Oops...I'm looking at the Panasonic FZ50, FZ8, and thinking of waiting for the FZ18. Sorry for the confusion...

Why not try a Nikon D40 DSLR? You can put it in "auto" mode for your point and shot, but learn to use all the other modes for someadded flexibility. It's small, light and is excellent in image quality. I bought mine at costco.com for $529. Costco also gives you 90 days to return it for any reason and get your money back...

The Fujifilm F50 has my attention. I hope it gives control of Saturation, Contrast and Sharpenning, since these get hyped quite a bit with P&S digicams. I found setting these to sane amounts can increase the clean high ISO ability by a full stop..

My short list includes the A640 and possibly the F31...

K100D is a few dollars more and has AS as well as features missing on the D40. Slap a DA21 or DA40 lens on it and it will fit in a coat pocket...

The S5, FX7/8/50 are all fine cameras and all have IS. I'd select one those based on how it felt in my hands, how naturally the control where placed and the logic of the menu..

The following is my opinion but it is shaped by the independent test reports I've seen to date. I don't think, at this point the superzoom class cameras with 15x-18x zooms are delivering the image quality of the current crop of 10x-12x cameras..

Waiting for a camera means that you're not taking pictures with it and therefore aren't stretching yourself. Waiting for the next greatest is an infinite wait...

I came very close to buying a Sony a100 DSLR. The lack of live preview on DSLRs and how much that bothered me made me realize what an amateur I am. I've kind of decided against a DSLR for now and may get one after the purchase I'm looking to make now...