Sigma Mini Zoom Macro question and Pentax body recommendation?

[Joe Wilensky]

I'm helping a co-worker who initially wanted a point-and-shoot camera with a "macro" function to take pictures of small flower and jewelry arrangements at workshops she attends. She tried the Fuji Zoom Date 1000 (1:4 or so in its "macro" mode at 100mm), but quickly saw the limitations of even a pseudo-macro function on a point-and-shoot camera (framing errors and the macro mode cancelling after each shot, requiring numerous button pushes to re-engage each time).

I now have the chance to help her buy a Pentax -- I've also read a bit about the Sigma Mini Zoom Macro (http://www.sigmaphoto.com/html/pages/28_80.htm) that does 28-80 and has a 1:2 macro function on the long end.

I don't think she'll go for a separate macro lens -- she's intimidated by the thought of an SLR, but I've convinced her that it's the best option for her (she doesn't want to do digital, either).

What's the combo you'd recommend? Is there a Pentax zoom with a macro function even close to the Sigma's specs? And what body? the ZX-7? ZX-60? ZX-5N? ZX-L?

She'd like point-and-shoot simplicity with at least the ability to force flash on or off at times, and a macro mode that doesn't cancel itself after each shot. She'd also likely use it as a snapshot camera as well, and at this point would not be looking at using more than one lens.

Joe
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Joe Wilensky
Staff Writer
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