I am a photographer so I think/hope I can help. I prefer Canon (Mine are in the 800-5K range so that's a little out of your range)but I've shot just about every brand of camera out there. Canon's more rugged and has better features but Nikon has better glass. Sony's got a couple good P&S cameras out now as well although not as "ruged" as what I think you're looking for.You really need to get to an H2or an H5in a Sonyand I think that's a little more than you want spend.

Here's a buyers guide that might help you find what you're looking for. These guys do thousands of reviews a year:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare.asp

But here's a couple to look at assuming you want a P&S:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=1082&A=details&Q=&sku=457550&am p;is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=1082&A=details&Q=&sku=457043&am p;is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

Hope this helps.