Updated Nov 25, 2011:  We list organization, current price range and recommendation.  We will look these over and add our opinoins in a "best Point & Shoot Compact Camera" article we'll publish later this year.  (We bought a Nikon Coolpix recently and love it.)

• From CNET (Nov. 25, 2011):
  
• Best consumer compact: $298-$339: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX9V (Black)
• Best prosumer compact: $289-$399: Canon PowerShot S95 
• Best interchangeable-lens compact: $599-$849: Olympus PEN E-PL3 black w/17mm lens

• Top 3 From Consumer Reports, best compact point and shoot digital camera (Nov. 25, 2011):
  
• #1 - $300 Nikon Coolpix P300
• #2 - $300 Nikon Coolpix S8200
• #3 - $180 Canon PowerShot SX130 IS

For lower priced digital cameras, see "Best Subcompact Point & Shoot Digital Camera"

2009 Article:
Start wtih "Consumer Reports" magazine:  Page 39  of the March 2009 issue of  "Consumer Reports" magazine (CR) ranked the best new digital cameras from their performance tests of 65 cameras.  Cameras were ranked on things such as image quality, speed (first and second shot delay), versatility, dynamic range, Max ISO, battery life, etc.    Subscribe to Consumer Reports

Next check the most popular models:  Often there is  "wisdom in the masses" so you should check a list of the  to see what others decided to buy:

• Best Selling Digital Point & Shoot Cameras

You may not always agree with all conclusions from "the masses" or "Consumer Reports", but at least we know neither is influenced by the need to sell advertising.

Final Step to selecting your new camera  Do your own research in the store as your tastes will probably be somewhat different from "the masses" or "Consumer Reports."

Best Selling Digital Point & Shoot Cameras

#1 Canon PowerShot SX20IS 12.1MP with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.5-inch LCD (#1 Top Seller) #2 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H20 10.1 MP with 10x Optical Zoom and Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization #3 Canon Powershot A590 CR gave the "IS" model its "Best Buy"