What is the best subcompact digital camera on the market for a decent price?

I read a lot of camera reviews, am an enthusiast, and own 4 cameras.

my favorite low priced camera is the Fuji F20. It's available for $139 and if you look hard enough, there's a $30 rebate available on it.

it's not the smallest or cutest camera (but it's OK). But, it does have the best image quality, rivaling any camera under $400, and a solid build quality.

I have a kodak easyshare c875 and i love it - it is a great camera - not too expensive either

Even though I personally own this ultra compact camera, I would still like to highly recommend the purchase of a Nikon Coolpix L10 for the following reasons:

1. Besides taking well-exposed hi-quality 5 megapixel pictures, it uses a standard set of rechargeable double AA batteries which last a very long time;
2. Has a 3x optical zoom;
3. Has macro feature for close-ups of small objects focused under 6 inches;
4. The flash setting for "red-eye" correction is on the navigator wheel and not within a submenu;
5. It's very small and light;
6. Uses inexpensive SD memory cards;
7. The digital video feature takes wonderful "sound" videos which are noise free. It records the piano very well with it's built-in microphone;
8. It comes with a USB 2.0 transfer cable which you connect to your USB computer port;
9. Has tripod mount on bottom of camera;
10. And the price is a mere $119 [sold at Samy's Camera - www.samys.com, and Staples.com.]

Review(s) can be found at www.amazon.com [Query: "Nikon Coolpix L10" along with pictures provided by satisfied purchasers.]

Good luck!

go for the Canon PowerShot A570 IS. It's around $199.

it's a bit more, but unlike most other budget cameras, you wont outgrow it in 6 weeks.