Re: G16 For Macro Photography
1
Peter, I'm sorry that I can't help with a specific answer to your query, but as a (lapsed) coin collector myself, I can suggest you might find a second-hand Canon Powershot TX1 might meet your needs; if you can find one!
Although it was announced as far back as 22 February 2007, I still find this unusual, robust, versatile, and tiny, 'pistol-grip' style model my go-to for really closeup shots. Though its I / 2.5" 7 Mp CCD sensor is a lower resolution than current models, its F3.5 - 5.6 lens, with a 39-390 zoom (extendable by a x 1.9 in-lens modification to an acceptable 741mm) can also be adjusted in a 'Super-Macro' setting to focus to zero from the front of the lens! The shutter has an adequate 15 - 1 /2500 second range.
When turned off, the lens fully retreats into the playing-card-box-sized solid metal body behind a rigid metal shield. Its other advantages are 1280 x 720 or 640 x 480 video at 30 fps, and stereo sound: the TX1 can also be used simply as a sound recorder.
As well as extracting individual frames from video, higher resolution stills are available from continuous drive at 2.2 fps. An in-camera facility also allows a series of individual frames to be properly aligned and stitched into a single image.
The main drawbacks are a very small 1.8" screen of only 115,000 dots, and lack of a viewfinder. The small, closely set, controls also proved difficult for some people with large hands, resulting in several negative reviews - and, unfortunately, the first iPhone was announced just four months later: which I find adequately replaces the TX1!
Here are a few examples:
Taken with front of TX1 lens touching computer screen!


Part of a USA 'nickel' 5 cent coin

20mm long Notodontid moth caterpillars on Eucalyptus leucoxylon shrub

A children's hockey match, from centre of the sideline

A frame from a video clip

Riddarholmskyrkan ( Knights' island church spire) & Stadhuset tower from 2.4 km

Stockholm's Stadhuset (Town Hall) tower, with the golden triple crown emblem.
from same place as above
