I'm going to be buying a digicam in the near future, but I have no idea what features I should be looking for. Obviously I want one that's good for taking pics of minis, as well as one for general usage and to use on trips. Any pointers on what features I should be looking for? Also, what accessories would be handy? I don't want to spend a fortune, but I do want to get the most bang for the buck. My goal is to buy one and know how to use it for NEAT II.

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"I don't believe in destiny or the guiding hand of fate." N. Peart

Optical zoom is important, and for miniatures a macro function. If you're getting a point and click camera (aka the cheap kind), like the one I have, 4x optical zoom is good. Mega pixels wise... anything above 5 is good.

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Dave

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Squats 2019-10-17

I have a Panasonic DMC FZ-28 since 6 monthes, it's just great. Easy to use (automatic mode will do most of the job for you) and good pics quality. The only accessories you'll need: a memory card and a tripod to take pics of your minis.

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I use a canon EOS20D for mine which gives me full control of practically anything I need.

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-Vaaish

How much for a decent, without going over the top, digicam? A price range is fine.

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"I don't believe in destiny or the guiding hand of fate." N. Peart

I wouldn't go over $75-150

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Dave

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Squats 2019-10-17

Dave has it on the button.
Optical zoom and Macro are the only real things to watch for.
Several memory cards are advised also especially if it's a lot of photos (or a long trip!)

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I'm involved in Nunnery Practice
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I got a new digital camera at Christmas to replace my aging Fujitsu; may I suggest you look at the Canon Powershot SX110.  10x optical zoom with 9.0 megapixels and good macro features.  retail is about $250 but you can find them around $195.

CANON POWERSHOT SX110

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I have a Fuji F470 and I use it here and for work ... Got it at Radio Shack in '07 ...

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Legion 4 "Cry Havoc, and let slip the Dogs of War !" ... "People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf."

Canon Ixus 82 IS
Great, affordable.

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I have a Nikon D80, and wouldn't go back to a lesser camera anymore.

It's of a similar spec to the cameras GW use for their miniature photography.

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Currently doing a plastic scenery kickstarter

It really boils down to mobility.

For miniature photography you'll need a macro feature. The more manual options to control depth of field and shutter speeds the better. You can't really go wrong with common labels like Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax or Leica. Sony's new cameras are supposed to be very good too.

What you should ask yourself is werther you want a small pocket camera or go for a DSLR camera. The picture quality of a DSLR is far beyond the performance of pocket cameras simply because of the larger optics. DSLRs are somewhat more expensive though and they are obviously larger, so you may not find it as easy to carry around everywhere you go.

If you want perfect picture quality you'll have to buy a DSLR and a dedicated macro lens and probably an external flash as well (the lens will usually cast shadows when using a built in unit. Also it is not correct that flash cannot be used for miniature photography. You just need to be able to control the flash output and/or use light diffusers). For a good kit like this you can easily dish out $1000.

If you just want a camera that can take a decent sharp closeup picture of you models there's plenty of good and affordable pocket cameras out there. Canon's G series have a lot of nice manual settings for creative control and is a good camera for the ambitious beginner IMO. However there's plenty of cheaper options if you just want to be able to "snap a pic".
My advice for "economy photography" would be: Well known camera manufacturer like Canon, Olympus or Sony, 5 megapixels minimum, macro function. Can't really go wrong with that.

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Thanks for all of the advice everyone. All I'm really looking for is an affordable camera (say under $150) that will take good quality pictures both up close (for minis) and distance (for travel).

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"I don't believe in destiny or the guiding hand of fate." N. Peart

I used to have a Cassio that'd probably fall in that price range, it served me well, but was plagued with mechanical problems late in its life.

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Currently doing a plastic scenery kickstarter