Fujifilm FinePix A825

This is a very fine camera. Though it's slightly aged at this point, it's features & capabilities enable it to compete with today's new models. It's very easy to use, has a simple user interface (once you get accustomed to it) and takes beautiful pictures.

You can pick this camera up brand new today for around $130-$160, and worth every penny: It has 4x optical / 5x digital zoom, incorporates light sensitivities of up to ISO 800 at full resolution & has a 8.3mp Super CCD Sensor & Fujinon lens (developed specifically for the A-Series by Fujinon, a Fujifilm sister company and provider of broadcast-grade television lenses).

It does (luckily!) borrow a page from Fuji's more advanced camera models. It can shoot at higher light sensitivities with less noise than comparative models & ones more expensive. This results in higher quality “natural light” photos & less blur in images as this camera can match these higher light sensitivities with faster shutter speeds.

Great camera, even to buy today. IR capable too, and motion assistance.