Go for - 1 - Canon Powershot A570IS [7.1MP 4XOZ Added: IS] SD
Or
2 - Canon Powershot A550 [7.1MP 3XOZ] SD

for A570 IS The IS helps alot, canon powershot series very good.
so far i own a Canon Powershot A400 long time ago, not bad. now Canon A710 IS, Canon S3 IS.
i tested the A570 IS, A550[ not bad though is still a good camera] recent camera fair.It depends on ur budget to.

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Added on April 4, 2007, 2:44 pmoh yah canon makes good compacts, and Powershot A series there are manual mode to since u said 'good device to start with before entering DSLR arena.... '

This post has been edited by sherren: Apr 4 2007, 02:44 PM