Best Camera for Under $200?

[PragmaticHominid]

Hey, I'm in the market for a new camera, as I'd like to me able to take better photos of my mantises. I'm fairly ignorant about these things, so I'm looking for advice as to what I should buy - the only other camera I've owned was a Canon PowerShot A630. I can spend about $200.

So, what should I get?

 

[Slinkytreekreeper]

Point and shoot or DSLR?

I know you can pick up Canon 350D's up pretty cheap on ebay and they seem to be built like tanks. All the Nikon stuff seems pretty well made and you might get more for your money with them.

How portable does it have to be?

How much magnification do you want?

There's a bunch of questions that come to mind but the first one should probably be answered first.

 

[PragmaticHominid]

Point and shoot.

I'm not fussed about the size of the camera. As for magnification, I just want as much as I can get for my money. XD

I think I'm going to get a Canon PowerShot SX130IS, unless there's anyone here who can suggest something better for about the same price.

 

[Slinkytreekreeper]

I have only really had a bit of experience with the powershot range but it was all good, tons of features for a POS. I was really impressed with trhe quality of shots from the olympus mju range too, excellent no flash exposures.

As far as I know the nikon POS get you really good magnifications. Good luck, look forward to seeing loads of shots with what you choose