looking for new camera, not sure where to start

I'm looking for something in the $200-300 range, for both far off pictures (mountains, etc), and macro photos. I'm also an art student, and need something I can take good pictures of my work with (paintings and drawings mostly). I was thinking the size wouldn't be an issue, but my brother did a good job in convincing me something more compact is nice to have. He showed me I think the Canon Powershot sx260. I'm in the process of doing my own research but am getting kind of lost. Any advice would be much appreciated!