Have a look at the Pana LX3/Canon G10 (choose based on the lens you like, more w/a or more tele) for "compacts with some control.
Or Olympus E420/450- Nikon D5000 for larger (much) sensors and more versatility.
The new Olympus Pen E P1 could be ideal if you are happy with a fix lens or the "standard" and very compact 28-84mm equivalent.
Franco