Hi Rick - A year ago I needed to replace my camera and after much research settled on a Sony Cybershot DSC-V3 (often just referred to as the "V3") which I got for about $400. It has been terrific for all kinds of photos and I've taken a bunch of plant shots. It allows you to use fully manual settings if you need to - which I often do for my better plant shots. And Sony uses a better lens on its cameras (at least this line) than other manufacturers. I couldn't afford to go up to the more expensive model like the one Arthur uses, nor the digital SLR route which is also costly, so you might want to check this out. Of course the models change so fast that the V3 may or may not be available, but it would be easy to find out which model has replaced it. I can't recall which web sites I used in my research, but there is a good digital camera review site that you may have already found. I wound up buying mine from Abe's of Maine (which is in New York!) because they had the best prices, and it was a satisfactory transaction but the clerk tried to sell me a bunch of extras, so be warned... Good luck! Sue -----Original Message----- From: - JBS-L - Josselyn Botanical Society discussion list of the University of Maine [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Rick Speer Sent: Saturday, December 02, 2006 11:09 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Digital cameras I'm interested in making the plunge and getting a digital camera this year and could use some recommendations from those in the know or with experience. Are there cameras out there that would take good macro plant pictures in the $300-$500 range? Any information or advice would be most appreciated. thanks, Rick Speer