Panasonic TZ5 or ??? Any suggestions?

[mpolter]

Hi everyone.:D

I am looking to buy a multipurpose camera. I have 2 young kids which means that while picture quality is always a must, speed is important to me too. I will be taking pictures indoors and out. I will need a decent zoom for the sporting events. Oh, and I am looking for something that does all the thinking for my wife and is still fast.

The reviews of the TZ5 seem to say that it is the camera I am looking for, but I have no idea how fast it is yet. That being said, this is what I like about the TZ5, does anyone know of anything similar that maybe or ever IS faster?

28mm - This is great for the close indoor pics.
10x Zoom - Great for the sporting events. (I don't want to go lower than 7x)
Auto mode - Great for when I, oh I mean my wife :) must use the camera.
Price - I am budgeted for $500
Size - 10x Zoom in this size camera, are you kidding me? We are traveling to Ireland soon and want something no larger than a TZ5
Latest Technology - I like to have the new toys.

Oh - and since we are going to Ireland, I hope to return with a few pictures to blow up, so a few megapixels would be nice. I'm thinking 7 minimum.

Please, please help me.

[KCook]

Most cameras at that price are SLR-like types. For a more compact case about the only competition I see is the Canon SX100, Ricoh R7, and Sony H10. All reviews of the Ricoh cite its speed advantage. Of course, in the ideal world some review site would test all of these for you. Real world, you're going to have to do it for yourself. Find a store with an easy return policy. Then try them one-by-one until you hit on one that is fast enough for you.

no help Kelly