[scedmonds]

I had my own photo business for a number of years (small but pro, none-the-less!). I went with an Olympus 500-DL about five years ago for my first digital (800KB image). It took GREAT pics that made terrific 5x7 prints on a decent HP DeskJet.

You can find a refurb'ed 500- or 600-DL for less than $300.

I upgraded to an Olympus 3040 about 3 months ago (3MB image; $700 is what I paid), and it's amazing. Image quality is stunning, and it, like the 500-DL, is comfortable for an old hand 35mm SLR photog.

My brother-in-law just bought a refurbed 3040 on eBay (with warranty) for $400 (!).

I'm a big Olympus fan because of the image quality and ease of getting pix onto the PC (USB connection rocks!).

Cheers!

C.