Advice Request for Buying My First Digital Camera

Hi folks,

I have been looking for an easy-to-use yet very versatile digital camera for over a two years now, but nothing has really caught my eye. I'm very picky when it comes to buying electronics. For basic features, I am looking for something with the following:

5 Megapixels or more
Greater than 4x optical zoom
At least a 2.5'' LCD display

I wanted to get suggestions - particularly views between the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ1 and the Kodak EasyShare V610. Which would you choose? Other than those two, are there any other camera's you would suggest? The Canon Powershot A700 is one I've considered too. I like the Canon's because I like that they have more manual controls. Again, I'm looking for something versatile which would work for a beginner and a photo enthusiast although I don't need something like an SLR. My maximum price limit is $400. I don't like camera sizes at the extremes (I hate ultracompacts and bulky SLRs) and would prefer something that was a medium-sized point-and-shoot. Thanks for your help!