RE: trail cameras
I have a stealthcam 1.0 or 1.3 MP and it has been great. Takes suprisingly good pics and the battery life is awesome. I have the same batteries that I've been using since I got the camera. I don't use it a tremendous amount but its been sitting in the woods for at least 3 months total on and off with the same batteries.
Forgot to mention, I got it on ebay brand new for $60 bucks. I'm sure that you could find it even cheaper now.