I bought a Sony DSCF717 last year prior to a vacation to Europe. Due to all of the modes, it does take a little while to learn. Modes include scenic (for landscapes) and nightvision. I haven't put its ruggedness to the test. Given its SLR lens, I have tried to be fairly gentle with it. It also takes movies, but they are not Sony camcorder quality, although they are better than the satelitte phones CNN has been using from Iraq. The camera uses memory sticks, so figure those in your cost as well. Pics from plane were good where the scene outside was bright and objects distinct (for example icebergs floating in the Artic Ocean) but were not as good with less distinct objects (such as mist-shrouded Canadian Rockies).

If interested, PM me and I'll send you a slide show which includes movies that I did with the camera.