What is the best digital camera for professional microphotography?  I
need to document circuit boards with very tiny micro-components (1
mm).  The area to be photographed is between a dime and a matchbox in
size.  I need very high quality pictures, suitable for publication in
printed magazines and no-fuss operation.  I am willing to spend up to
$1000.

Photography of small, close objects is known as macro photography.

If your budget was a bit more I would suggest a DSLR camera (such as a
Canon EOS 10D) as they generally have the greatest flexibility as to
which lenses can be used.  However DSLR cameras generally start at
$1000 for just the camera and the lenses are more.  Although you might
find a local company in your area who will rent one to you, which
might work out better for you.

For under $1000 you could get a high end digital 'prosumer' camera and
some add on macro lenses.  As for the best camera, it is hard to say. 
There are a few cameras that can do what you want, but each has its
pros and cons.  But if I had to suggest one it would be a Canon G3
with addon Macro lenses (I do admit to having a slight Canon bias).

For a tutorial on taking macro photography with a digital camera I
suggest you check out the following web page.  THe tutorial is for
insects, but photographing circuit boards should be easier.  The
equipment used in the tutorial could be had for less than $1000.
http://www.photo.net/photodb/presentation?presentation_id=188714

Yes, good advice. If you can spend $1500 on a Canon or Nikon that
takes interchangeable lenses, you'll be at the top of the field.
Check this web site for the very best info on digital cameras:
http://www.dpreview.com/
Good luck!

The company below makes an adaptor for the "best" under $1000 digital
cameras so that they can attach to a microscope. These excellent five-
and four-megapixel cameras, combined with microscopes, are used by
scientists at colleges and universities.

I think if you look at the cameras they make the adaptors to fit you
will get the idea of which cameras are "best" for professional uses.

In addition, you might be able to adapt the stand of a microscope to
fit your circuit boards in order to photograph them in considerable
detail.

If you like this answer, let me know.

http://www.martinmicroscope.com/New%20MM%20Page.htm