A Girard

Opinion: Tired of carrying my dslr or R1 around so this is a perfect carry around camera. It has a terrifc image quality (bright and sharp). Other camera companies were trying too hard to impress the public with high megapixel counts and this camera achieves the right balance for a P&S. The zoom is touch sensitive, The IS works very well, the ISO shots at 200 are great, 400 very usable and 800 not that great but in a pinch is better than nothing.
In the Natural color mode the white balance is very..well...natural. Not overasaturated like some Sony cameras. The EVF is small but clear and doesn't disappear in bright light. The lcd screen is not as big as some of the recent cameras but more than adequante to get the job done. Wonderful all around camera.

Opinion: Like many have said...excellent images, but horrendous low light focusing. It's one thing for the focus to slow down, but this camera misses in low light and misses ALOT. I have plenty of experience with digital gear with both DSLR and P&S cameras and this is the worst low light focusing peformance I've ever encountered in a camera. Of course, contacting Canon about this was a wasted effort as 3 emails got no replies. Very disappointed as the images were outstanding but I can't have my subjects always standing around lamps to achieve focus.

Opinion: This wouldv'e been the camera of the year if it were not for the noise. If noise is not a significant consideration then you will love it.

Opinion: I usually use a Nikon D70 dslr and now I know I've found a great backup. Fast reliable focus and exposure, excellent resolution, 7x zoom just right, etc. etc.. I had a unique opportunity to compare (w/friends' cameras) with the Sony f828, Coolpix 8800, Olympus c-8080. This Canon will not disappoint. As per the critique of the shot to shot ratio being sloiw on the Superfine setting...if you press your shutter slightly right after your picture you'll get excellent shot to shot ratio. EVF clear and effective.