What camera would you buy?

If you had the choice of these cameras at these prices (AUD, shave about $15-$20 for the USD price), what would you choose?

Nikon 1 J1 kit + 10-30mm
Used - $270

Nikon 1 J1 kit + 10-30mm
Store demo - $265

Olympus E-420 kit + 14-42mm + bag + lens hood + 1GB card
Used (shutter count 780) - $255

Nikon D40 kit + 18-55mm
Used - $240

Sony A230 kit + 18-55mm + bag
Used - $215

This camera is to take on a trip to Japan, for mostly photos of scenery and buildings, some photos of people. My goal is to get the absolute best quality photos for as little money. Size, weight, convenience etc. Are of little consequence.

My fav is Nikon D40 kit + 18-55mm. I own one and I love it

E-420 for sure
It is the smallest and lightest of the lot and takes real good pictures

The Olympus E420 especially given the low shutter count.

Consider though that there's a more limited upgrade path as Olympus went to Micro 4:3 soon after that camera. The Nikon D40 body weighs 522g, the Sony 490g. The Olympus just 380g.

I'd pick the Sony second as there's more flexibility when it comes to focusing and metering older AF (Minolta camera division was purchased by Sony) lenses going back to the late 1980's

Definitely not the D40, it's discontinued and came out in 2006. I would also say no on the Sony A230 because it's also bulky and you don't need an SLR. The Olympus… Just don't. It's 5 years old and bulky for what you're looking for. The only reason you'd be getting the other stuff is to make it seem like a better deal.

The Nikon 1 J1 is hands down your best option out of those you've written here(plus you will fit right in in Japan since consumers there seem to really love mirror-less systems)

The Nikon 1 J1 also has many other lens options and will likely be supported for sometime. Nikon makes great products, just trust me on this one.