Canon Specifications state that Macro focus range is 2 inches to 1.6 feet.
It will close-focus from 1.6 feet to infinity.
It is best to use a tripod when shooting macro - that goes for all cameras.
When you macro focus, you do not focus on an object, you focus on a spot on an object.
If I were shopping for a Canon:
If I wanted that much zoom, I would pick the SX230 HS
If I didn't need that much zoom, I would pick the Canon G12.
I want to buy a new point and shoot camera and the canon powershot SX230 HS sounds great but does it focus very well for macro pictures?

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