I have just bought a Fuji S100FS and its 100% better image quality than the Canon SX1is I bought before and returned. main problem with the SX1is was NOISE/Grain at anything over iso80 99% of shots taken with it were unusable after slight cropping.
Amazingly I have seen some great shots also taken with a SX1is but they must have been heavily PS'd big mistake buying it but very pleased with the Fuji. I suggest checking out a Fuji S9600 as they are very good IQ and you will easily find one in your price bracket. The Panasonic FZ28 is also an excellent camera.

It's worth looking at customer's comments on AMAZON from people who have bought the equipment.

Just swapped my Canon SX1is for a Fuji S100fs 100% better image quality the Canon had very bad noise anything above iso80 I have seen some great shots taken with the SX1is so maybe there's a bad batch? (I have since heard of many SX1is owners with same problem)