Olympus SP-560 UZ and Panasonic FZ18 begin at 28mm and seem to offer
many things you want. Ricoh GX100 begins at 24mm.

Sorry, nothing can be done about small sensors. It seems to be a
"cartel" decision not to offer decent size sensors in P&S cameras.

Not exactly. Larger sensors dictate larger lenses. And larger lenses make
for a... bigger camera. Darn, hate those simple laws of physics.

--Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles
www.ChainReactionBicycles.com