Solid mix of desired functions for the serious amateur!

At the risk of writing too much on the camera models that I did not choose (Canon Powershot SD800IS and the Samsung NV10, the Nikon crept into my list at the very last minute. It has an optical viewfinder that the Samsung did not have (try taking a picture in direct sunlight, the Samsung left me shooting blind!) But, the Canon did have the optical viewfinder but had no real manual functions. The Nikon has a wide range of manual options for those of us who like to take control when the situation demands it.

It is a slightly larger, "blockier" camera but the compromise is sure feel and handling without the sense that it is going to slip out of your hands like the Canon slick little brick did. It's menu logic is easy enough but not near as intuitively slick as the Samsung's X-Y axis selection driven by individual discrete buttons for each mode selection family.

For me, the Nikon P5000 hits all the right notes of compromise and in the majority of cases, no compromise at all in the features it is loaded with. It has a typical Nikon heft and build to it, distinct, forward and quite functional handling design.

It is a pleasure to operate and will please those who like the ability to switch to manual control in any variation, but automatic to the point that you can hand it to someone who is not a camera buff and they can easily use it. It has a "DSLR" like rear screen and controls and is probably one of the more DSLR-like cameras that is not one in its class.

The hot shoe for an additional flash is welcome to add that extra boost in power when it is needed in larger volume shooting environments.

The finish is pleasing and aggressive looking, but more importantly, it is functional in that the build appears to be typical high quality Nikon, close to bullet proof.
Whip this thing out of your pocket and it will not fly across the room because you forgot to tether the strap to your wrist. The camera comes with two anchor points for either a neck strap (included) or a tether (separate) that can be placed on either side.

Throw this one into your mix for a digital point and shoot meant for the serious amateur who wants high functionality and flexibility, but still wants compactness. Check it out. It just was released in March 2007, so availability may be scarce for a while.