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Winding down my series on getting the right camera as a Christmas gift, I wanted to discuss some affordable options for those a bit less serious about their photography. For some, it's a first camera, for others it's just an add on that makes another device even more useful by taking pictures, but in either case it's not an attempt to satisfy the need for a high end digital camera.

Of course, in this group, I would have to mention some ideas for kids cameras. With an emphasis on affordable and durable, these cameras are suited to pre-school kids. The VTech Kidizoom cameras and Fisher Price Kid Tough models are probably the ones with the best consumer reviews. You shouldn't expect high resolution photos with perfect exposure, but if you want something that will withstand some rough handling and provide some great entertainent, these will fit the bill. As kids begin to show the ability/responsibility for handling devices with care, then moving into more traditional point and shoot camaeras makes sense. They offer better photo quality, more features, and can certainly be found for under $100.  For instance, the Canon Powershot A430, Kodak EasyShare C613, and Sony Cybershot DSC-W55 might be good choices.

For tweens and teens who would just want a fun device that's cool looking and easy to tote around, some of the ultra compact models still produce some nice photos. Many of these cameras offer 7,  8, or 10  megapixel sensors as well as the ability to shoot video. The Canon SD1100IS, Nikon Coolpix S210, and Pentax Optio P70 are just a few examples of the smallest digital cameras out there.

For those who want a camera that can also entertain them with some music in the form of MP3 files, then there are a few cameras with MP3 players available that can satisfy this desire.  Samsung has the NV3 and TL9.

For those who have a more limited need for a camera, there are of course an enormous number of great camera phones out there that can serve multiple purposes. There are also GPS devices with a camera, camcorders that do double duty as a digital camcorder/camera, and even MP3 players that offer users the ability to take photos or video as well..  Of course, the iPod Nano is on the list of MP3 players with a camera, but understand that it records video, not still pictures.