Thanks for all the input guys... the G9 seems great, but I can't get over the price difference between it and the S5IS. The S5 really seems to fit the bill, that is, assuming it's still pocketable. I need to hold one in person.
Those Olympus cameras look like a blast, but I'm afraid the 3x would be to little with no way to rectify it if needed.
The G9 samples look pretty close to the S5IS
Canon PowerShot G9 Digital Camera Samples - Review - The Imaging Resource!
Canon PowerShot S5 IS Digital Camera Samples - Full Review - The Imaging Resource!
Neither put out DSLR quality images, but that's the trade off for portability and cost.
The other one I am considering is the Panasonic FZ18
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18 Digital Camera - Review - The Imaging Resource!
Looks like image quality is a titch better, and spec for spec, they are very close
Compare Digital Cameras - Camera Prices and Reviews
I don't think I'd go wrong with either...
Jason