DSLRs are cool in my book, but I'm still taking pics on an old Sony DSC-P10! And have fallen off the P&S scene and need advice!

I need a nice, compact, cam with fast flash recycle time. Don't really care about MP, more concerned about the flash recycle. Zoom isn't really a huge factor for me, since this thing'll be my carry around, going out to hang cam and it'll be used in close proximity anyway.

Battery life is important also! Any recommendations? Canon powershots? Whatever you guys think, I'm all ears!