Quote Originally Posted by Photo-John
Sounds like a compact digital might be the way to go. It will do pretty much everything you want except get that falcon. Bird photographers probably spend as much or more money on long, pro lenses than any other kind of photographer. You aren't going to be able to buy a compact camera with a lens that will get you close enough to take high quality photos of a falcon. You're just gonna need to sneak up on that bird! But as far as the cat, the kids, the landscapes - a 4-5 megapixel digital from a respected camera manufacturer will serve you well.

Now, if you let us know what models you have to choose from, we can probably help you some more.
I was looking at the Olympus C-5000., Dimage Z2, Canon A80 (not sure if I want a camera that takes batteries), Olympus C765, and the C-50. Some of these cameras do have 10x zoom. I did review these cameras, but not quiet sure yet.
Minolta has a new Maxxum 50QD, but that's going back to 35mm.
Thanks