myself also prefer camera phones over regular phones. camera phones are not expensive at all if you can get one for free with new service contract. camera phones also have more features and additional stuff on the handset that you just might come in handy. most of the newly released camera phones these days come with at least 1 mega pixel camera which is not bad at all for taking picture of people and to capture unexpected moments. currently i own lg vx8100 which i got it free at local verizon authorized agent and i'm very content with it. if price does matter, try your local cell phone stores and bargain with them, they will lower the price since they're more flexible with the price.