Arthur, Thanks for the reply, yes the laptop is a great aid in doing research and allowing you to have your files within easy reach. My laptop is reaching the end of its life, keeps No Going but it has given many years of first class service. Another item that needs replaced. The reason for using a digital camera is that it would eliminate one step, the need to transcribe the original data to paper, only leaving the extraction to a spreadsheet. Another advantage of the digital camera is that the data can be scanned into the computer with a program such as OmiPage, this eliminates all typing except for spelling errors and formatting problems until the program learns what you are attempting (one hopes). Your idea regarding a second hand camera is practical, may take a look at it but we also need a digital camera, in addition to all those other upgrade cameras we have collected over the years. I have received a number of replies to the Camera question, some for a camera some against, big decision or just wait until the FHC buys a viewer that allows you to copy directly to a CD. IAW some members they do have these on the market. Thanks for the input. Bob