There are so many out there to choose from, I have been using a Finepix 550 for the last 4 years and have taken some great pictures,and its been 100% reliable, using it in some very hostile conditions, also use Energizer rechargeable 2450mah batterys, I just did a trip to the USA for just over 2 weeks, used the camera every day, took 300 plus pictures and video, never changed the battery in the camera, I took 2 more sets with me but never used them.
Only thing I would say is a must, make sure you have a view finder aswell as the screen, using the screen in bright sun can be a pain to see, but with a view finder this is not a problem.