As far as money goes, people used to be making them for 125 to 150 a piece if they were good at finding bargains. I had more into mine because my cameras were a little more expensive on ebay. But either way, they will usually take better pics than any camera on the market halfway close to their price range. I can tell you that the soldering isn't for someone who has no idea what they are doing(ME!!)! I ruined one of my cameras because I had no idea what I was doing. I sent my other camera off to a guy on this forum and he finished it for me. There are plenty people on here that are willing to help. Good luck with your first homebrew. I know you will appreciate the quality of the photos when you're finished!