Horse-sick and camera-less

I'm horse-sick (you know, like homesick?) It's been getting to me the last few days. I've been working everyday (except Christmas day) of the last couple weeks because I have a lot to catch up on. Also, I'm one of the few people remaining around campus, so I have the whole lab to myself, which means I'm also a bit lonely, despite the fact that I've been getting lots of work done. Plus, I see no point to taking time off...I have nothing to do here. My family are all in Wisconsin (I just saw them for Thanksgiving), except my boyfriend (but he's been working lots lately too, and we've not been spending much time together). And I have no horses to spend time with anymore! I still of course have my dogs, and they'd really love it if I took some time off to take them someplace fun. I have been taking them for walks, but sporadically. So I'm horsesick...because I'm lonely and I've been reading lots of horse-related books lately, which really makes me itch to get out and do something with a horse. Re-reading my journal from training Catlow also makes me itch to get out and do something with a horse. Although we've been having such crappy weather here lately that I doubt it'd do much good if my horses were still here. But then, at least I could wrap my arms around them and bury my cold fingers into their big warm wooly manes.

Also, my camera broke. I have a Kodak z710 (10X zoom) and it appears that the mechanism that powers the lens has become stripped (like a screw) or burned out or something. When I turn it on, it tries to push the lens out, but it can't so just gives an error light and turns back off. I wasn't able to get any pictures of the new snow (which isn't new anymore) because that is precisely when it broke. I might be able to get it replaced, but I'm not sure. I have to contact the company. This is the second time this camera has broke on me. I already had it replaced once (A gentle fall while in the very protective case actually cracked the LCD screen, and Kodak replaced it no problem). Since it's caused me more than its share of headaches, I'm thinking of getting a different kind of digital camera. I'd appreciate knowing what you all use to take your pictures. I like to have powerful zoom (10X (not digital) preferred) and between 5-7.5 MP picture resolution. I'm partial to Canon. I have a really nice SLR film camera that I LOVE, but it's one of those types that you only get it out when you are on a trip special for photography (it's too big and expensive to just throw around and drag with you on hikes or horseback rides). I was really resisting going digital for a long time because I was a film snob, but now I can't fathom living without the ease of my digital camera! And they generally aren't super expensive, so I don't feel the need to keep it wrapped in a bubble. I'll put it in my saddle bags or let it bounce around my neck on hikes.

So please, all my horse friends, what is your preferred digital camera (brand and type)?