Canon A70

They don't make it anymore, but getting one of the same "A" series cameras may be a good choice.

Here are some examples of picture quality
http://www.deviantart.com/view/11454593/
http://www.deviantart.com/view/7461786/
http://www.deviantart.com/view/7087261/


EDIT:
Canon A85 ($250-$300 USD)
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/spec.../canon_a85.asp