Need help on choosing camera upgrade

I have a Panasonic TZ-1 and I'm looking to upgrade to more resolution.  I mainly photograph tombstones in my genealogy hobby and have found that the inscriptions can sometimes be read better (zooming in) while viewing on the computer than in person. I also photograph the family reunions and such, with some nature pics thrown in.  I have some physical limitations which require image stabilization or tripod for best results.  I have read a lot about the Sony DSC-R1 and both Nikon and Canon entry level DSLR's.  I would appreciate any help with my upcoming choice.

Thanks Tom
I must have read 200 reviews on the H5 and Panasonic, the H5 seems to have better imaging and satisfaction all around and I really like the idea of the 3" LCD.  Now, I just have to hold one to get the feel and see what I think.  I had been thinking about a Pentax DSLR, since I have a 35MM and a couple lenses but think the Sony may better suit my needs for now.  I can wait till the K10D get a few reviews under its belt before thinking about adding a DSLR to my list.  Again, I appreciate the help.

Perry

I have been using the DSCR1 for over 12 months now. What I like about it is its size and versatility, as I shoot landscape, portrait and weddings. I find the zoom if ok but there is times when I need things to be a little closer so I use my back up camera (Nikon) which has a digital zoom. Battery power is great, even using the flash. Dials are easy to use as is the menu, and I find the having the LCD screen on top an added bonus at times.
Hope this is of some help.

Panasonic or Sony?
I want a new camera and I'm not sure if I should get a Sony Cybershot N2 the Panasonic Lumix FX9 or the FX50. Pqanasonic has a wide angle lens and a good the zoom is best on the FX50 and the ISO is great but the reviews are better for some reason on the FX9, even though the ISO is only 80-400, the pixel are less . People seem to also love the Sony N2, the zoom is only 3X, and I love my zoom, so this seems limited. Which

HI,
Neither the DSCR1, or entry level SLRs like Canon 400 have image stabilization. But it hurts very little with SLRs, as SLRs have very good high ISO performance. So when you need to take snaps with high zoom, or under low light conditions (camera shake is a threat under these circumstances), you can actually increase the ISO, and make do with a faster shutter speed, which decreases the effect of camera shake.
Now DSC R1 too, has very good low noise performance, but not as good as an entry level dsrl (see the comparisions on dpreview). I suppose if camera shake is a big problem, then go for either a DSRL, or some of the other prosumer cameras, like DSC H5, or Canon S3 IS. But these, mind you, won't give you the 28mm wide angle the DSC R1 gives you.