Another Digital Camera Thread

So, my trusty Canon PowerShot A70 has decided to die on me - and just as my first litter of rats is going through the cute stage! :(

It will power on, but the screen remains black, and the shutter will not capture a picture. When you power it off, the lens does not completely retract. It's three years old, and has been a good friend, but now it's time to replace it.

So, thinking forward, I want a camera that's going to take good pictures, especially macro shots. I really don't want to spend more than $400, I know that a camera is only as good as the photographer behind it. This is the camera I'm seriously consider getting in January:

http://imaging-resource.pricegrabber...erid=17657005/

And another review that goes into more detail:
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/S3IS/S3ISA.HTM

I've been reading reviews on different sites all day, and the bulk of them have been very positive.

So, my question is, do I NEED to spend $400 to take nice pictures of snakes (especially for the purposes of photographing them for representing them for sale - hopefully in spring/summer 2008). Is there another camera that you have personally owned or used that is $400 or less that takes nice quality pictures?

One feature that's important to me with this one is the Image Stabilizer technology - maybe it's offered in lower end cameras, but I'm so overwhelmed with all the choices out there. Canon has been good to me, so honestly, I've only looked at the Canons, but am open to the others. I looked at the Nikon site, but don't want to spend the money on the higher end cameras (at least not now) and the point and shoot offerings Nikon had didn't really impress me. I like the nice grip in your right hand for one hand shooting like in the link above that my A70 also has.

Open to suggestions! I would love to save money if I don't have to sacrifice picture quality.

I looked at that camera when we were looking into getting a new one and the person helping us actualy reccomended the Kodak Z650 instead, I believe there is a new version now though. We paid $300 for the bundle package (camera, printer/docking station) Its got about the same megapixels and zoom and for close-ups I couldnt be happier, its the best camera ive shot with. I sell photographs and ive had professional photographers ask me about the camera and they have been quite suprised about the camera and what good quality pics it takes.

Good Luck with whatever you decide to do!!

Thanks Aric! I will definitely check that out as well. Anyone else care to chime in?

i was looking at this for a camera

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerSho...&s=electronics

it has image stabilizer as well

If you can afford it (LOL), I really recommend one of the digital SLR cameras from the Nikon line. You cannot go wrong with one of those. The D50 with the kit lens is $500-700, depending on where you buy it. You can always buy another lens if you want more zoom, closer focus, etc. The D50 has 6.2 megapixels, which is a respectable amount. Here are two examples of a picture taken with a Nikon D70 with the standard (kit) lens. The ball python one needs one more 75-watt bulb, though, LOL:

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g2...r/DSC_0101.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g2...r/DSC_0066.jpg

More info. on D50 | Review of D50 (also includes comparison against a D70)