Cost Effective "Pro" Compact

I will be travelling to countries where an expensive camera would
attract too much attention. I would love to take an LX3, G11 or Nikon
D40, but would not feel comfortable with it.

I would also prefer "pocket-size", or a maybe bit larger, for being as
inconspicuous as possible.

If I go down in price a few steps, what digital point-and-shoot
cameras with a mid-range zoom have the better reputation for quality
images.

RAW would be great, but I can do without.

Thank you for any advice.

Bill Murphy