Actually, if you're patient you can find some capable cameras in this price range.
Right now I would suggest the Minolta Dimage S414 currently on sale at amazon.com for $209 ($229 after sales tax). It's a little bulky and heavy, but you won't find anything close to 4 MP with a quality 4x optical zoom in this price range.
I would also highly recommend the Canon A80. A little over your price range but 3x zoom, great flip out lcd, and more compact than the S414. buydig.com sells it for $259 shipped. buydig.com is reputable, just don't bite on the high pressure sales pitch for extras like memory, extended warranty, etc. Be sure to get all accessiories, including memory elsewhere.
As a price reference, you can get 512 mb compact flash for about $60 after rebate.
Both these cameras take 4 AA batteries. You can get top rated high capacity AA rechargeables and a charger for about $40 from Thomas Distibuting. AA Battery Review
The Amazon deal is a little better now. Per techbargains.com...
$10 drop. Amazon has the Minolta S414 4MP Digital Camera for a low $199.98, Free Shipping. Buy $50.02 more in Electronics and get a free $50 gift certificate through 8/1.
To get the $50 gift certificate: Amazon has the Epson C84 color inkjet printer for $89.99 - $20 Printer rebate (Exp 9/30) - $50 Printer/Camera rebate (Copy UPC Exp 9/30) = $19.99 shipped free.
You could use the $50 gift certificate to get 512 MB of compact flash: Amazon has Viking 512MB Compactflash memory card for $53.99 after rebate. Free shipping.
Ignoring tax that comes to about $225 for camera, printer, and memory.
So if you are looking for a lower cost digital camera, say $250 or less, what is recommended?
I have an Olympus C-4000 Zoom (4 megapixels, 3x optical zoom, 3x digital zoom) that works beautifully and does more than most people need. New from a store they run around $400.00 but you can get a reconditioned camera on the Internet for about $250.00.
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