(posting here due to uncertainty of proper category)

I really liked my little Canon A95 for underwater stills but after its untimely demise I'm looking for it's replacement.

The Panasonic Lumix is the frontrunner right now, but it like many of the new high megapixel point and shoots, the pictures seem to have a lot of noise. I'm not stuck on 12 megapixels, 7 or 8 would be fine if I get something without the noise.

This is what else I need:

Point and shoot that packs easily in airline luggage, it's my vacation "I don't want to drag around a bunch of gear" camera.

Good macro function - half my pictures are 12" or less.

Minimum shutter lag - this is important, It's hard enough to get good pictures of fish without having to guess where they'll be in 2 seconds.

Optical zoom. 5x would be great, 3 minimum.

Underwater housing capable to at least 100', but most do anymore so that shouldn't be an issue.

I'm using a canon G11 and canon WP housing for the same application. it's a highly portable, very dependable solution with results as good as you can get from a point and shoot. The recently released G12 also add high def video ( G11 shoots SD video)

VERY solid performers, and you can get into a brand new camera and model-specific housing for around $700. HIGHLY reccommended

I will second what Wayne suggested. I have the big brother Canon 550D as well as the Canon G11 and for your requirements the G11 or the newer version G12 is also highly recommended. Takes beautiful photos very close to the 550D

Stelios

I'll be out running around today, I'll take a look at the G11.

Nikon P7000 also worth a look.