Thanks, Ira, that does help. The S2/S3 IS seems like a good step up from my "starter" digital. I like the idea of being able to record photos from videos too. I'll check it out at my neighbourhood camera store.

Thanks again, jgarvey, for starting this thread!

Moolyn, I learned more than anybody, thanks to all of these knowledgable and willing helpers. Happy to hear that you got something out of it too, even though I started this thread with the wrong heading! Getting smarter every day! jg

You are welcome, M

((I))

Hi JS
I took a Canon Powershot 700IS to Rome and am now playing with the nearly 2000 shots that I got back with. I and spouse (who is the much better photographer) are impressed with the results even with severe cropping.
The Image Stabilization thing is a godsend for small point and shoot digital cameras that are often held at arms length to frame the shot through the view finder. One of the series I was shooting involved quick captures of fleeting passerby scenes and the IS really helped in this regard.
That said, I lost the camera on the second last night or perhaps it was picked from my bag in Piazza Navona.
Only left behind about a hundred shots and credit card insurance paid for this newly bought camera. And by huge chance just before my return, the 800IS was introduced and I replaced with that. Wider 28mm lens for those landscape/streetscape shots of Rome (this alone makes it fairly unique and probably worth the premium price), another megapixel of resolution, better digital processor (face detection thingy for those family/group shots), shirt pocket size and weight, and a cinch to operate for the non techy photographer. I'd drink one less bottle of wine in yr month in Rome and get this one.

Just ran across this info as a teaser for purchasing Consumer Reports, and thought I would share with all of you helpful and pro photographers who have educated me. BTW, my new little Canon Elph will be arriving on Tuesday from Amazon, as will several travel guide books that were suggested in this forum.

Here's what Consumer Reports had to say about one of their tests: "Choose the Canon PowerShot A620. It costs $220 and was much higher-rated than the HP Photo Smart R927, which costs $400. I don't know if this tidbit of info applies to any of you, but there it is for your consideration. Just wanted to give something back. jg