Looking for something a little smaller and lighter to leave in my pack, with near DSLR image quality. Anybody have ideas?

Check out CNET Reviews. Lots of choices with full spec sheets. A very good place to do research.

The Canon G10 is a good one. I shoot RAW files with my DSLR's, and the G10 will allow me to do that. I plan on buying one soon to take to Ohio with me come November.

Jerry

I second the Canon G-10. I find no flaws with the camera at all, it always amazes me.

Frank

That said, Canon just today announced the G11 coming to a dealer near you in October. They dropped the MP to 10 (which is still PLENTY) to improve the low light capabilities (less noise at higher ISO's). And, they added a flip out viewfinder!

Of course they announced it the day after B&H e-mailed me to say my G10 had shipped.      

Thanks Jery. Checked my local ritz and they didn't have one, so i may go online. I just like to get my hands on one first.

Hey Jerry,
Dont feel bad, I know you will really like the G10.
I have had one for about 5 months and I love it. I would suggest that you order one of the good quality glass screen protectors for the 3" LCD screen though. They scratch very easily. I found this out the hard way! B&H sells several types of LCD protectors.

I am looking forward to taking it to the woods this fall!
Harry.

Jerry,
While I am thinking about it, I dont know what the folks are whining about with the so called "low light" problems with the G10 at 14.7 mp. I have been very satisfied with 98% of the low light shots I have taken. Would thay work for magazine covers, no. would they work for article supporting photos, I think they would generally.

But, I am an old pfart, I grew up on 400 speed color film with slow lenses and 400 Trixpan film on most any lens fast or slow. Grain is part of life!!! LOL
Harry

My brother is a professional news photographer, so it's no surprise that many of his wedding guests were too, and most showed up with cameras.

What did surprise me was that few carried SLRs. Most carried the new Canon G11. The others carried the Canon S90.

I have the G11.  It's an awesome camera!!

Jerry

Jerry,
I'm just curious - now that I see you have a G-11 - did you keep your G-10 ?  Or did you sell it off ?

I've got a G-10 and really like it - but it does need good light to do it's best.  It has some limitations - but it is still my favorite camera.
I find I do get my best pictures with it - because I always have it with me !
Chinook

You said smaller is what you're looking for most?  The G-11 is so big you might as well go with a DSLR!  Check out the Canon S90:

  S90 review

OOps I just noticed you posted in August!