One of my friends is going to study abroad next year.  He's looking to get a nice camera for under $300.  Here's what I found.

• Compact
  • Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX9V (Review of the video capability by pros) Slightly over budget, but really good HD video. (My top choice.)
  • Canon PowerShot SX230HS (Review, Review)
  • Fujifilm FinePix F550EXR (Review)
  • Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR This is older (and cheaper), but some people are saying they like the picture qualities better than the newer F550.
• Bigger
  • Nikon COOLPIX L120
  • Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40
• Coming soon
  • Sony DSC-TX55

Don't forget extra memory cards (16 GB or 32 GB SDHC )!