Classic-Castle.com

Well, I have been putting off asking this question for some time for various reasons, but here it goes: I'm looking for a camera, one that can take close up pics of Mocs but not cost too much (over $300). I realize a certain amount of skill is needed to have good pictures, but that will come with time and photo classes. I'm not really a camera guy so simple jargon will help.

I personally use a Canon A2200. It has served me well for almost 3 years now. It's relatively cheap (around $150) and has decent picture quality. The micro setting is great for capturing smaller builds and figures. It's not so great at low-light or capturing larger builds. It can be done, but it's hard. You will definitely need some photo edited software for contrast and brightness (Gimp will do fine).

I'm planning on upgrading to a DSLR because I know have a better understanding of how cameras work, something I did't when I first started.

I Too used a Cannon, the A2400. It and other point and shoot cameras can offer great photo quality but once you learn more about photography you are limited in the fact that most Point and Shoots do not offer the control and flexibility that you may want. I myself get very frustrated, for example, when I want to use a slow shudder speed to take a photo of a waterfall but cannot manually adjust it. For this reason I would recommend getting either a DSLR, or if that is to complex and expensive, a manual Point and Shoot such as the Nikon P7700.

Here is a checklist of some things that I would go through when looking for a camera:

1. Does the camera have decent resolution and optical zoom? 10+ MegaPixels (But don't just go for the camera with 16 megapixels, when some with 12 are far better. Anyone will tell you that MP are NOT everything)
2. Does it have good Auto functions and Special Scenes for when you just want to whip it out and shoot?
3. Does it offer more control with setting such as Aperture/Shudder Priority Modes, Exposure Compensation, etc.
4. Is the image quality good (really touch and go with this one, be sure to read reviews)?
5. Is it fast? You don't want to miss that fleeting photo opportunity.
6. Is the Camera itself sturdy, or is it flimsy and prone to damages (again, read reviews)?

I agree with Frisky. I use my Dad's DSLR Canon. It is a spectacular camera, with fantastic picture quality. If you have lots of money, I recommend it. It is over $1000 though, so not necessarily what you need. I personally am saving up for a Canon EOS Rebel. They are cheaper, but are still amazing.

Thanks for the replies guys! I really appreciate it. While I have been around LEGO since the time of the gold Castle and Galaxy Explorer, cameras for MOC photos lost out to other things in my yearly budgets. This info will give me things to ponder as I save up some money.
-Tower

I use the Canon Rebel t3i, but it's rather expensive

I use an Olympus PEN E-Pl2 (soon to be upgraded to an OM-D EM-10 by the same manufacturer). Cameras like the PEN series fill the gap between compact cameras and full size DSLRs (both in price and image quality. You could try looking for an older, second hand compact system camera from a couple of years ago, (Olympus E-PL3 or E-PL4). After a quick check on eBay the bodies of those cameras start around $200 AUD ($150 US), lenses start at around $300 AUD ($230 US).