Don't buy a camera

The most "extreme" version of Photography on a Shoestring is not to buy a camera! You have several options to shoot photos when you don't have a camera:

1) You can probably borrow one for a day. You could ask a relative or a friend and explain to them that you would like to use his or her camera for a special day, e.g., visiting a botanical garden or attending a wedding. They might not lend you their expensive SLR gear but an inexpensive camera will do. Just remember to return the camera promptly! For example, I used my mom's camera on a vacation when I was an undergraduate and didn't have much money to spare.

2) If you are lucky you might be able to get a camera for free or for a low price when somebody you know buys a new camera and doesn't want to keep his old equipment. Usually it doesn't hurt to politely ask what they'll do with their old camera. Just don't be a pest. A free cell phone camera from your phone company would also qualify as a free camera. Some cell phones include pretty good cameras.

3) An alternative would be a cheap disposable camera. They don't cost much and they deliver a very reasonable image quality.

4) Some camera stores rent equipment. You can rent a high-quality SLR to take advantage of the superb image quality for a photo tour without having to blow your budget.