I do think that cost is an issue for a lot of people, but to a point. You have to pay a little money to get something good. The D200 with a macro lens takes you over $2000 easy. My setup with the D50 and the extension tubes would be about $600-$700 if you buy it new. I have taken some pictures of bees showing details that I have never seen before. The slow shutter speed does not seem to have a big impact. The depth of field is bothering me a little bit, but is acceptable considering the cost. I do not think that buying a point and shoot is a good investment because you can't upgrade the lens. I would love to share some pictures but I can't post any because I am new on this forum and it won't let me (I think it has something do to with spams).
Anyways, I would love to see a picture of bees taken with the macro lens I can't afford, and see how my extension tubes compare. Livelybee, can you share some pictures? If someone give me an email to send my pictures to, maybe he/she can post them for me....
(my icon was taken with my extensin tubes)