Thank you, Tim, for your complementary comments. I am so happy that you enjoy my blog! Rick and I both use Leica cameras. Mine is a Leica D-Lux 3 and Rick’s camera is a Leica V-Lux 20 (there is a newer version which is a V-Lux 30). Rick’s is substantially more expensive than mine was because his has a longer zoom and a macro lens. I do not have those features, so I can’t bring the snowy owls close up with all the detail that he can get and I can’t get the pollen on a thistle! However, I am really happy with my camera. For a beginner, I would suggest the camera I use. In general, the majority of photos you see on my blog were taken by my Leica D-Lux 3 (if the photo is Rick’s, I always make mention of it), and as you can see, you can really get great photos. You can go on line and check out the prices. Good luck to you!