If you're looking for a cheap but good camera with limited options:
Canon PowerShot A560
Want a bit more?
Canon PowerShot A630
About as close to a SLR you can get without spending the money is the S-IS series...
When I'm not using my SLR I use my
Canon PowerShot S2 IS
Canon PowerShot S3 IS
Canon PowerShot S5 IS
Everyone was surprised that I wasn't using a DSLR when I was posting pictures from my S2 IS. However, the PowerShot A-series are a bit more user friendly.
I would stick with Canon, but that's my own personal preference.