I'm in the market for a new camera. I'm looking for a Canon, Nikon, or Olympus. I've set my budget for a maximum of $200. Looking for hi-res, slow shutter speed, digital model. Any recomendations?

If you don't mind going for used you can get some pretty good bargains. I bought this for just over $100.- last spring.

I would prefer new. The only places I know to buy used are auction sites and pawn stores. I've been burned too many times by both.

I picked up a basic Canon at Wal-Mart, the A3000, for about $80. 4X optical zoom, 10 megapixel, two years old now. It has served well, though not as fancy as others. Newer models offer better zoom and resolution, and you can choose from a variety of settings.

The camera store I bought mine from has a decent selection of used cameras, and they're neither a pawn shop nor an auction, both of which I also stay away from. Are there any camara shops around your place?

Matt

You might want to look at something like this.

http://www.henrys.com/63906-NIKON-COOLPIX-L120-BRONZE-14-1MP-21X-WIDE-ANGLE-3-.aspx

Has a Macro mode for shooting close.

This is what I use most of the time

http://www.nikonusa.com/Nikon-Products/Product-Archive/Compact-Digital-Cameras/26135/COOLPIX-P6000.html

Unless I pull out the bigger daddy. Nikon D5000, but don't think you want to spend that much.

I don't have one local, in this part of the city. It would be about a 20mile/2hour drive to get to one.
Kevin: I'm liking the Nikon Coolpix L120. Looks like a solution to my shopping. The only issue I see is that the resolution may be too high for posting photos. Although, I suppose I can correct this with Photoshop.

I always have to reduce mine, no biggie. And I have always liked Nikon, takes some nice pics.

Has anyone used the Canon A800? I have lenses that will fit it, but am unsure of the macro capabilities. My current camera has trouble focusing on close-up shots.

Matt;
You can find a great used camera on eBay just be sure to ask questions. I have two canon s3, one that I bought new for $500+ and one that I just purchased from eBay used for $75. Both are great and although I am an idiot when it comes to cameras the pictures speak for themselves. You can get a great camera for a fraction of the price and it holds it's resale too. Cheers.

I have had problems, when ordering electronics from ebay. I have no problem purchasing new items, but I find "used" ones far too risky.

try this;
http://www.bensoutlet.com/products/kodak-easyshare-14mp-compact-digital-camera

Damon: thanks for the link. I'll bring it up with my local photography expert. not sure if Kodak made his list of "good" brands. Then again, it is my money and I like it.

Hey Matt- I know you are after something new but I would really recommend this camera (which Damon also mentioned):

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1/191-4819768-2113444?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Canon+S3+IS

$400+ for this new is a total rip off, its an old camera but like $150 used is reasonable. I understand not wanting to risk your hard earned on used electronics, I reckon most of us has some bad tale about that. But I've used an S3 IS for over five years, it still works and is still good- macro focusing is solid right down to within a mm of the subject. Its fairly simple to use too and the screen folds out and you can position it so you can see what you are shooting if it is a difficult angle or something.
Cons are that its an old model and the ISO kind of defeats you with noise above 400, it doesn't shoot RAW format and it can be a bit iffy with lighting from time to time.

When I first went in for buying a camera, with limited budget and a list of what I wanted etc, I checked out this website (that Jessica linked to aswell): www.dpreview.com, it has some great info and their tests are pretty thorough, plus they have an extensive archive of lots of cameras.

Good luck finding what you need.

Thanks for all of the responses. I think I am going with Nikon's S52. It's well under budget, new. The macro is impressive and I can use it for point and shoot at Christmas, when I get to see my daughter.

Going backwards on this one. I've decided to wait a couple of months and get a professional camera.

Hey Matt, check this out. Worthwhile whether you get a small "point-n-shoot" or a larger one later.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/recommended-cameras.htm#pocket

A very helpful site too, if you have any interest in photography.

Thanks for the link Sweaver. I am focussing on macro. I have three cameras, right now. Great for visiting my daughter, but not for up close coverage. I'm currently using a Canon A710 IS and just dug out the macro lense for it. But, my dad would prefer me to buy my own.

A pawn shop. I bought a Nikon with a small dent on the case for $40

Fuji SL300 for $199 from Costco+free shipping. Not mobile enough to make it to the pawn shops around here.

Got a Nikon L120. Amazing photo quality! It can sharpen a 1x1" area from six feet away so that it looks like you are right on top of it. I'm trying to find the perfect macro setting.

In my opinion, Canon are the best brand of cameras you can use actually, but it depends on your tastes

I'm working with a Canon 7D and is awesome! I made the photos of my book using this one and is simply amazing... If you have money to buy it, don't think about it twice!

I'm very happy with the L120. I can use it for a variety of photo options. The pictures are extremely high quality and your controls cover every detail.