digital camera?

Dana,
I'd probably go with the Canon - for no other reason than I've used Canon SLR's for more than 20 years and found them to be well made and reliable.
Make sure you go for a model that has a minimum 4.0 megapixel image (more, if you can afford it) - and get a flash card - the internal memory of these cameras isn't that large - you can reduce the pixel rate to allow more pics to be stored internally, but at the cost of picture quality, so a flash card is a good idea - I can get almost 200 pics at 4.0 megapixels with a 256Mb card, whereas I can store less than 20 internally.
Whatever you do, I'd take a flash card into the camera store, take closeup pics of something - anything that's there - take these pics under identical circumstances with both cameras and store them on the flash card - then take the flash card home and have a look at the images and see which camera seemed to perform better.
Also, the staff in the camera store can advise you which camera is better for the application you intend.
Good luck.

Since we're on the subject, let me ask this:

I'm looking at purchasing a new digital camera also. The two that have caught my eye are the Sony DCSH1 and the Canon S2 1S. Both are about the same price and seem to have similar features. What is everyone's opinion on either of these cameras abilities for model photography?

Thanks.

As well, before you buy anything you may want to check for reviews on the internet. Here's a good site I used before getting my camera: http://www.dpreview.com

Buy the best camera you can afford. Minimum of 3.2 mega-pixels. That's what you'll need to print 8x10 inch photos with clear detail. A 5.1 can give you poster-size ( starting wth 11"x14". Definitely get one with Macro mode for close-up shots for models or whatever other subjects you want to shoot. When shooting, use the least amount of compression. This will give you photos with the highest resolution and clarity ( if it is in proper focus ). The trick to not using up your computer memory too fast with these pix is to run you shots through a photography application. ( your camera should come with software.) Use the photo app to save each pix in a thumbnail size of about 165 x 165-180 pixels.( choose to resize in pixels NOT inches ) When you save a high-resolution photo in a very small size to you files, it can be sent back through you photo application for UP-sizing for printing. Don't forget to save you photos originally in the .jpg ( some apps call it .jpeg---samething ) These small thumbnail sized pix can be sent as e-mail attachments that download fast and then be UP-sized by the receiving person using THEIR photo-app for printing. For submitting photos to FSM--- download and study the Photographer's Guidelines. I don't mean to be sounding like some know-it-all. These are some tips I've picked up by studying my camera's handbook, reading some excellent books on Digital Photography, and experimenting. HAVE FUN!!!!!!! I paid about $300 for my HP R707 a few months ago. That camera does everything except build the model. It's a still camera, but does video clips with sound ( as long as the memory card holds out ). It will record 6 seconds of sound with each STILL photo, too. A big reason I chose the HP is because my computer is an HP so compatability wouldn't be in question.
Sorry I've been so long winded. Hope it's been helpful. WARNING: Once you try digital photograpy, you won't want to go back to film.

Good deals are out there:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=30014&item=3866133640

That's the exact camera I purchased, and just got a 256MB CompactFlash card for $4 after rebate from ecost.com

Fantastic pictures, works great with macro. You can use it as a point and shoot or use all the functions on it to get just the right effect you're looking for. I'd get something similar if possible. I know the A70 gets just as good reviews as this one, but has 3.3MP. Good luck!

You'll need a macro as mentioned. Test that at the store. The lens on my Sone FD-95 can just about touch the subject and be in focus. If you're planning on posting/e-mailing pictures, a high megapixel number can be problematic, especially if you or the recipient has a dial up connection.

hey thanks for the price ranges and technical tips guys i geuss i have to take a short brake form modeling and save up the money in the ol'piggy bank!

My Minolta Dimage S414 with 4.0 megapixels ran $425.00 about three years ago. Whatever you get, you want to maximize the megapixels and ensure that it has a good "macro" function with as short a focal length as possible. This will allow you to get those real close shots that are clear. Mine only has a minimum distance of 0.16 meters...really not as close as I would have preferred.

well, i ours we got for around $300, but tht was nearly a year or two ago. a good used to new one's probably gonna be around the same i shud think. $200-$400 is my bet. make sure its got 3.3 megapixels, that is if u want some of yer pics to one day be used in FSM the mag. thts the only size they allow.

HIH