As pointed out by
@nac. If you find Canon S110 at cheap, that will be great. If you are interested in getting 2nd hand camera, jjmehta forum has a sale thread going on where Canon S90 is up for grabs at 9k.
However, do consider the following :
1. Almost all of the sleek, slim and light cameras have a multi barreled lens consisting of 2/3/4 or 5 telescopic barrels. Over a period of time ( 2 to 3 years ) these barrels are prone to malfunction. The main culprit being "dust & dirt" which no one can avoid. Thus your investment will last you only that long. I have hardly known anyone who has used a "sleek camera" for a longer period than 2 - 3 years.
2. The bigger P & S cameras or bridge cameras that have a "single lens barrel" appear bulky - Like Nikon P600; Sony DHS-HX100/200/300/400; Olympus SP-100; Samsung WB-2200F etc. The bulkiness is not so much a hindrance if one considers all the other aspects that this type of camera has to offer:
- No need to carry multiple lenses. The single lens will cater to all of ones needs - from macro to telescopic
- because this has ONLY a single barreled lens it will have a longer usage than the sleek multi-barreled lens
- Manual functions fully available
- You will NEVER experience a feeling - "Shit - wish my lens could cover that range & get really up-close"
There are scores of people including myself who are using a DSLR and do not mind carrying the additional lenses along whenever we travel and have photography in mind. I have a Nikon D5000 with a 55-300; 35mm & kit-lens & I have never minded the weight of all these.
3. Picture Quality - this is the most debatable and controversial point that is discussed. Most of todays cameras perform exceedingly well in most situations (sleek or bridge). There are only subtle color variations between a Canon; Panasonic; Sony & a Nikon. Everything else is subjective - how many of us would want to "crop and zoom" into an image 50 to 500x or more to then notice the pixellation issues, banding or any other technical issues ?
Lastly - the battle of the mega-zooms will not end (there are rumors of 85X & 100X launches in the next 2-3 months). I am not advocating that mega-zooms are the ONLY solution to everyone's needs. However, for starter's & all those looking to enjoy photography with simple & easy to operate cameras that are also priced reasonably (upto a maximum of 25K) the mega-zooms give the best bang-for-the-buck.
All the best
My perspective differ from yours. I have put forth my point in same manner as yours in following reply.
1. Yes, camera will mutli barreled lens will be more prone to getting dust in. But, it will only happen if you expose your camera to elements. Almost all low end DSLR and lens don't have weather sealing. If you expose your camera to elements, you are going to have problems. This however should not be a deterrent in buying camera, unless you are going to expose your camera to extreme conditions, in which case you'd buy a weather proof camera.
2. Bridge camera don't just appear bulky, they are bulky.
- You can't put it in your pocket
- You won't able to carry it with you all the time( viz. going to office, party, function).
- Bigger camera is attention grabber.
- You have to carry a bag for it and it's slow to retrieve. Even more so, if you put it in a backpack.
Zoom-range and better grip is the only advantage that bridge camera will offer over bigger sensor P&S camera. Anyway, with most bridge camera IQ degrades as as you zoom in.
There are lots of advantages of travelling light.
There's a reason why Fujiflim X100 ( fixed, prime lens, expensive), Sigma DP series camera get buyers.
3. Well, it's a fact that P&S sales are lowering due to mobile phones.
With bigger sensor, comes better IQ. It's not about pixel count/ print size, it's about IQ(dynamic range, noise, sharpness, etc). I'd happily trade 20MP camera for 5MP camera that has better IQ.
Yes, on any other day I'd suggest bridge camera for most a person who wants to have good zoom range.
However, OP needs a camera that has good IQ, is light, and zoom range is not a concern.