Aloha,

My votes are for the Panasonic TZ series.

We have a TZ1(10X), TZ3(10X) and TZ6(12X) plus the FZ18(18X Optical zooms).

The best deals on the TZ cameras I've found are from Costco. I think they have the ZS1(TZ6) now for Under $200. It does Not do HD video, just regular video and it's screen is "only" 2.7 in.

The TZ7 has HD Video and a 3" screen, FWIW

Both have a Wide angle lens And 12X optical zoom.

Most of the time I never use the long zoom capability, but when I Need it, I have it.

My friend who is a retired pro wedding photographer now generally carries a TZ3 a lot.

The Plus side of these cameras is that they are the smallest(so far) of the long zoom P & S cameras and slide into a pocket easily(just don't miss the pocket, like I did 2X. Cameras still work after hitting concrete floor)
Also uses SD film cards

The only "downside" of the TZ series is that they have a metal body and are heavier than the other long zoom P & S cameras.