I just picked up a Canon Powershot for $149.
While not the best camera out there, a lot of extra features that are normally unavailable including:
# RAW - CHDK can record raw files, giving you access to every bit of data the sensor saw, without compression or processing. Raw files can be manipulated on the camera, or processed on your PC. CHDK also has experimental support for the open DNG raw standard.
# Override Camera parameters - Exposures from 64s to 1/60.000s with flash sync. Full manual or priority control over exposure, aperture, ISO and focus.
# Bracketing - Bracketing is supported for exposure, aperture, ISO, and even focus.
# Video Overrides - Control the quality or bitrate of video, or change it on the fly.
# Scripting - Control CHDK and camera features using ubasic and Lua scripts. Enables time lapse, motion detection, advanced bracketing, and much more.
# Motion detection - Trigger exposure in response to motion, fast enough to catch lightning.
# Edge overlay - Detect the edges in a scene, and display them later. Ideal for timelapses, stop-motion, stereography and much more.
# Live Histogram - CHDK includes a customizable, live histogram display, like those typically found on more expensive cameras.
# Zebra-Mode - Displays under and overexposure areas live on the screen.
# GRIDS - Create custom grids and display whichever one suits your shooting conditions.
# DOF Calculator - Display detailed DOF information on the screen.
# Customizable OSD - Improved display of battery status, free space, camera parameters, and much more. Fully customizable with an on-screen editor.
# Filebrowser - Manage files without a PC.
# USB remote - Simple DIY remote allows you to control your camera remotely.
Are now available with the free CHDK software,
http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki/CHDKOh, I bet you read a lot of Gordon Wood, huh? You read your Gordon Wood and you regurgitate it from a textbook, and you think you're awesome doing that and how 'bout them apples and all that Gordon Wood business?
