Please help me decide between the SD990, Finepix F100 or Stylus Tough-9000

I am upgrading to a higher resolution camera and my priorities are:

Image quality -something that gives more true-to-life colours and clear shots

Size -need it small so I keep it on me, I am finding I never have my Canon A520 with me when I want to take a pic because of it's size

Durability -is somewhat of a factor because it will mainly be in the front pocket of my jumpsuit and I load a lot of freight with my job, plus I work in the Arctic and my Canon lens cover sticks closed at times, BUT while saying this, my Canon still works okay despite the fact that it isn't marketed as a "tough" camera, and I DON'T want to sacrifice image quality for durability. As much as the Olympus Tough cameras are enticing, if I get sub-par shots, I don't really care if the camera is going to last.

Steve has a very good point. The camera's new processor not only improves color but it also does a better job processing the MP data and preventing noise at lower light levels. And if you're not into making stuff, that wrap is a good idea to insulate the camera when not in use. But you could probably make something similar for it for less than $5 if you're handy with needle and thread.
You'll need something, though, as extreme temperatures aren't really friends with electronics.

And before you discount them completely, the new Olympus SW models are getting great reviews from users and are averaging A- to A here at DHQ. The 1050SW in particular is really getting some good feedback. And considering it can stand temps of 14 degrees, you may want to give it a second look.

Thanks guys, I went ahead with the 880, I heard a lot of good things about it and similar reviews about the 990 not being a great improvement as far as pic. quality. I have been using it in Inuvik and the advice about the sleeve is helpful because it's -35 right now without wind! I am usually only pulling it out of my pocket when I am in the cockpit so it's not too bad for temperature but I am sure the time that I am outside isn't doing my battery any favors.

Thanks again,
Lindsey

Iam looking for a sub compact with full manual controls

John, if you are looking for the small, pocket-sized cameras, the Panasonic LX3 offers the most manual controls, including a flash hot shoe for mounting a flash. The only weakness, to some, is the very small zoom capability. It is approximately equal to 24-55mm zoom.

The other small pocket-sized camera with some manual is the Canon SD990IS. It offers shutter speed control and 2 aperture setting per shutter speed chosen. It also includes both exposure compensation and flash output compensation control.

If you moved up to the A-series for Canon you could find more options for manual control cameras, or going up to the G9 or G10 from Canon would give you even more manual control options.

Since you didn't say which features you were most interested in, it's hard to recommend a particular camera for your needs. Manual control can sometimes mean different things to different people and to manufacturers as well.

I was going to recommend that G9 or G10 as well. Interestingly, the G9 has been the popular choice amoungst professional photographers for a back up camera.