digital camera: recommendations?

Hey there, folks.   Starting to look into new digital cameras - and I was wondering what was “popular with the kids these days”.  Heh.   I’ve been rocking a Sony DSC-S70 for a loooong time - and while it’s served me well, I’d like to get something that is a little more crisp, and offers things like longer exposures, manual focus, etc.

I’m more of a “point and shoot” guy - but I know that the digital SLRs are all the rage now, too.

I don’t need anything super-uber professional - but would like something that I could get a little more creative with, without breaking the bank.

Soooo, suggest away!  I’m all ears.