Hi
if you're thinking of a compact camera, I must say I think that the micro 4/3 format is ideal for me. I get nearly the same size as a hefty point n shoot such as the G9 / 10 / 11
and interchangable lenses.
some latest images from my Panasonic G1
sure the 'kit' zoom makes it a little bulkier but at a recent conference I was using it to photograph OHP's and the guy beside me was using a G11. We compared cameras (and images) and he really liked how much lighter my G1 was than his canon. Then my OIS came in handy for making my "slide copies" much sharper (and the swivel screen) and my flash was easier to manage (to be off).
Of course what ever camera you get +0-3EV bracket will get great results with a little careful HDR on any contrasty scene
this one is from 2 JPGS, -3 +3