My DSLR's are usually buried in my pack in waterproof bags (this bein' Orygun and all). I'm seriously thinking of a small compact digicam with a 6x to 12x optical zoom that would fit in a small belt pouch where it is handy to get to quickly. I'm leaning toward the Panasonic Lumix 5mp with 6x zoom and image stabilization because it takes AA batteries and has a very slim profile, but the Lumix with the 12x zoom is REALLY tempting. They both have Leica optics, the 12x zoom model has a proprietary battery that must be recharged. That's fine when I'm out photographing, but on a several day hunting trip...I deal with that now with the 20D by carrying another battery, so maybe it isn't as big an issue as it seems. Just gotta make sure the battery charger and voltage inverter are in the truck.
The problem with the compact digicams is "noise" at ISO's higher than 200. That makes the smaller 6x zoom model more attractive because I don't need the higher ISO's for a faster shutter speed at the long end of the zoom.
As you can see, there are pro's & cons to both and I'm having a heckuva time figuring out which one to buy! Then you throw the Pentax Optio waterproof model in the mix... :rolleyes:
Besides, the 20D and 17-40mm isn't a light combo to pack around with all my survival stuff, food, and water!!