I thought I'd ask the pros here first ;)

If you had only $500 to spend, what would you get?

I'm not a pro by any means but I'd really like to start learning...so I guess, I'm asking what you would get as a newbie to photography.

Canon S80. You can find it on sale for around $450 I think. It is a really amazing camera for the price. Check out the reviews at dpreview.com.

I will- thanks :)

I forgot when I posted last night that I had previously posted some pictures taken with mine. You can see them here (http://www.amitymama.com/vb/amity-mama-market/295092-its-amazing-what-cameras-can-do-these-days-look-these.html).

I forgot when I posted last night that I had previously posted some pictures taken with mine. You can see them here (http://www.amitymama.com/vb/amity-mama-market/295092-its-amazing-what-cameras-can-do-these-days-look-these.html).

wow- those are GREAT! I want one so badly now-LOL!