Best digicam (non DSLR) for closeup and telephoto

[Ikki]

I'm looking for a new digicam and want one with the following:

1. Good for closeup work.
2. Twist & flip viewing screen for close to ground photography.
3. A good range of telephoto e.g. 7X to 10X.

I am considering the KonicaMinolta A200 which does most of the above, but reviews about close up ability range from poor to good, and users have reported focussing issues.

I don't want anything as big as a DSLR, or want to carry the extra lenses aound. Even the Nikon Coolpix 8800 looks a bit large.

Any ideas

[seany]

I had the canon S1 IS. http://www.steves-digicams.com/2004_reviews/s1is.html Has all that you asked for. That flips screen was a god send for the type of shots you've spoke off

[Ikki]

It seems to do what I want, but is only 3.2MP, which means that I would be limited if I wanted to blow up part of an image to a large size.

[seany]

That's the drawback yes. There's the G6, but it's only 4x, but a great camera though

[philghost]

I would not hesitate to buy the 5060 or 5050 from Olympus, which has superb macro and great optics and you can also buy attatchment lenses for increase in distance. Also has a movable viewing screen!!

Good luck!

[Ikki]

Thanks for the tip Philghost, the Olympus cameras, especially the new C-7070 were on my list as they give brilliant results.

I went out today and bought a camera. I finally gave up trying to find the perfect camera. So a small compromise was in order.

I bought the new Pentax Optio 750Z which does everything except the wide end of the zoom which is 37.5mm equivalent, not the 28 that I had hoped for.

It is very small, much smaller than similarly specced cameras such as the Olympus and has the following:

7MP
5X zoom 37.5mm to 187.5mm
close focus (very) it works down to 1cm!!
Twist out & flip view screen

And it even takes SD cards which will save me some money as I already have a 256MB card (I will get another for the holidays though).

£370 from Wildings in Manchester, Jessops would only go down to £399.99. I know that there are a few places online that are cheaper, but I would rather buy an item like this from a shop that I can go back to if there are problems.

Thanks again for the tips.