I have owned Nikon S500 since 2007. Its pretty old and outdated now. I would have still pushed it further but it died of falling from a height, got it repaired then it died of some display blackout from the lens. So i need to buy something latest. Which offers cool features and Lovely quality for this price tag. I don't mind Samsung, Sony, Canon or Nikon. As long as it does the job like a champ.:banana: My primary priorities are: Clear, crisp quality picture. Mega pixel and size doesn't matter to me. even a 720p shot is more than enough. Good focus zoom, quality macro focus.:nerd: Secondary priorities: Manual Apperture & ISO settings. Thanks
Slightly over budget at around $250, but the PENTAX Optio WG-2 is friggin kool! I think the extra cost for a built in ring light and ruggedness is worth it though. http://www.pentaximaging.com/digital-camera/Optio_WG-2_Vermillion_Red/#!product-specs
I would go for a Sony DSCHX50 Compact Digital Camera, it has 20.4MP, 30x Optical Zoom and a 3 inch LCD, takes superb pics for the cash
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerSh...TF8&qid=1403388174&sr=8-1&keywords=canon+s110 http://www.amazon.com/Fujifilm-XF1-...8&qid=1403388210&sr=8-1&keywords=fujifilm+xf1 A bit higher, but you won't get better compact than these.