In my experience camera repairs (especially the small and fiddly lenses you find on smaller cameras) often cost more than a replacement camera, let alone the day value.

For blogging photos consider buying a secondhand DSLR body with a decent zoom or macro lens. You can pick up a Nikon D70 (with lens) for $100-200 (depending on the lens). A body can be had for around $60.

I learned a long time ago to ditch the lens cap and replace it with a UV filter (usually less than ten bucks). That way, your lens is protected from dust, grime and scratches, but you don't have to fiddle around with a lens cap. Also, you might consider a hand strap instead of a neck strap -- I can't stand having a camera banging against my chest and being restricted by the strap's length if I don't want to unwrap it from my neck.

I am a photographer as well. I added a UV to the lens, but would NEVER ditch the lenscap. I would cary without one, but always stored the lenscap. next, the biggest advantage to the uv is that it always kept dirt off the more expensive lens, while allowing you to shoot. I typically use my cell phone for my blog photos and videos. I know i have the camera and techniques, but it is just so darn convenient to use that phone! "Check out my Survivalist Blog at the Clever Survivalist and read daily Survival Guide content."