Point and Shoot Digital Camera Dilemma

In just two short months I will be relocating to Albuquerque, New Mexico. I will be using the move as an opportunity to get what I hope to be some really great photographs. I will be driving down there and plan on making the trip in a comfortable 4 days of driving time.

My current dilemma is deciding on which make and model of point and shoot digital camera to purchase for the trip. I already own a dSLR but I want something that will be easy to use and that can be kept out at all times without having to fear it being stolen.

I am currently looking into the Panasonic DMC-FZ20 or an Olympus E-20N which are both good quality, 5 megapixel cameras that can be had for a good price used. There are a couple of other contenders, such as the Sony DSC-F828 and the Olympus C-8080 Wide Zoom and they are 8 megapixel cameras.

Seeing as how I will be more interested in more of a photojournalistic approach to documenting my travels, a higher quality, dSLR will not be necessary. And also having been on many lengthy road trips in the past, I know all to well how beat up equipment can get during the trip.