I'm very happy with my Nikkon. I have both a D80 for serious shooting and a coolpix L3 for snapshots and the L3 does a great job. The only thing I don't like about it is the menu controls. They kinda suck. Otherwise, it's great for the cash. About $100.
canon s3is is awesome! i just bought one yesterday. but the seller said it was pretty hard to find a canon s3is nowadays since the s5is came up. good luck on the search