I'm assuming you're looking for a digital camera? I've had a bunch of Sony Cybershots; the one I'm using now is a lower level, and I think it was under $200 when I got it; I remember seeing lower models for around $100. Staples actually has the one I have for $119. The only thing with the Sony cameras is that they used the memory stick, which was pricier than some of the other storage.
I've had my Canon Powershot for around a year (under $150 for the one I bought a year ago). The only complaint is that using the flash indoors for something more than 10 feet away results in dark pictures (that could probably be edited brighter with photo editing software), and turning the flash off results in blurry pictures as though the image stabilization feature doesn't work without the flash. Other than that, I've gotten a lot very good, fairly professional-looking pictures.
I've had my Canon Powershot for around a year (under $150 for the one I bought a year ago). The only complaint is that using the flash indoors for something more than 10 feet away results in dark pictures (that could probably be edited brighter with photo editing software), and turning the flash off results in blurry pictures as though the image stabilization feature doesn't work without the flash. Other than that, I've gotten a lot very good, fairly professional-looking pictures.
I have a Canon Powershot, and have the same issue. If I shut the flash off, the pictures will come out blurry. I find I have to change to the action shot setting to get it to work better indoors with no flash. I love the camera though!
... when you shut the flash off and have the ISO set too low, the shutter has to remain open longer to let in the necessary light - blurry pictures, are most often caused because the camera has moved during that time. As well, the flash on the point and shoot cameras have a limited range. Even the built in flash on the DSLR models has a limited range - that's why you see the Photopass Photographers with an external flash mounted on their cameras.
Look for a digital camera that has a setting that lets you choose the ISO. The most common ISO speed settings are: 100, 200, 400 and 800. Depending on your digital camera model you may also have them in the range of 64, 100, 160, 200, 400, 640, 800, 1600.
As a rule of thumb, use an ISO of 100 or 200 when taking photographs outside in sunny conditions. If the sky is overcast or it is evening time, then use an ISO within the range of 400 to 800. Night time or in cases of low light you might need to set your digital camera ISO to 1600. If you don't then your photo will appear too dark if at all.

I just bought a Nikon Coolpix S4000 ($199) to take when I don't want to lug my DSLR along. There are other Nikon Coolpix cameras that run anywhere from about $129 to $179. So far, the pictures I've taken with it have been pretty good... these also take the SD cards.
B
We got DD a Kodak for Christmas and it broke. The lens motor got stuck out and there is no way to fix it. Of course it is outside of the 90 day warranty. I did some research after it happened and apparently that happens a lot with Kodaks. When I went to the store yesterday to buy her a new camera, I told the guy what happened. He guessed that it had been a Kodak and told me he refuses to sell them. He said that some people are lucky and get ones that work fine, but most of them tend to have problems.
BTW, for her he recommended a Polaroid 12.0 MP Digital Camera. It was $79.99.
... when you shut the flash off and have the ISO set too low, the shutter has to remain open longer to let in the necessary light - blurry pictures, are most often caused because the camera has moved during that time. As well, the flash on the point and shoot cameras have a limited range. Even the built in flash on the DSLR models has a limited range - that's why you see the Photopass Photographers with an external flash mounted on their cameras.
Look for a digital camera that has a setting that lets you choose the ISO. The most common ISO speed settings are: 100, 200, 400 and 800. Depending on your digital camera model you may also have them in the range of 64, 100, 160, 200, 400, 640, 800, 1600.
As a rule of thumb, use an ISO of 100 or 200 when taking photographs outside in sunny conditions. If the sky is overcast or it is evening time, then use an ISO within the range of 400 to 800. Night time or in cases of low light you might need to set your digital camera ISO to 1600. If you don't then your photo will appear too dark if at all.
Yay for good advice! (and from the other PP that I didn't quote, too!)
I usually have the ISO set at Auto, just because I have no clue what it means. I know I need to sit down with the instruction booklet and really get familiary with everything that camera will do -- especially the fireworks setting, which didn't work out like I expected last Disney trip.
All in all, though, I still love the camera I have and don't regret buying it -- user error problems or not.![]()