the best way is to just steal one because they drop in value so quick.
i paid 250 for what i thought was a top of line 8.0 megapixel, only to have 10 point megapixels hit the market a few months later and they were selling my camera on the bargain shelf for 150.
so maybe check the cheaper ones, IMO you dont need a 10, you can get by with 7-8. and go with a good brand like canon, sony, etc.