Best PNS under $200?

I recently saw the SD1000 on Amazon for $166 and the reviews were "awesome". So, I bought it and the accessory case and I am able to wear it on my belt, like a cell phone. Super handy! Just one problem. I downloaded the photos to my PC and I am not impressed with the image quality AT ALL. Photos lack contrast and sharpness. I sold my Sony 717 for something more compact, and now I'm sorry I did. I may return the SD1000 for a refund. Oh, does anyone remember the Nikon 5700's? Back around 2003? They were $999. I have used one before and it was awesome. They can be bought on ebay for $150 or less. Do you think this is the best way to go? Thanks.

Ive got an SD1000 that i use for a backup to my 40D or for when i dont want to haul around all my camera gear and its always performed very well. Maybe you got a bad one??

If ya don't mind the small screen sure. I never realized how awesome a 3" screen is till I got my SD750. Just great and I would never use the viewfinder on that dinky thing. If glare is a thing that affects you then the SD1000 is for you. Either way you can't go wrong.

I have an SD1000 too. I've always been really impressed with it. It takes much better photos (color, contrast, clarity) than my last digital camera -- Sony T9.

How about posting an example of what you're not happy with. Just remember, none of anyone's P&S models will dazzle anyone in low light. But in basic snapshotter conditions, they're just fine (that's their design environment).

If it were up to me:

New - SD1000
Used, maybe an older 2/3" sensor Olympus or Fujifilm

I've got my SD600, my mom has her SD200, I'm happy with the quality from both, and am itching for the SD1000.

I vote for the SD1000.
It's tiny. It stays with me all the time. Except when it's raining really bad, although I got a waterproof case for it (too bulky for casual walking).

I tihnk the quality of the photos are fine. I do however shoot mostly in manual mode (the available manuals which aren't really manual). I mostly shoot ISO 100-200 and try to never go beyond 400.

Post processing will be needed if you want your photos to "pop", however I think this is true for all cameras.

I like the cameras' macro abilities and ability to lock exposure and lock focus (although no direct aperture and shutter control).

I also like the time lapse video feature to watch the grass grow! I shot a wedding with that talk about fun!

Red eye is a big problem but the in camera post shot red eye fix works!
In low light, I find it performs well compared to other cams I've played with.

All in all, the camera delivers WONDERS for the price! It's like the price of potatoes!

Here are 2 sample shots. I have many many more.

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My vote goes for the SD1000 too. Its a great and impressive little camera!

I would also like to see examples of what the OP is not happy with and to have the EXIF data intact so we can analyze the shot properly.

Any camera is capable of taking unpleasant images. I've seen enough from the SD1000 to know it is capable in many situations if used to it's best advantage.

The other suggestion I would offer is to see if you can use post processing to bring out the best in the images. I know this isn't ideal, but it is amazing what can be brought to light during PP with good software.

Still, I would want to see the images that are at issue before suggesting you move on to another camera.