Best COMPACT digital for macro

On Sun, 3 Dec 2006 09:15:44 +0000 (UTC), Melanie L Chang wrote:
I am looking for a replacement for my venerable Nikon Coolpix 950, which
could focus as close as 2 cm and took great macro photos with almost no
effort on my part. My criteria are (2) better than the 950's 2 megapixels
and (b) as small as possible. In the past I used my Coolpix for research
photos (fossils -- small osteological features, teeth, etc.) and for fun
macros (bugs, etc.) and I'd keep using it except that the image quality
just isn't up to snuff anymore and it's kind of large for a pocket camera.

I will also be using this camera as my all-around pocket digicam. I
already have a Nikon D70s so I am not looking for another dSLR and am not
currently in the market for a macro lens. Some cameras that interest me
are the Panasonic LX2/Leica D-Lux 3, and the Canon Powershot SD series.
The current Nikon Coolpix offerings don't excite me but my opinion could
change if their macro performance is still as good as it was in the past.

At the time I got the Coolpix 950, it was the undisputed king of digital
macro in the prosumer range, but it seems like there is currently no
recognized leader in this segment. Any advice would be welcome.

How about one of the follow-ups to the 950? The 995 was a 3 MP version,
and the 4500 had 4 MP. Same basic design, and (I think) the same lens.
I'm sure that eBay or whatever would have some for sale.

I think there's a current Coolpix with the swivel-body design, but I'm
not sure off-hand which one, and whether it's the same lens system or a
new lens.

-dms