If you are looking for slideshow software CoffeeCup software is offering "Photo Gallery" for just $19.
I bought it and can tell you it's powerful AND easy to use.
The only thing is the sale is for a short time only (I believe it ends in a week), so you can learn more about Photo Gallery here (including some sample slideshow), check out the video tutorials here, and use this link to order it at the discounted price here.
If you want to take it for a test run just to make sure, a free trial is available here.