Hello Shutter Bugs, I have been fighting with the digital camera vs 35mm slr or the like for some time now. Using QUALITY of output as the only parameter I believe that to get the same results with a digital camera that I can get with a mid priced 35mm and good scanner I will have to spend considerably more money. In the end I still will not have the low light abilities of film with digital(ccd) devices. First if I am wrong then correct me. Second, now that I have decided on conventional photography equipment I need recomendations. I want to take pictures for use as textures and backgrounds. I have no experiance with cameras so I need camera with a good "auto" mode to start. I will add lenses as time goes on and skills improve. Ultimately I want to set up tripod and lighting booth for taking close-ups of materials without shadows for creation of texture libs. Please post or email me with suggestions and any ideas you have. Thanks thunderdon