If you are looking for a point-and-shoot, I would say the Canon G12. Manual controls allow you get the exact exposure you're looking for in difficult situations. The hot shoe allows you to use a larger flash if needed. The camera does a great job of matching the the flash to ambient light, something that surprised me. The image quality is excellent, about the same as my Nikon D2X.
The video quality is good too, except the audio quality is terrible in wind, as you would probably guess.
I used a G11 on a recent week-long sailing trip and it was virtually the only camera I used, I only pulled out my D2X a couple of times when I needed longer glass.
I think the price is around $500 and well worth it.
Last edited by skwerlkiller; 05/06/11.
