Wilma,
I'm screwed up too trying to figure out which one to buy of the hundreds available. It's like having $4500. to spend on a new car in 1969 and it's shopping time!
Just pick ONE
Seriously, I'm looking for the same type usage: close ups of parts and details, etc. I think you can get away with as low as 5megapixel resolution as long as the camera has about 4-5X optical zoom.
I'm also looking for one with a quick auto processor, so I don't have to wait 2 seconds for it to take the picture AFTER I've pressed the button. And since I'm looking at ones with zoom, I'm looking at those with what's called "image stabilization" because of camera shake when you zoom in. I'm looking at digital SLRs. They're more expensive, but you have the ability to change lenses for different situations, like a wide angle so you can shoot a whole car without having to be 25Ft away from it.
But I'm still stuck. I'm looking at Canon, Pentax (I already have K mount lenses) and Kodak. Can't afford Nikon.
Google digital cameras and make a list of features you want, then try to narrow it down. You're getting advice from someone who hasn't been able to come to a decision himself though......
Verne