already lots of experts here, but maybe i can add something...
Best cameras are from dedicated camera-manufacturers eg. Nikon, Canon, Kodak. Exception is Olympus, their point-and-shoots are very bad.
If you want a single and simple answer, i'll recommend Kodak..it has the best color-balance which is very close to real-life colors. My 3.1MP Kodak takes better pictures than most 5-7MP Sonys and Olympus. It is a difficult to get in Pakistan, but Sony Digicity used to keep some Kodaks in their stores. In one instance, they recommended the Kodak over their own Sony's.
Nikon point-and-shoot in 15-20K range are also good.
Extended-zoom cameras (12-18 optical): word of caution-if you really need this much zoom then OK, otherwise should be avoided, as due to big lenses the CCD has to be very small (if the CCD is normal sized the lens barrel would be the length of a shotgun!). This reduces the image quality (no matter how many MP's!).
Another factor which is over-emphasised: Megapixels. MP's do not have much effect after 3-5MP, if you are viewing on PC or making standard prints. The CCD and lens are the actual brains and eyes of the camera.
My current camera: The Sony H-7:
MOD EDIT: Pictures removed on the request of poster.