Excellent Macro Camera

[ShawnB26]

Hi,

I'm looking for a nice camera for for my 13yr old that loves to take macro pictures. Any suggestions for a camera with a good optical zoom and takes excellent macro pictures for under $300? Thank you for any help.

 

[Guest]

Canon Powershot SX100 IS for $300.

My biased recommendation because this is my first digital camera. It has macro mode and takes some very clean shots + it's easy to use so I say suited for your child.

 

[Shadow703793]

^I second the Powershot. I use an older 570IS along side my DSLR, and it works pretty well for what it's intended to do.

Here is a tip: Grab the CHDK package for your camera. This allows you to use some insane settings that are not available on the standard camera firmware. For example, I was messing around with long exposure with the 570IS (cause my battery for the DSLR is DEAD ) and I can now do 90+ second exposures with the custom firmware.
Link to CHDK: http/chdk.wikia.com/wiki/CHDK
(Btw, this is 100% safe as long as you follow the guide).