Thanks people will look at some of these models you have suggested... for my trip around Europe and North Africa earlier this year i bought a Lumix FZ35, a HD Panasonic camcorder and cheap Sony point and shoot for carrying around in the pocket from DWI in HK and they all came to less than $1000 with postage... I have to say i thought the shots from the Lumix were pretty good... I decided that i might like to eventually do something with some of the pics i take so want some decent quality (not mind blowing) and as i often travel alone an articulated screen was something i am also looking for to help with composition...
I sold the FZ35 to a friend for approx what i paid for it, and more than what i could buy it again in the US from Amazon and thought the FZ 100 was the way to go, more mega pixels, more zoom and articulated screen... but after reading the reviews it seems the more MP has decreased the quality of the shots... now probably not noticeable to non-pro's like me, but u like to pay for an upgrade, not a down grade... this was a disappointment as had lots of what i wanted at a very reasonable price from Amazon (about half of JB Hifi here!!!)
That got me onto DSLRs... for people looking, Nikon D3100 looks good at the moment, not the cheapest entry level, but seems pretty well spec'd, but for me no articulated screen, the Panasonic four thirds or whatever they are look good, but don't think they have the articulated screen, are pretty expensive and as the format is new don't seem to have a lot of lens to choose from... the new Canon 600D looks like it has quite a few of the features i want, but getting up there a little, about $900 with basic lens from Amazon IIRC...
I am tempted to go with the Nikon D5000, because i think it has been discontinued the body from Amazon is about US$579 and maybe get something like a Tamron 28-250 lens for about US$300 as friends have told me that the switching lens thing constantly while travelling is a big Fail, even though some sharpness might be sacrificed at long zoom... then i can get a good 50mm prime lens later... the 18-200 Nikkor lens is about US$600 unfortunately... only problem with D5000 is the articlated screen folds down, not to the side, which would be a bit of a PITA for composing a shot when its sitting on a tripod unless i tried to improvise some mount for it...
anyone looking for a new camera i have found this site useful (it has the review up for D5000 but you can look at many others)
Nikon D5000 review: Verdict, D5000 vs D60 vs D90 vs 500D / T1i vs Olympus E-620
This camera labs place also has reviews on youtube, so just go on and put in D3100 or or whatever Canon model and they will show you what it can do... I also look at CNET and and one or two others and if they all say about the same you can tend to believe it and that no one is paying for any good reviews...
Also i am planning to buy overseas always from now on, even if warranties aren't honoured here of its more difficult etc, often not a lot goes wrong in the first year that they usually cover and cameras on DWI and Amazon are often half the price here in Oz so you could buy a completely new one if you have troubles and still come out ahead!!!