I figured $0.02 would help.

Consider buying an old(er) used digital camera. I've bought 2 or 3 of them
for specific purposes and each has been absolutly perfect for me.

The price was right and depending on who you buy from you can expect to
get a quality working product.

I'm not planning to give an eBay guide of how to pick your seller. But
that's the trick to buying used on eBay.

I'm happy with Olypus used cameras and I bought one new Oly a while back.

They've all worked well with nothing breaking or falling of after a few years. <===

Buy the lowest amount of camera that you need. If you don't you won't
use it. If you don't use it you will miss the shots that you should
have.

Carry it with you everywhere and promise to shoot at least xx shots / day

That's how to be sure to get good shots. Now travelling makes it easier
to use your camera. But take it out simply when you go shopping. Shoot
what you look at in the store. (set your white balance!)

You'll be surprised how different things look compared to when you were
in the store. Use this to make your house or office look good when you
use the camera to get the 'right angle' on your look.

Andre

Thanks for he info!