Just read this and thought it was pretty neat. Panasonic just revealed a couple of new compact point-and-shoots. I'm in the market for one myself right now and was about to pick up the Canon S410, but then I read this....

http://www.imaging-resource.com/NEWS/1107876282.html

Some interesting things...

- image-stabilised 6x optical zoom
- there's no optical viewfinder, only a 2 inch LCD.
- 1/2.5" CCD
- 4.23 megapixels (total) 4.00 megapixels (effective)
- 14MB Built-in memory (I guess for if you're in a pinch and run out of card space)

It's a hair bigger than the Canon S410 - 4.0x2.5x1.3 vs the Canon’s 3.43x2.24x1.09 - but man this little cam packs quite a punch.

I'm impressed by the zoom and the IS. However, anything bigger than the S### digital cameras is too big to put happily in a pocket. After testing out an SD400, the S500 feels too big too now.

Big downfall for me is only a 320x240 video mode and uses AA batteries.

Still... Hmmm..... 6x zoom + IS....

I'm itching to see a good review - the proof in the pudding. The Canon S410/S500 take amazing shots for what they are, and I've always loved Canon's tones, even in those normally ugly night-time situations. The Panny will have a lot to prove. I'm hoping the larger CCD of the Panny will result in better color and less noise - it's all in the onboard software I guess.

The AA batteries thing is a bonus for me - non proprietary, plus I've gone tons of rechargeables ready to go already. And in a pinch, you can always stop off at a convenience store and grab some new batteries.

I think AA's in a digital camera are either a love 'em or hate 'em situation.

I *know* they make more sense than proprietary batteries, but I can't help but hate them. :)

I was never a fan of rechargeable AAs until I got some 2500mAh NiMH Energizers. They continue to amaze me.

Just a side note with NiMH rechargeable batteries. If you're going to get "D" cells make sure to get the heavy ones (8500mAh)! The light ones (2200mAh) are nothing more than AAs rapped in a "D" housing and are exhausted way too quickly in high drain devices such as infant swings (and I have twin 9mo boys!!!).

Agree completely about the Energizers - I've had great experiences with them, and I used to be really skeptical of rechargeables too.