Macro camera question

[John Q. Camera]

At risk of starting a "which camera is right for me" thread, I'm curious as to folk's opinions on what camera is good for close-up macro photography out-of-the-box. My wife sells items online that are quite small and so we need a no-fuss, good quality camera that can do the job.

I have a digital EOS, and that's too complicated for her (plus I don't have the cash to spend several hundred for a good quality macro lens) and she is currently using a Konica Minolta Dimage X50 that works pretty good but has some limitations.

We are looking at the Panasonic Lumix FS5 or the Kodak EasyShare X1015 because they are on sale at our local big-box store. Does anyone have any experience with these and macro photography?

I'd like something of good quality for less than $250 that would be easy for her to use. Suggestions other than the above mentioned cameras are welcome.

Thanks.

[EOSThree]

Hmmm. I think you'll spend almost as much for a compact camera that will do quality macro as you would if you would just get a true macro lens. The Tamron 90mm f/2.8 macro lens is very sharp a true 1:1 macro, and costs near $430 right now and there is a $90 rebate available now through December.

I know that's more than you want to spend but my whole experience with using a compact camera for macro has been generally disappointing.

[John Q. Camera]

I know that's more than you want to spend but my whole experience with using a compact camera for macro has been generally disappointing.

I do understand that a real macro lens is the best route to go, but the issue is that the camera isn't for me - I'd have the patience to learn the camera setup for the lens; my wife needs to be able to point-and-shoot.

I hope there are some point and shoot cameras that are capable of decent macro, they don't have to be stellar, just good.