Good inexpensive compact camera?

I'm going on a class trip to newyork soon and i have a nikon D3000 and i'd really like to bring it but it's kind of big… I really want a more compact quality camera that isn't over $300. I really like the nikon 1 and the new Lytro camera, but they're a bit expensive for me… I don't really like the typical digital cameras… Somthing with beautiful picture taking abilities.

Added (1). Or, if there's just a better way to carry around a big D3000 in New York, that is a better solution… I can't really carry around a huge case and we all have to have a backback.

Check out the Coolpix P7000 ($280 on amazon) and the Powershot 310HS.