I want to get a digital camera but I don't know what to look for so it'll take good pics of jewelry.

 I've heard someone talk about a 'macro' setting.   What's that?

If you haven't already guess, I don't know enough to know what to ask about!

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated....thanks!

 Do a Google search for digital cameras, and put in "reviews of digital cameras". You can read about all the different kinds. A camera with a good macro setting is required for good close up pictures. I have a Minolta Dimage  that takes great pictures as close as 1 inch with a tripod. You should also get a light box or light tent as well. Search on BeadandButton for "pictures" under the advanced search.

You can get a point and shoot which is cheaper than a SLR. Most point and shoot have a macro or close up setting. I actually find that my older Nikon Coolpix takes better pictures of my jewelry than the SLR. The newer versions of that model (Nikon Coolpix) were not so good though (inside pictures discolored) although they may have improved it.  Whatever brand and model you decide on, be sure and do a review search like someone suggested. Put in the camera and model + review to find reviews. I like Canon products as well.

 You can buy a light box tent set up fairly cheap. I've gotten by with taking my pictures outside on a cloudy day or in the shade but it is just for my use. If I was selling, I would want better pictures. HTH

Hi,

Besically - "Close-up photography, also called macro photography, is a technique used to capture tiny details when the subject of your photo is a small object. Macro-photography can reveal hidden textures, colors, patterns, and shapes that cannot be seen by the naked eye and cannot be photographed with a normal camera lens." (http://www.sciencebuddies.org/mentoring/project_ideas/Photo_p011.shtml)

It's a small flower symbol that I believe almost all digital camera in the market at present time contains this feature. 

Hope this helps.

Jack.

Hi!  For beginners, it's best to invest first on a point-and-shoot digital camera.  It's very user friendly and you can take it anywhere. They now all come with a macro feature (the "flower" sign) for close-up shots.  Take your time.  Read through magazines and check out the product reviews before you decide what brand and type of camera suits your need.

I use a Canon IXUS 40 (4 megapixel).  You can buy 7 megapixels or higher these days at very competitve prices. I've relied on Canon since the pre-digital days.  The quality of my photos are great even if I've always been a perennial beginner.  My camera is light and compact.  I can bring it anywhere.  In fact, it's a regular item in my handbag. 

I'd recommend you also buy a good tripod if you plan to take close photos of your work.  This will help you save a lot of time.  I don't rely on my hands when I do macro shots.  It's also good to get familiar with the tools and softwares that will help you enhance your photos. I use Microsoft Photo Editor to adjust brightness and contrast, and for cropping.  Fireworks is best when I want to frame or label my photos.  Even great for putting together several shots in one photo frame.  It took me a year to get familiar with these tools.  So don't get frustrated if your first photos don't appear like the ones you see posted in this site.  It probably took time for many of us to find the technique that works best for us.  Learn from your mistakes, and try to develop your own photo shooting style.  In time you'll find it truly enjoyable.

Here's another thread for photo tips...

http://cs.beadstylemag.com/bdscs/forums/t/303.aspx

I would say canon is the way to go

I haven't been around much lately, but...  Wow!  Thanks for all the responses!

I wasn't sure where to start and I got some great tips.  = )

I have a Sony 7.2 megapixal and love it, but you wouldn't go wrong with Canon. I can download the pictures from a memory stick or directly off the camera, which comes in handy at times. This was more camera than I really wanted or needed, but I let my husband buy it for me. All I said was that I'd like more megapixals than I think I'll need, and it has to have a macro setting. The reason people upgrade computers and other equipment is usually because they want more memory or more megapixals. A friend who bought a 2 megapixal a few years ago, couldn't wait to get one that was twice that. I don't anticipate replacing mine anytime soon.

If you go to a place like Best Buy, the staff is reasonably knowledgeable about the features on the electronic devices, but you might want to check out something like Consumer Reports so you know the terminology. My husband has his own camera, which is bigger /bulkier than mine (and also more powerful). I wanted one that I could carry in my purse (I keep it in a lightweight camera case). It's about the same size as my cell phone. I had a wonderful summer purse with saddle bag pockets on the two sides, so I was balanced. I'm still looking for something similar (that doesn't cost a small fortune) to use this winter. I tend to use the camera more when it's handy.  :-)   Rhonda

I've been a fan of Canon since before the digital age as well.  They are reliable and do a great job.  I also recommend a good tripod.  For a light box I just use a clear storage container and it works great.  Add a couple daylight lamps and your off and running.  Picasa is what I use for cropping and adjusting color and light balance on my photos.  Practice, practice!  Alice

If you have a printer that has Pictbridge support - you might also want to buy a camera with that functionality as well.

I have a nikon coolpix - and I think that it does a great job for my jewelry photos (I don't love it for taking pictures of my kids)  but the macro setting is great.  I take my photos in natural light, not directly in the sun and use photoshop to crop - I usually don't have to do much editing.