Just to add my .02, I bought a Kodack DX4530, 5Megapixel camera back about May. It's been a great unit to play with. I am not a major photographer, but with the 3X optical zoom, I get to do pretty well what I want with it. It does have a closeup mode and a self-timer. You can change the exposure (both exposure compensation or just set a LONG exposure). It uses a SD memory card, and using a 256Meg card, I have stored up to 300 pictures. The DX4530 also has a "movie" mode which is handy for some of those things like a baby's first steps. Saves in JPG and Quicktime formats. It cost 370Cdn$. You can get accessory lenses to get even closer or farther pictures.