[Rockhounds] achieving depth of field w digicam?

[Tim Jokela Jr.]

This one goes out to the digital photography gurus out there.

I was talking to a buddy last night about macrophotography of small fossils, 
1-3cm stuff, and how capturing any depth of field continues to be the major 
challenge. He suggested three ways of doing it: buy the $25,000 camera 
system made to do the job, take the picture 3 meters away from the specimen 
and blow up the image, or take multiple shots, focusing on different areas, 
and stitch them together with Helicon, Combine-Z, or the expensive new 
version of PhotoShop.

All are basically horrible options.

So, is there anything new and interesting in the world of digital 
photography that's giving depth of field to macrophotography in a simple, 
affordable manner? (My weapon of choice atm is a Canon Digital Rebel with a 
50mm macro lens.)

Many thanks for any info!

Tim Jokela Jr., tjokela at execulink.com
Business: http://www.element51.com
Pleasure: http://www.ontariominerals.com