Camera for Dad

My Dad is taking a trip to Italy, and needs a camera. He doesn't want to lug anything big around, so he passed on taking my XTi. He was looking at the Sony W150, but I tried to tell him that point and shoot cameras do point and shoot things, he's not going to be happy with the results. He used to develop his own photos years ago, and I know once he gets back into it, he'll be disappointed if he buys something like that.

He's also a cheap son of a *****, and was looking at Kodak. I had to shoo him away from there.

I've been looking around and the Panasonic DMC-FZ28K seems to be about right. Any opinions on it?

From what I understand, the Lumix cameras are actually very good. I tend to be a Nikon/Canon slut because the make good stuff, but it's more expensive. He also balked at the 2.1 lbs of the P80.

Thoughts?

Keep in mind all of my comments will be towards point and shoots.

The Lumix cameras are nice - the Leica lens is a plus. I've had two of them now...loved them both. Have also had a Canon in the past - absolutely bulletproof.

I've seen good reviews on the Casio Exilim line as well. I've seen a lot more of them around...they are also very thin and have a sexy factor.

Panasonic Lumix have had a 10x optical zoom on a point and shoot for the last few years: http://www.jr.com/category/cameras-a...08-4294605628/
TZ4K - Last years model
TZ5K - Newer one.
Not much difference other than the pixels and ability to use the zoom during movies, and you could get the older one for $229 at J and R. It was slightly heavier, but if he is looking for 'better options' from a point and shoot, this might be the way to go.

I wish I could give you more info on those hybrid-type cameras like the one you linked to above -- I really have no experience with them though.