Compact digital camera recommendations?

Just wondering if any of the avid photographers could recommend a decent "muk en druk" camera. Looking to spend between R1000 and R1800.

I have always used Sony Cybershots and was very happy (so I would prefer another) but not limited to this brand.

Only requirements would probably be: compact, lithium battery, >10x optical zoom, HD video recording capability.

Really don't know what specs are decent and would honestly not understand them either

Thanks in advance for the recommendations.