You guys are zero help.
From OP, I would recommend one of those better grade camera-phones along the lines of Apple Iphones. Don't laugh at those camera-phones, Apple, Samsung etc, have put in exceptional amount of research into getting a good image from camera phone's teeny, tiny sensors. I find that many places won't let you take in a stand-alone camera, but they will let you take in a cell phone.
The trick to get a really decent image is to specify the highest level settings for photos, ie max size, ie s, m, & L; select L, and max color saturation in the photographs. The reason why those camera phones give only a so, so photo is because they are only meant for a person just to get a quick snapshot and nothing more. Those multiple lens phone cameras switch seamlessly between the 2-3 lenses through advance software.
If you want a better phone-camera, look in to the Sony Xperia line. They have a true telephoto using optical rather than digital zoom
An entry-level P&S camera from any of the major camera makers such as Nikon, Canon, Sony etc will get you a decent image using the "A"-mode, but to get really good image requires a bit of practice with that particular camera.