For a decent camera, look towards spending closer to 200$. (anything less I think is crap) You want a large pixel, 7-8 is really good. I have used the kodak Easyshare (not sure exactly which one), and it has a large pixel, decent closeup, and really an all around good camera for its price. I would recommend that one for ease of use and probably best deal for your dollar. Digital zoom doesnt actually zoom in closer to the object, it's zooming in closer to the (pixel) if that makes sense, and it will lose quality quickly, but it is something nice to have.

Try and get a camera with a macro zoom on it, macro is how we get all those sweet closeups! You can buy a macro lens which is the best quality, I just dont think you'll need it for your use.

And yes, you will want one that says it supports SD memory cards if you like to take a lot of pictures like I do. You can usually buy a 2 gig card on ebay for like 15$.

Thats really all I know about cameras! Hope that helps some.
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