S100 too pricey! Options?

Hi!

After a few days researching about compact cameras I decided the best one for me would be the S100. The problem is this camera is really pricey where I live (around $500, mostly because of taxes). I wouldn't be comfortable walking around with a camera that expensive, knowing that someone might steal it, I could drop it, etc.

So what I'm looking for is a decent replacement for it. I'd like something I can carry everywhere, for everyday use and on vacations. I know something about manual controls, still learning though.

I was thinking about Canon SX240, Canon ELPH 300 and the Panasonic ZS15. I would love to read your opinion. My main priority is image quality. Zoom is nice but not essential.