Bsteph - at the moment I totally agree with you. Even a cheap 10 automatic camera can produce a better photo than a 500 digital....no contest. The only things I am working on is the fact that (a) instant gratification is good. I'm an impatient sod at the best of times, and a digital has increased my speed of learning because I can see where I'm going wrong without having to wait for a whole film to be developed before I find out I'm making mistakes. (b) If someone brought out a 35mm where a lifetime of film & developing is included F.O.C. then the future of digital has problems! This is the strongest point for me, as my 200 digi has ALREADY paid for itself in the equivalent cost for the number of photo's I have took, plus I'm selling it soon for not much less than that.... (c) The cheapest new car you can buy today is 100% better than the Rolls Royce of automotive youth - faster, more reliable and more efficient ...... digital technology is VERY young - compare recent discussions re costs of processing etc 50 years ago - in 50 years time what will digital be like?!? Let's re-start this thread in as little as 5 years time.... but until then, you win, bud!!!!! (",) Mike.