I love the size most. Its tiny and light and easy to carry. It feels like its machined from ingot its so solid. Its a quality piece.

Some things I wish were better: 3.3 magapixels is still not quite enough pixels, I think, especially after youve cropped the shot. Im never quite sure when the camera takes the picture, since its not quite instant and the process is silent (I miss the instant shutter with the KABANG of SLR mirrors flopping and motorized film advance). And 2x zoom is not quite enough. I miss having more control over shutter and aperature.

But within the limits of what the camera is, this one works very well. And digital photography is a whole story unto itself: it changes so much to be able to shoot, erase, dump, manipulate without running to the photo store (or grocery store dropoff) with an entire roll of film.

I really researched this purchase and the features and image quality of this camera far surpasses everything else in the price range. For the features and the 3.3 megapixels most cameras cost twice what Amazon is charging for the S20. And with the camera bag and extra 32 meg compactflash card included Amazon has the best deal on this camera anywhere! Believe me, I checked!

I did follow the advice of previous reviewers and got the ac adapter kit and the rechargeable batteries. Most digital cameras eat batteries and I can easily believe that this one is no exception. Even including the extras, this camera is a terrific bargain. I am totally delighted with my purchase!!

The G1 is a SUPERB camera! Many consider it the best consumer digicam. I certainly believe it. Please go to the customer reviews for Powershot G1 to get a sense what it can do.

The S20, in contrast, is not up to par. While the G1 takes crispy sharp pictures, S20 takes only passable images. I believe it uses zone focusing like a point and shoot, so the pictures are not sharp. These type of focusing techniques may be OK for a 1 megapixel digital camera, but for a 3.3 megapixel digicam it makes no sense.

Now I might be spoiled by the G1, and I might very well be wrong about the focusing technique of the S20. But I suggest potential buyers make at least a comparison with other cameras, particularly the G1, to see the differences. When doing the comparison, make sure to shoot a few outdoor images under various focal length and distance. Dont just shoot far away objects. Then decide it yourself.

Another problem is with the rechargable battery. It gives about 50 pictures on a single charge. But there are problems. First, it takes FOREVER to charge up. While my G1 takes about an hours to be charged up (and it takes hundreds of pictures), the S20 battery takes eternity! Worse, the battery suffers from the "memory" problem. You have to completely drain the battery to recharge it in order to keep it effective. I suggest you buy at least one, if not two, spare batteries.

If you are even semi-serious about taking good photos you should bypass this camera. You should wait until a new and better model is available, or buy the G1 for about $200 more. If you are satisfied with the point and shoot nature, you dont need the 3.3 megapix! You can save money with a 2 megapix or even one megapix digicam. Youll be equally happy.

I would have rated this item five stars but having to buy the expensive power supply kit and an additional rechargeable battery irked me. The battery that came in the package lasted for a short amount of time.

Although this model had been discontinued by Canon, but with 3.3 megapixels, Sharp Images, and limited control of photo mode (i.e: slow shutter, fast shutter, macro, and more) it really give the plus touch and worth the money. Besides its an Elph model, it is tinny enough to be carry around and it looks cool.

Another plus side, it takes IBM Microdrive !!! I bought 1GB Microdrive which I shared with my Compaq Ipaq (another excellent product) and it lets me take hundreds of pictures. Oh, one more thing! You should also invest in Canon DK110 Power Supply Kit and another extra Canon NB-5H Battery, because if you take pictures with the LCD on, it will drain the power real fast.

Dr. Liem Ngo Hanoi, Vietnam

The power kit is a must, since you can go thru a regular battery in one set of photos. Also the AC adapter is great for computer and television interface...

Besides, I have bought IBM 1GB microdrive, very good price performance on storage, I use this when my family went to vacation, such that all photos could be put on the microdrive without taking a notebook with me. With the highest resolution, 1GB microdrive can store more than 1000 pictures. Not bad for even a two-week trip.

I would suggest to buy one to two more rechargable batteries, since one battery would roughly take 50 pictures. Three batteries allow you to take 150 picture a day.

Though it is over a year, I may still very satisfy with it....

Looking back I probably should have invested in some rechargable batteries for my Nikon as the S20 is better but not that much on battery life. I ended up having to buy the rechargable battery kit from Amazon as the replacements for the S20 are super expensive while the Nikon used standard AA batteries.

My other problem I have had is after 3-4 days of extensive use, the camera has become scratched and nicked very easily. I was carrying it in my pocket with keys (ouch), and I did set it on several different surfaces to take "timer" pictures with my wife, but is seems that is was way to easy to nick up. So be careful with it and always keep it in the case if possible. I wanted the smaller form factor so I could carry it around with ease!

So in summary: 1.) Picture quality is good, but not great 2.) I love the smaller form factor (major buying decision base on this fact) 3.) Semi nice deal from Amazon on this package 4.) Case is nice, but should be included for free standard 5.) 16MB card at high resolutiuon and high quality holds only 6-7 pictures! 6.) Get the Viking 128MB CF card from Amazon... because you will ned the space

If I had it to do over again, I would have kept the Nikon...happy with Amazon service and product none the less.

Highlights: 1) Great picture quality! 3.3 megapixel pictures are good enough for printing on 8x10. 2) Small and portable! The camera is small, especially compared to other digital cameras, so it can be carried in your coat pocket, shirt pocket, or even your pants pocket (although it bulges a bit). 3) Amazons included 32 megabyte card is a GREAT value - we paid over fifty dollars for a separate 32 megabyte card! This card lets you shoot about 25 more pictures on the top quality setting.

Youll be amazed at how great the pictures are and how easily you can carry this camera around!