I am about to head off to South Africa in just over 6 weeks time and I now have a dilemna. I was planning to take my Canon 50D, Canon 100-400 IS L series lens, and my 2 x extender and my faithful Canon EF-S 18-200 lens with me. I have been suffering with dreadful pain in my left wrist and hand now for about 8 weeks and although Carpel Tunnel has been ruled out, the pain is very debilitating and I am not sure whether I will be able to carry the heavy gear around with me.

I was wondering if anyone knows of a good P&S camera that has a long zoom which takes really, really good photos. I have an Olympus SP-800 UZ with a 30x zoom, but I am never happy with the photos. I know that they will never be as good as a DSLR, but I am becoming desparate now with the time closing in if treatment can't relieve the pain. I bought the 100-400 with the intention of travelling back to SA one day, so to say I am disappointed is an understatement.