Right now I own the Wildview camera from wal mart that cost 50.00. It takes great pictures, don't get me wrong. Only problem is that it don't tell the time or date. It also just has a regular flash on it. Does this scare/startle the deer?
I'm looking for another camera that will tell time/date and possibly one of those "infrared" flashes or whatever. This is my first year using a camera. I've always ol' fashion and believe in doing my scoutin the ol' fashion way but this is a nice toy to have.
Just looking for input as to what the best bang for the buck is.

CB,check out ChasinGame website if your looking to buy one instead of build one.
I have built close to 10 of my own,and sincerly feel good when you get those first pictures on a unit you created.
But,I recently took a plunge and bought a moultrie i40.Its a infrared unit that has been bragged as (one of the best for your buck) at this time.I paid $200 for it from a Scheels store.The battery life is what made me go for it.Takes good day time pictures and for the night ir pics,not overly impresswd so far,most not focused the best,but I understand most ir units do this.Im planning to hook up a external 12V battery to it and have hopes of captureing 1000 plus pictures on one charge.Posting a couple pics I got with it.

You need to check into the Olympus D-380. It makes a very good IR camera, is easy to modify, and fairly cheap. You should be able to build one for around $150, more or less.

Moose that is a PRETTY buck. Very nice!

I'll look into the advice yall gave, but I have a hard enough time on the computer, let alone building a camera. lol

The moultrie I-40 has always been a pretty good cam, but since the 2008 models have a slower trigger of 3+ seconds, I have temporarily pulled away from those. What I personally like is the scoutguard sg550 in comparison. Much smaller, takes more pics and batteries last longer. Chasingame has an extensive review on that one..................

you could also keep an eye out on the classifieds section on here. you see some good deals from time to time on some good homemade cameras.