Newbie here - unsure what to look at next

[Boldstar]

I'm guessing the SX1 is not available in North America, but the SX10 is. The S5 would also be another option... since it's not a brand new camera, the price tag would be more reasonable.

But I'm sure the Panasonic will also do a fantastic job. And if you're a gadget guy, trust me, you'll be hooked. Better just to tell your wife to prepare for the inevitable!

[terry@softreq.com]

I looked at the FZ28 examples out on PBASE and the cam does a pretty good job:

http://www.pbase.com/cameras/panasonic/lumix_dmc_fz28

[Fiyawerx]

Thanks again everyone for all the info, I just pulled the trigger, got:
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28K 10MP Digital Camera with 18x Wide Angle MEGA Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)

As well as:
Transcend 16GB SDHC CARD (SD 2.0 SPD CLASS 6) with Compact Card Reader

for 338 Shipped, Due to arrive tomorrow. This way I'll have it in time for the holiday weekend to mess around with. Could have saved a few bucks if I didn't order straight from amazon (J&R is about 20$ cheaper shipped) but not for the one day. I used my amazon prime free trial to get the 3.99 one day shipping.

Can't wait now!

[terry@softreq.com]

Cool!

Post some photos when you get it!