Eric wrote:

Yes, this is what my research has turned up as well. Unfortunately,
a 3x optical zoom isn't really worth it, imho.

It is very difficult to design a 10x zoom, especially one with good
optical performance.

The current Tamron and Sigma 28-200 lenses are quite good, and can be
placed on a Canon or Nikon or Pentax DSLR such as the 300D or D70 for
an equivalent focal range of of 45-320 or 42-300 respectively. You
could buy a Ewa-Marine waterproof case for lotsa bucks.

The more-than-10x Tamron and Sigma 28-300 lenses are much less good.
I have seen results from the Tamron and wouldn't buy one myself.
Best 10x zoom would be the Canon 35-350, which retails for $1500.
Seems like Canon announced a new wider-angle 10x zoom but I can't
remember any details.