Could someone help me choose a camera please?

[Lukas]

Hi everyone

Im new here - but I have read the rules etc. and looked in some other threads etc.

Im wondering if anyone could kindly help - I have been researching which camera to buy for over a year now. Problem is - I research it - go to the shop to but it - and discover there is a new model out

I am an art student that also studys design as well - so I takes photographs which need details. I am also a model maker so need a camera to take very accurate pictures of those as well
This means a nice zoom, a very high macro ( i usually use macro on most shots as I work close up alot ), easy to hold / handle as well as accurate colours match

I have been using a nikon for quite a while ( an old 775 model - but it has done its job well ) and am quite keen to stay with nikons due to bad experiences with a samsung ( is that niave of me ? )

Im looking in the price range of about £200 ( in english - so american dollars it would be about $400 as you seem to get cameras cheaper )

There are 2 models from nikon im stuck between though. The 7900 ( which is out of production but sill highly recommended on most sites due to its CCD ( which i dont really understand )) and the S4 - I like the twist idea as well as the fact it has a 10 time optical zoom ( I really dont like digital zooms )

However people keep suggesting other cameras else where on other websites - I would like the camera by next week if possible as im at an international convention

So could anyone help on those 2 models above please or an alternative which is better in the same sort of price range ?

Any help is much appreciated

thankyou
Luke

[Photo-John]

Luke-
Nikon compact digital cameras have always been very good for macro shooting. If you check the review section here you'll see a tab on each page for camera specs. That page should tell you how close you can get and still get focused. The closer the minimum focus distance, the better the macro ability. Some cameras now have two macro modes - one where the zoom works and one where the zoom is fixed. The Olympus Stylus 720 SW that I just did a pro review for was like that. That's a nice feature as the non-zooming macro mode usually lets you get really, really close.

Here's a link to the specs page for the Coolpix 7900. It says the macro focusing distance is 1.6 inches. That sounds really good to me. And the reviews are positive, too: http://www.photographyreview.com/sf-...ls-brand_nikon

With more resolution than the S4, great closeup ability, and good reviews I think the 7900 will do pretty well for you. One thing to keep in mind is lighting. The flash will not work for you when you're shooting close. So you'll need to have some sort of alternative light source and a tripod. Handholding for model photos is not an option.

Hopefully I cleared up a few things for you and helped you understand the cameras a little better. Let us know if you have more questions. And check the reviews. That's where you'll get the most information.