Earlier this year, a high school class in Catalonia attached a plain digital camera (shockproofed & w/ remote shutter) to a large helium balloon and when they let it go, the thing went up over 19 miles off the sea level. Needless to say, the pictures came out fuckin' amazing. While it cost them about a thousand euros for the fancy science project, getting your camera up in the air isn't exactly like rocket science. This dude apparently got his camera 600 ft high for less than 50 bucks and here's how:

• Materials: 40" Round Party Balloon, Remote Shutter Trigger, Helium, Camera, Kite Strings OR Fish Lines
  

1. Pick a camera (preferably lightweight & cheap) and shockproof it (like this).
   
2. Hook up your camera to a remote shutter trigger; set it up on a flat board.
   
3. Fill up a 40" party balloon with helium (each lifts approx. 8oz); don't let it go.
   
4. Attach camera setup and party balloon to kite strings / fish lines (upto 600 ft).
   
5. Find optimal grounds (where it's less windy) and let it gently rise; take some pictures.

But I gotta throw it out there, I haven't tried this out myself yet, so take my words with discretion.