[Coleman]

if you're just using the camera as a "point and shoot" camera you don't need anything more than 5mp in my opinion.

As for the zoom in your purposes, 3x optical zoom is totally fine.

might want to check out Sony's: http://reviews.cnet.com/Sony_Cyber_Shot ... ?tag=aisle

It doesn't have a ton of settings or anything, but it's very small and reliable.

I own this camera and it is great. http://reviews.cnet.com/Sony_Cyber_Shot ... ?tag=aisle It has a bunch of manual settings. It's not very thick or anything either. I put it in my pocket and have no problem with it. But since you said you want something very comfortable to put away, you might want to hold it in your hand before you make your decision.