i own a Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ2 point and shoot and a Canon EOS 450D (Rebel XSi) DSLR, and have used my dad's Canon Powershot SD750 point and shoot.
all amazing cameras. what t234 said, with point and shoots canon, nikon, and panasonic are the cadillacs. you can't go wrong with any of them really. in my opinion, canon makes the best point and shoots.
if you're thinking of springing for a DSLR, go canon or nikon.