Hi Dysart,
I'm using HP 950. 5.3MP 8x optical zoom 7 digital zoom. The camera is bulkier than other digital cameras. I like it. It isn't the best when taking indoor shots.
It's not the best camera out there. For my price range, and what I do, I'm very pleased. There are probably more improved cameras, since my purchase as well.
A great site on the web that compares digital cameras is Steve's digi cams.
http://www.steves-digicams.com/ Very good information here.
Good Luck! Let me know what you end up buying.