 1 kit lens - 18-55, no VR), but so far I have to say that the camera is better than the operator .

One thing that made biggest difference for me is a decent "setup" to take pictures. IMHO I'd say that this setup might even be more important than the type/kind of the camera itself. Here are few pictures to give you an idea of what I'm talking about: http://picasaweb.google.com/szczesnyb/PhotoSetup

SeanSki
http://www.pme.org.pl
--
"Car's grip is greatly reduced when wheels are not touching the ground" - Steve Matchett

Your info will help when I go camera hunting. I'll keep a eye out for your and Dave's type of camera.Thanks again.