Camera Shopping Tips
I find it best to go to a camera store to try the actual camera out in your hands and to make sure the navigation makes sense to you. Then I go online and do my research once I’ve narrowed down my choices. I recommend DPReview.com
I currently use the TZ3 as my compact camera: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Panasonic/panasonic_dmctz3.asp
And the FZ30 for more robust photo shoots (Discontinued): http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Panasonic/panasonic_dmcfz30.asp
The newest Panasonic model that would replace the FZ30 in my mind would be the soon to be released GH1, not to be confused with the G1: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Panasonic/panasonic_dmcgh1.asp
As far as compactness, I probably will be replacing mine with the newer version ZS3: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Panasonic/panasonic_dmczs3.asp
The bulk of the compact makes it a bit easier actually to hold as oppose to some of the real slim cameras.
Here’s a comparison of the “compact zooms”: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/q209grouplongzoom/
Here’s a compromise between compact and DSLR: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/read_opinions.asp?prodkey=panasonic_dmcfz28
18x optical Zoom (always look for optical, not digital).
For Ruggedness/Waterproof: Panasonic TS1: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Panasonic/panasonic_dmcts1.asp image quality isn’t as good as is with any of the “rugged” cameras but it will go where you probably would not want your other cameras to go. (Although, I have dropped both existing cameras and gotten them wet (Not underwater) and they still work after 3-4 + years. It’s their first stab at a rugged camera, so perhaps the next one will be better.
Yes, I’m a bit partial to Panasonic.
Panasonic uses Standard SDHC (SD High Capacity Cards) which are about standard in every laptop and desktop computers without the need of an additional card reader as well as other devices. For example, if you have a Nintendo Wii and you get a camera that uses SD cards, you can just plug the card into your game console and watch the videos and pics right off the card.
Olympus camera uses xD cards which you won’t find any use for in any other device, but I do like the ruggedized version that can go underwater. Which I may get for those water / beach shots.
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Olympus/oly_stylustough8000.asp
Pentax also has a ruggedized one as well W60: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Pentax/pentax_optiow60.asp
Both Olympus and Pentax seem to get mixed warranty support issues with their “rugged” cameras. Sounds like it’s hit or miss if you get one that is truly rugged.