The short answer is, "It depends!" Take a look at the questions below to narrow down the field. The good news is that once you identify the features that you need, almost any name brand camera that fits your needs will work. Make sure to see the tips at the end of this section for more details.

While it is possible to use a standard 35MM camera, you have to add at least 1 step (developing) and possibly a 2nd step (scanning). Not only will a traditional camera take longer to get the results, it will cost you more as well. We are in the 21st century now. It's time for a digital camera!

1) Where are you going to use the pictures?

If you plan on using the photos on auction sites such as eBay or your own web site, you don't need a high resolution digital camera. A camera with 2 or 3 megapixel resolution will work fine. If you are taking pictures for a print catalog, try to purchase a much higher resolution camera (7 megapixels).

2) Will the camera be performing "double duty"?

Will you be sharing the camera with other family members? If you also want to make prints of family photos or for other purposes, you'll want more resolution. As a rule of thumb, a 3 megapixel camera can make excellent 5x7 prints, you need 4 megapixels for the best 8x10 prints and 5 megapixels for an 11x14. The top pros currently shoot for magazine illustration purposes with 7 megapixel digital SLRs. Personally, I have a Canon PowerShot A60 (2 megapixels) for my web and eBay pictures and we have a Canon PowerShot A85 (4 megapixels) for family use.

Features you need

1) Good macro (close focus) capability. Limit your search to cameras that focus to within at least 6 inches and preferably 4 inches. Different manufactures call macro focus by different names. Look for a little flower on the camera. That will let you know that the camera has this capability.

2) Ease of use. For some, this means an easy method of transferring the photos from your camera to your computer (e.g., SD cards, CF cards, floppy-based Sony Mavica line).

3) Comfortable handling. Be sure to get a chance to handle a camera before buying it. All the best reviews in the world won't help if the camera feels awkward in your hands.

4) Flash override. Make sure that the flash on the camera can be disabled. If you use the Cloud Dome, you will not need the flash.

Buying and Shopping Tips

1) Do a lot of research on the web. You could go crazy driving all over town looking a cameras. The site I recommend is Steve's Digicams. Tons of info here!

2) Hold the camera in your hand. Once you have narrowed down you choice, visit a store or 2 and hold the thing. See how you like the feel in your hands. Talk to the salespeople. As a matter of courtesy, if you don't plan on buying the camera from that store, don't hog the time of the salespeople.

3) Shop around for the best price. If price is important to you, shop around. Especially on the web. There are many sites that will do comparison-shopping for you. Also, many camera manufactures make several models in the same style. Don't be afraid to adjust your choice if particular model is on sale right now. But make sure it still fits your needs.

4) Are you replacing an existing digital camera? If so, consider getting a camera that uses the same type of media (CF, SD, memory stick) that you already have. This can save you a lot of money by not having to replace the digital media.

5) Be careful with "fake" megapixel ratings. Some manufactures in an attempt to make a camera sound better than it really is, will report that a camera has 6 megapixels interpolated resolution. Interpolation is an estimate of the missing information between the recording points on the sensor and is supposed to yield a higher megapixel output. Don't believe it! Stick with a true megapixel rating when comparing cameras.