The title says it all. I am in Iraq and want to get a cheap camera so I am not too upset if it gets damaged/destroyed. I want it to take decent pics of models as well though. I have found a couple candidates that may fit the bill:

1) Cobra Digital DC8000. I can't tell if it has a macro setting though. Does anyone have any idea if it has one and how well it takes pics?

2) Canon PowerShot A470.

Any opinions or insight?

Not really familiar with either camera, but here is a good review of the Canon A470:
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2008_reviews/canon_a470.html

Can't find too much on the Cobra camera, but what I did find doesn't sound too good:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080515192329AAXtRFT

Given the choice of the two, I'd go with the Canon for sure.
Hope it helps a little.

Jamie

Thanks. Looks like the Canon is the way to go.

How about second-hand? You might get a wider choice at lower prices and feel less gutted if a tank drives over it or something. The beauty of diggitals is that they have fewer moving parts, so there's less to go wrong, so second-hand is less of a risk. Plus, the rate at which they're replaced on the market means that there must be loads of low-mileage examples out there that are nearly spotless.

Check what's available to you at the PX/BX either before you leave or when you get there.

Yup, did that when I got here (Iraq) and the selection is small and on the higher end. I was able to order the Powershot A470 from AAFES on-line for abour $125 though. So I am set. Thanks to all for the help.