The First camera being put to practical use was the brainchild of Louis Daguerre.

Daguerre's patent was acquired by the French Government, which announced the invention was a gift "Free to the World"The camera popularly known as a "Daguerreo-type," was 'baptised' (if i can use that word) at the French Academy of Science on August 19, 1839. 

A camera of this type, made by Susse Freres of France, was found in an attic in Germany. The camera was auctioned in Vienna on May 26, 2007 for nearly $800,000.

Original list price $50!!!