Small camera help!

[shoeytennis]

I have a Sony a300 that works just fine but I live in California and want my camera everywhere! Taking a small backpack everywhere is a little tough sometimes. I run and hike a lot and need something to fit in my camelback backpack!
Price range $600 for an ILC
or
price range $300 for a small compact
Anything that wont get me frsutrated taking with me everywhere instead of my DSLR.
I have been looking at sony nex 3 and 5 and the nikon J1.
Also the Canon sx230,Panasonic - Lumix ZS8,
Thanks in advance.

[KCook]

Download sample images from the reviews for the SX230 and ZS8. See if they are good enough for you or not. If "not", then the selection does move to the ILC cameras. In addition to the NEX and J1, the Panny GF3 can also squeeze in there.

Kelly Cook