Ok firstly for a deterrent you could always get a fake one, be warned though, the way to tell a dummy camera every time is it has a blinking red light. All fakes have it and its a tell tale sign. My recommendation is don't connect a battery.If you are going for a real camera straight off do a search on www.froogle.com to see cheapest in your area - have a look through the Argos book or Maplin Electronics if you are in England (some cheap ones there) or have a browse through radioshack if you are in US. Also check on e-bay. Don't forget because you are in a shop you can probably claim the VAT or Tax back.