Looking for a multi-use camera: personal and professional.

I'm looking for a camera that can act as a quick point-and-shoot for daily use, but also has quality photos as I am a hobby photographer. I don't quite want to get a DSLR just yet for a couple of reasons: I'm working my way up (money-wise and skill/knowledge-wise) and I do want to have a point-and-shoot for those nights out--I don't want something too terribly bulky, or with too many different parts to carry around. I'd also like a camera that has decent video/sound quality, but that is really a secondary issue, and I can live without it. I'm most concerned with the quality of the pictures and zoom. The P80 looks like it's a decent intermediate camera without significant size to it, and while it's a bit out of my price range is something I can save up for (or just slap on a credit card and worry about later). Comments and suggestions? Is there a better (perhaps more cost-effective) option in cameras for what I'm looking for?

Thank you! I've reviewed this camera quite a bit and I think I'm going to make a purchase :].