Small detail photography - digital camera

[Pragmatist]

Can anyone advise me please?! I need a digital camera (that won't break the bank!) that I can use for close range small detail items and still keep the picture and colour sharp?

[pug100]

Hi Pragmatist,
What you are looking for is a camera with a macro facility. This means the lens can focus down to 2 or 3cm usually used for horticulture, insct life and the like. Most compact cameras will not have this facility, so you may have to go for a digital SLR type camera where you can change the lenses over. You can always go to your local camera shop and ask to see such cameras as you may find a compact camera that will do the job.
As you haven't mentioned a price point I can only offer very general advice.
A good website for reveiws of all types of digital camrera is Steves digicams, although it is an American site you will need to cross check prices in the UK.

http://www.steves-digicams.com/default.htm

[solera]

Have a look at the Pentax Optio M20 close focus and a multiplicity of features price �85.00 ish.

[Pragmatist]

Thanks Guys - with your help I am now the proud owner of an Olympus fe-230 (has macro to 5cm- that I can live with!) and it didn't break the bank!!! I did look at the SLR/Digital but I'm afraid they were well out of my price range and at the Pentax M30 - which would have been more than suitable! Couldn't have done it without you!! Again thanks