When you use a relatively low resolution digital camera, the only way to
obtain a picture of a small object with decent resolution is to get the lens
extremely close to the object. However, one of the advantages of a very high
resolution camera (5 mp) is that you can shoot small objects from several
inches away, so that the object occupies only a small portion of the viewing
area, then crop the photo and enlarge it, resulting in a full-size image
which still has excellent resolution. This avoids the depth of field
problems, lighting problems, and distortion problems inherent in shooting at
a miminal focal distance.

Paul M.