Attached Link: http://www.steves-digicams.com

Another great site to learn. The camera you will want at $500 will depend on the features you want. I use a Sony DSC-F707 and I love it. It is a little slow for sports photography but I keep trying. For everything else I have been more than satisfied. I love the camera. The f717 is basically the same camera but updated. Outside of a rearrangement of the controls I am not sure of the difference. YOu can get a new, but leftover 707 on eBay for about $500-$650. Also www.cnet.com used to have a questioniare that help whittle down your options. Magick Michael