Kodak Easyshare CX7300

I've had this camera for several years and its always performed flawlessly. Yes its true the lens is a fixed focus so you can't compare it to a 35mm SLR. But that doesn't mean it takes low quality photos. I've used this camera even in low light situations and it takes nice photos that are not grainy. Assuming you have the flash on. The Kodak software can edit the photos and adjust for less that ideal lighting conditions and exposure and does a nice job of compensating for a less than ideal environment. And software updates are free, current Easyshare software version is 6.4. Battery usage is good with a rechargeable battery, I'd recommend the Rayovac 15min rechargeable. The camera uses a SD card and a small 64mb card gives 84 photos at 3.2mp w/compression and 75 at 3.2Mp low compression - both setting take good printable photos. The low compression or Best mode can print a good 8x10.
Video is good as long as you have a well lit room or are outdoors, but in poor lighting it’s a waste of time. And there is no sound with the video. The camera does have a direct view option to display the shot to the rear lcd before you take the picture, it’s a nice feature but expect to pay for it in battery usage time. I rarely use it and the viewfinder is accurate enough for a camera of this type.
Video output is available in either NTSC or PAL if your traveling outside the US and want to display photos on a foreign TV. The Camera can support up to a 2GB SD memory card which would hold about 2340 photos at max resolution.
Now you can get a good 7mp camera for about $130, but you can get a good used version of this camera now for about $30. Defiantly worth the price and it was a good purchase that I would recommend. It’s a nice camera and affordable enough for school trips, the park etc.