Hello,
I'm looking for an inexpensive digital camera
(about 1.0 megapixel, could be a newer entry-level
one or an older earlier model) that has a 
reputation for taking excellent pictures outdoors
in low light conditions.  It must take regular
JPEG images (unlike some Kodak models,
for example, which use a proprietary format 
that requires conversion).  It should also 
have USB connectivity and maybe a compact 
flash card slot.   The price range is, say, 
under $100 used on ebay.  
Is there some camera that stands out from 
the rest in this price range?  Especially
for outdoor, low-light conditions?
Thanks for reading my question.

Hi alfajor,

I have found an inexpensive digital camera for around $100, meeting
your requirements.  Available now at    www.Amazon.com   , a Samsung
Digimax 101 1.3 megapixel camera, with : Storage Media: Internal
memory: 8MB flash memory, External memory (Optional): SD / MMC card
(Up to 256MB guaranteed ) Storage File Format: Still Image: JPEG (DCF)
/ DPOF, Movie Clip: AVI(MJPEG)  Connects by a USB cable. However, I
want to make you aware that this camera has a CMOS image sensor, a
much lower quality sensor than a CCD image sensor, which the Samsung
201 listed below does have.


Product Details
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/stores/detail/-/photo/B00008KIW6/102-2067613-4344924

Purchase New
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/stores/offering/list/-/B00008KIW6/new/ref=olp_tab_new/102-2067613-4344924

Purchase Used 
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00008KIW6/ref=pd_sxp_elt_l1/102-2067613-4344924

For not much more, $90 USD - $139 USD, you can step up to the next
model, the Samsung Digimax  201, 2.1 megapixel camera, 2.1-megapixel
sensor creates 1,600 x 1,200 images for prints at sizes up to 8 x 10
inches 2x digital zoom 8 MB internal memory; expandable via Secure
Digital cards.The SD card is similar to a compact flash card, but a
bit smaller. It has been my experience that each camera needs to be
"played with" to find the optimal setting for low light. This model
gives you  Auto / Daylight / Sunset / Fluorescent / Tungsten settings.
 For a low-end camera, this has the better CCD image sensor, and is an
overall better camera.

See here:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00008KIW7/qid=1068885090/sr=1-1/ref=pd_sbs_p_1/102-2067613-4344924?v=glance&s=photo

Purchase new and used
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/stores/offering/list/-/B00008KIW7/all/ref=dp_pb_a/102-2067613-4344924

Compare prices and read some user reviews: 
http://hardwarecentral.dealtime.com/xPO-Samsung_Digimax_201


I do have to agree with the commenter; the kind of images you will get
from this kind of camera will not compare to somwhat higher-end point
and shoot digital cameras. However if this is what you want, I'd go
with the Samsung 201, the better of the low-end models. I do, by the
way, also dislike Kodak's propietary format. Most people in my family
have digital cameras, and the two with Kodaks can't be easily viewed
on computers  belonging to the others. (We can download the pictures
using one of those 6-in-1 card readers with Jasc PhotoAlbum software,
and disregarding the Kodak programming altogether)

Consider too getting a battery charger and batteries compatible with
the camera you choose. Digital cameras consume batteries in mass
quantities, and rechargeable is the way to go! Keep one set in the
charger, and one set in the camera, always at the ready!

Hope this helps in choosing a camera.

If any part of my answer is unclear, please ask for an Answer
Clarification, and I will respond as soon as possible.

Regards, crabcakes-ga

Thanks for answering my question.  The one thing I should probably
have emphasized more in my question was the importance of the
memory being compact flash format, but that's okay -- I didn't know
about the CMOS/CCD difference and that alone was worth the question
price!  Thanks!

There is no perfection in this area. You are at the low end of digital
cameras. I would look at a low end Fuji on the well renowned auction
site in a refurb for $75-90. They do the usb easily. I had one that I
gave to my daughter. It takes pretty good pictures, uses SD for memory
and is not very hard to use. Check the fixed price section and look
for a reputable seller!