I need the best compact, auto focusing camera that I can get for general point and shoot picture taking, especially on vacation. I would like it to be able to handle close-up photos as well, but that’s not a strict requirement.

Digital camera technology has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years, and I was wondering what’s out there now. I saw a post by Westerdutch about the 808 Camera, which has a cult following at this website. Is there anything that takes advantage of the same technology, but in a more user-friendly, conventional form?

I also want a thin camera – one where the telescoping focusing lens collapses into the camera and the whole “off” thickness is less than an inch. I currently have a Kodak EasyShare C533 and it’s plenty of camera for me. The only problem is that it is thick and bulky – 1.5″ at the lens.

The only problem is that I am cheap – really cheap. I don’t want to spend $400-500 on a camera, in fact I don’t want to spend $100 on a camera (I know, I know, :tickedoff.

Does anyone have any ideas?