If you are a beginner bead photographer, I recommend the Kodak EasyShare Z710. Using the Macro mode, I can get great pictures without a tripod or extra lighting. I normally take pictures outside in natural light, hand held. Inside using the flash works well too, except for the inevitable glare spot on shiny beads.

The camera has an incredible automatic focus feature. It selects one or more items in the field of view for you, and with good light the depth of field is also incredible. I take pictures using the maximum 5 megapixels, then crop down to show what I want more clearly, if needed. I have a Mac and use iPhoto. WIth a little practice you can get down to pretty close detail. However, single bead pictures of small beads, say under 10 mm, will probably always need a better set-up with a macro lens.

This is the camera that Carl D. recommended, and I love it! It is a slightly older model but I got mine on ebay, new in box with accessories, for $125. Possibly newer models from Kodak in this line are just as good, or better, but I'm sure you will enjoy using this model.