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Hi,
strange that no one is helping you here; usually lots of advice. Anywho....from what I have read, that Olympus model is very well reviewed and one of the best bang for the buck. I was thinking about it as well, but I needed a smaller one for my purposes.
I have also checked out the Panasonic Lumix FZ-4 or FZ-5 or something like that. It is an awesome camera. I have seen it, tested it for a couple days...very, very nice. 12x image stabilized OPTICAL zoom, Leica lens, SD memory...kinda expensive, was about $500 or so last year. The only thing I didn't like was the grip or feeling when you held it. I thought it was too small and it felt like you couldn't hold it with one hand. Oh yeah...and for some reason no threads on the lens for a UV lens cover. You have to throw on this huge cover first and IT has the threads for your protector.
Nice camera but the little things hurt it for me.
I read some nice things about the new Kodak cameras with 8 or 10x zoom. Check it out on that steve's digicam site...good honest reviews (I think).
Good luck, have fun. I am no camera expert, but I thought I would help a little.
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Life's jounney is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn-out shouting, "Holy sh*t! What a ride!" - unknown 
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