If he could goto 300 quid he is into a whole new ball park.

Couldn't you sell something Tension?

BTW I notice that couple of year old cameras, even mine the Olympus E10 can be had on the bay for around £200 now.

I would seriously consider this. It may be 4m when little cameras have 8m, but its a whole different camera, with true SLR I have gotten some stunning shots off it which are simply not available on smaller cameras.

One thing to consider, depending very much on what you are trying to put in a magazine, if what you are shooting is small or will require the occasional close up, Macro on point and shoot can be appauling.

Anyway have a look at eBay for couple of year old cameras, for 200 quid you are into prosumer stuff.