Update on ZS30. I just returned from a family vacation and gave the Panny a good workout. It's a great travel camera, just like the Powershots were. Here are the negatives I found with the camera. (1) The zoom is basically an on/off switch and it's difficult to frame a still exactly the way you want it. The Canon zoom control is vastly better. (2) The movie switch is tiny and flush with the camera body, making it difficult to find and activate. I turned the camera off several times while fumbling for the movie switch. There is no way you are going to operate the movie switch with gloves on, something that's easy with a Powershot. (3) Not having a separate battery charger is a pain because you can't use the camera and charge a battery at the same time. (4) The lens isn't remotely close to being weather sealed. Don't even think about using it in a dusty environment. I used mine briefly in a very windy environment and ended up with dust particles between lens elements. This is a common problem with any telescoping lens arrangement but I'd say Powershots have a tighter seal than the Panny.
Positive surprises with the ZS30: (1) Image stabilization is outstanding. It's the best I've ever seen and I've used a bunch of cameras. (2) Continuous shooting modes have a high frame rate and produce great stills. (3) 60p footage is much smoother than 30p (4) Wind filter works and actually has an effect on sound recording. (5) Battery indicator works like it should and gives reliable warnings. When it comes on, finish the shot and change the battery. Really simple.
Summary: Until Canon fixes the battery issue the ZS30 is a good alternative. Maybe the SX300 will be the perfect camera.
