Sorry to hear about the G2..
I think you had enough brassing on it...
Assuming if you wanted to spend $1k you would by drebel and take the 28-135IS back from your father. Other than that, these are the two that interest me;
fuji s7000
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...#goto_itemInfo
sony 717
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...#goto_itemInfo
The fuji is just a little bigger than the G2. The Sony may be too big for your intent, but the 2/3" sensor on it is tempting...
I've read good things about the fuji. Shutter lag and low light focusing are good and it has an slr type feel. It takes CF cards and has a hot shoe so you can use your pocket wizards (depending on flash unit).
Both are around $650, same as the G5. The fuji also has a $100 rebate.
Mike