Clearly you can spend as much as you like on gear but you might consider another option - movie-mode on most digital compacts. I've recently discovered this setting button and am amazed at the results - see my
YouTube - nytecam's Channel that includes bug close-ups with a handheld simple lens over the camera to get within a few inches. Mine [Fuji E550] has only x4 zoom and VGA res [640x480] @ 30fps but for the moment is suits my needs
Using software like MS MovieMaker [it may already be on your computer] you can edit your movies to slowdown a fly's flight or even freeze a lightning strike
