Don't get a large camera. I have a Lumix Fz28 and the size is very constraining. If I had a smaller camera, I would take it more places, but because it's so big, it hardly ever leaves the house. Also, the USB hookup isn't your standard USB-Mini, so you'll only have one cable you can plug up to the camera. (Really irritating.) I do not recommend the Lumix FZ28.
Go Small
Don't get a large camera. I have a Lumix Fz28 and the size is very constraining. If I had a smaller camera, I would take it more places, but because it's so big, it hardly ever leaves the house. Also, the USB hookup isn't your standard USB-Mini, so you'll only have one cable you can plug up to the camera. (Really irritating.) I do not recommend the Lumix FZ28.