They don't quite fit your budget parameter (at least for a new model), but my favorites, by far, for reasonably priced cameras are the Canon Digital Rebels.

I am so glad you posted this question, I am in the market for a new camera as well, and have been researching to try to make sure I find the right one, I have a Nikon Coolpix now and I like to take macro photos and the Nikon I have drives me crazy, i have to shoot like several times before it will focus on the correct object that I am trying to photograph, and it only has 5x optical zoom, so I would like to upgrade to at least 10x or 12x optical zoom.

Hi, I have a Pansonic Lumix, and I've been happy with it--easy to use macro mode as well as a burst function (takes pics in quick succession). It also has a video function, which I use a lot. It's light and fits into a pocket easily.

It's a few years old, so there are probably other versions.

I also realized this winter that I didn't have the setting for the highest quality pictures selected. (It's good to read directions once in a while :) )

But saving my pennies for a canon rebel too--love taking pics of my butterflies and hanging them on the wall and would love really high quality pics. Makes me happy to see "my" butterflies, especially in the dead of winter, and I think about how their "grandkids" or "great grandkids" (hokey I know) are doing under the snow.

Here is a link that might be useful: Lumix review

I use a Canon PowerShot SD 890 IS digital ELPH. I do think a more recent model has come out. I have been pretty happy with it. It's not the best in low light situations, but I am pretty pleased with some of my close-up shots. Someone from this blog recommended it a while back. I don't remember the cost because I used "Dell dollars" from my computer purchase to pay for most of the camera.

CES is happening as we speak - which means new models in the stores. I prefer a camera with manual controls and at least 720p video and a good zoom.
I'd wait a month or two and read the reviews of the new models.

I currently use a Canon SD1100 IS - it takes great macros, but only 640 x 480 video.

You don't state which Nikon model that you have, but before you spend money on a new camera, I would like to suggest that you try this setting...in your manual, you should have a "metering mode" setting, with options for establishing the reference points to be used when focusing your camera. Select the option for SPOT metering. This establishes a single metering point directly in the middle of the frame. The other options will meter(select) several points that it will read and then average to get the focus setting...nice for landscapes and such but not very accurate when your subject is a tiny butterfly that makes up a small fraction of the frame. Nikon is a splendid camera as are the Canons, Pansonics, Sony's, etc. As a matter of fact, virtually all digital cameras are capable of quite good photos.

As for the "upgrade to 10x", there are trade-offs that you should consider...it is more difficult to "find" your subject in the viewfinder or monitor when zoomed out so you need to find the butterfly at low zoom magnifications and, while holding the camera steady and unmoving, zoom out to the desired setting. You will also magnify the effects of hand-shake blur when zoomed to higher magnifications. At 10x or higher, a sturdy tripod is a real necessity.

Bob

I've had a Canon PowerShot SD1000 Digital ELPH for several years now. Most of the pictures I post on this forum were made with this camera - a few are old ones I made with a Kodak - and I still love it, see no reason to upgrade. It's small enough to fit in my pocket, which I find convenient, and it has a Digital Macro setting that I use a lot, mostly for caterpillars - most butterflies fly off before you get close enough to use this setting, but occasionally they're intent enough on nectaring to let me use it.
I'll probably use mine until it quits working, unless they come up with a camera with some amazing new feature.
Sherry

I used a Canon Powershot SX100IS for a number of years with good results for a point and shoot. I decide two years ago when I upgraded I would go DSLR. So instead of grabbing that next good deal on a small camera I saved my money.

I now own a Canon 50D. It came with an 18-135mm walkaround lens. That lens should get me by on butterflies for a little while.

Always wanted a great camera and I now have one. Since my main interest is wildlife my first "professional lens" was a telephoto. Shot this the other night with it.

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Next year I'll invest in a very good quality macro lens for butterflies and insects.

randy

I have a Canon Powershot SD1100 IS. My last camera was Canon Powershot S400. I loved the S400, and the SD1100 is also excellent. I can even take video with it. The only complaint I have about the SD1100 is that the batteries seem to die quickly. I have an extra, so I always have a backup charged. The batteries are thinner, since the camera is smaller than the S400, so I guess they don't hold as much juice.

I have been involved with photography off and on for 25 years. I have some old school Canon SLRs that take great pictures with the Canon 50mm f 3.5 macro lens. The SLR type camera seems easier for me to hold steady and compose the image. Almost any decent camera can be mounted on a tripod, but the SLRs often have a receptacle on the shutter button for a remote, or wire shutter release.
As for digital cameras, I would just make sure that the camera has a mode for close up photography, and test it before purchase.

Oh, sorry,my Nikon Coolpix is the S550 model. I am currently looking at the Kodak EasyShare Z915, the Nikon Coolpix L100, and the Fuji Finepix F72EXR. If anyone has any has any advice on any of these cameras, please let me know thanks!

If you begin with the specs of your present camera:
Resolution-All four have 10 megapixels

Zoom-Present Nikon has 5X, New Nikon has 15X, Fuji has 10X, Kodak has 10X.

Monitor (LCD) size-Old Nikon=2.5", New Nikon=3", Fuji=2.7", Kodak=2.5"

Image Stabilization-Old Nikon has Electronic stabilization while all three of those being considered have a superior method of IS.

Spot Metering Option-Old Nikon, and new Fuji do NOT have this option, both of the others do.

Mode selections for Shutter OR Aperture priority and Full Manual is available only on the Kodak.

In summary, in my opinion, the only features being upgraded from your older Nikon are the zoom power, the image stabilization, and the operating modes. The operating mode upgrade only applies to the Kodak.

Comparing what you have with what you are considering, I could only recommend the Kodak.

You didn't ask, but I offer this advice, I don't see enough benefits to justify the expenditure. I would recommend that you spend a couple of sessions with the operator's manual and then evaluate your new photos to make sure that you are getting examples yielding it's maximum capability. I would personally rather see you invest in, and use, a sturdy tripod. I don't personally believe that your results will improve with greater zoom power BUT you should see some better results with the better stabilization.

I find that it is easier to do a little soul-searching to determine what it is that my current camera doesn't do that I would like for it to do. Technology is advancing so rapidly that you will need to read a lot to create your "short list" but it is much more effective to start out with your requirements than to develop your "needs" as you go along.

Good luck,

Bob
Shot with Canon 40D w/100mm f/2.8 macro lens
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Bob has GREAT suggestions! I also recommend going and checking out some of the books in your local bookstore. I bet there are some books there that may help you. :) For around $30 you may find that your current camera can provide you with WAY more than you thought!

I agree with Bob. I do have a nice tripod but find myself using my monopod in the field. It doubles as a walking stick. :-)

I shot these last summer with my little 4mg point and shoot on a monopod.

click on thumbs twice for bigger pic

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randy

Kelly, I apologize for bypassing your initial post! I would like to know what camera you currently have?

Bob

last spring I purchased a Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H20, around $250, as I recall. It seems you can get so much more camera at $250 vs 200.
I've owned both analog and digital over the years, and I love this camera. 10meg pixel, easy/intutive to use. An outstanding lens. Excellent close ups and focus. Accurate color.
You must use a tripod/monopod with any camera to get those quality zoom in shots.
Do yourself a favor and take a good look at this one.

Kelly, I took this photo with a Panasonic Lumix DCM-LX2. I've been pretty pleased with this camera and think it was around $200-250.

I thought my Tiger Swallowtail shot was great until I saw Bob and Randy's pics. WOW! Those butterfly pictures are off the charts! (Love the moon shot too.) I do need to start using my tripod.

I would also like to get another camera and appreciate this post.

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I am not so specific about any special camera company but of course when you talk about capturing beautiful and colorful species of butterflies, you would love to have some good lens to catch each color and ever scene as it is in reality.
I do have Sony cyber shot with 12 Megapixels lens so i am happy with it ;)

love savannah, your tiger swallowtail is great! Your present camera is a very, very good camera with a lot of features. It has image stabilization, which can be cut on or off that will help the softness that we sometimes get at the tips of those fluttering wings and the superb lens by Leica.

Bob

Thanks, Bob. This little guy was constantly on the move and it took me a while to finally get this shot. I thought the image stabilization feature was constantly on. Now that I know better, I'll make sure it's turned on when our fluttering beauties come around this year. I've been trying for 2 years to get a good hummingbird pic. Can't wait to see if this info helps me succeed come spring.

My Lumix has lived up to the expectations I had when it was purchased. Now, it's very disappointing to look a GOOD picture I've taken only to realize it could have been a GREAT picture. I need more zoom power!

I'm not very camera savvy. However, I'd like to get a better camera, preferably, one that doesn't require taking a photography class to use.

Again, thanks for the tip, Bob.

The attached photo is a hummingbird moth but has about the same flight and size characteristics. Your camera has a mode setting for SHUTTER PRIORITY. In this mode, YOU select a shutter speed and the camera makes the other settings to accommodate the lighting conditions. The shutter speed setting that usually allows the hummingbird body to be fairly sharp while allowing the intentional wing blur is 1/640 sec.

Bob

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Amazing picture, not to mention a most interesting subject! A hummingbird moth...um, that's a new one on me. Immediately after reading your post, I had to google it. We actually have them in parts of Georgia. WOW! The things I learn lerking around this site.

Your camera tips have been duly noted. Our hummers will be here soon and I can't wait to try different settings on my camera. Usually I just point, zoom in a shoot.

Bob, thank you so much. This is going to be the year I get a great hummingbird shot...I just know it.

Wow everyone, great ideas and amazing photos! I have a Fuji Finepix with I think 3x zoom, not very fine pix! Actually as I said great pics as long as the sun is shining bright!
(Also helps when the subject is sitting still because it is so cold!)

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Beautiful photos!

Fighting8r, those are very nice photos! Your Fuji Finepix does a great job.

Bon

Kelly, your photos are spectacular!
Fuji Makes a very fine camera and they are usually very price competitive.

Bob

I'm just now seeing this, and you may have already made your decision, but I want to give a huge +1 to any recommendations for Panasonic Lumix series. I've had 4 of them over the last 4 years (keep upgrading). Two are what they call "prosumer" models - not a dSLR, but almost as good as, and the other two are compact point&shoots that will fit in my jeans or jacket pocket.

My current P&S is the Lumix TZ5 - does well in bright light and low-light conditions, and has 10x optical zoom, as well as macro settings.

My current prosumer is the Lumix FZ35 - it has 18x optical zoom and also has macro settings, as well as the ability to attach other lense/filters (but no hot-shoe for a flash). It does very well in low-light conditions, and has HD video capability.

Both have Leica lenses, and both have many (if not all) of the higher capabilities that serious photographers demand, while still being easy enough for a novice to use. Both also have tripod mounts.

The FZ35 is 12mp, and the TZ5 is 10mp (I think - I don't have it in front of me just now).

@Bob... You're VERY knowledgeable, sir. I was going to correct you about always needing a tripod for >10x zoom, but then you realized that Panasonics have image stabilization (which has been a god-send for me, believe me, because tripods/monopods are not always convenient).

Question for you: would you agree that as often as not, it's the photographer more than the camera? As in, knowing how to frame a shot, knowing your camera, knowing your subject, etc. matters as much or more as having bigger zoom/higher megapixels?

It's a trick question, because it's a pet peeve of mine. My first digital camera was a 2.1mp Olympus that most folks would have written off due to its lack of megapixels. But it had a Canon lens, 10x optical zoom with image stabilization, and I got fantastic pics with it, many of which I printed at 8x10 or higher.

For instance, this was taken with that old Olympus (Callaway Gardens, 9/12/02):
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This one is from my front yard in Aug 09 using my FZ20 (replaced the Olympus in 2005)- the swallowtails loved my Buddleias.
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Is it spring yet?
Mary

Fiwit, your pictures are wonderful, especially the Swallowtails! My first digital was the Olympus 2.1mp. I absolutely loved that camera for closeups. At one time, I sold a lot of things on ebay. The Olympus was wonderful at zooming in on small details (i.e., tiny maker's mark on the back of an antique, silver spoon). I'm still trying to master getting great closeups with my Lumix.

Spring is upon us! Our Daffodils are blooming...a sure sign. I can't wait to get out and experiment with some of the great tips for the Lumix that have been posted here.

Bon