Hi
I am going to buy a new camera..it will mainly just be used for closeup coral photos
the 8700 is alot cheaper. Is it just as good for close ups as the 8800
Can't say I know anything about the 8000 series, but I will say that my cp950 (from 4 years ago) did absolutely gorgeous macro shots (much better than my current olympus 5050z). I don't know that you can go wrong with either one.
I'd wait for someone else to say if they've actually used one. Just thought I'd throw in my 2 cents.