I've been studying all the specsheets and trying out all the compacts under the sun since I sold all my kit, and the cameras that seem most interesting to me are the HX5 and the TX5.
Sony take a slightly different approach to dynamic range than, say, Fuji; instead of an EXR sensor with DR optimisation, the Sonys effectively bracket up to 6 shots for noise reduction, and use two bracketed shots for DR increase. Both systems work very well, for compacts.
In the process of looking around, I've considered the EXR Fuji's [but I personally find the GUI very dated and unintuitive.] I've also considered the Canon Powershots, which I'd use with the CHDK firmware hack to script bracketed shots. However, this would entail plenty of PP post-shot, something I've never been too keen on.
For me, a compact should be all about fun and ever-present companionship [sort of like a dog, but without the need to clean up poo....]
So, the HX5 and TX5 seem to offer the most fun-on-a-stick. The intelligent panoramic mode really works well - it's as simple as revolving on the spot with the shutter button pressed. OK, it won't look like large format, but again - you'd look silly setting up a Horseman in the middle of a blues gig...
Also, the HDR mode does what it says - pixel peepers mention a slight loss of resultant contrast, but levels and curves are simple PP - the sort I don't mind doing. The low-light noise reduction modes are great - the HX5 and TX5 shoot at 9fps at full resolution, and so rattling off the 6 shots takes a half second or so, and is hand-holdable.
I'd go for the TX5, personally - although it misses out on the useful 10x zoom, it's far smaller and much tougher [rainy days, a little disprespect etc etc]. Still, both are super little cameras, and as long as you're not going to view 100% crops at A1, then they'll enable you to take great shots in places other DSLR's cannot reach...