Powershot A series vs. S series

[nicksan]

Hello,
I am looking for a compact camera mainly for my wife so that she doesn't have to get all peeved when I zone out with my "big rig"!

We currently have the old Powershot SD400 camera. It has served us well but I am afraid it is time to retire the old friend.

I prefer to stick with Canon.

I am a bit confused about the food chain. Is the Powershot S/SD series (interested in the SD850 IS) higher up on the food chain compared to the A series? (Interested in the A570IS)

I have my eyes on either the SD850 IS or the A570IS. I know that the SD850IS is ultra compact and has the solid build, but it doesn't have any aperture/shutter control. The A570IS does, but has the cheap plastic build. Kinda confused there...

I prefer not to go to G7 route, since I usually carry my DSLR with me and this purchase id pretty much for my wife.

But I figure it might always nice to have the ability to control aperture/shutter...plus the A570IS is less expensive, further adding to the confusion.

Is there a general opinion as to the IQ from both cameras? One better than the other?

Thx
Nick

[Jon]

IMO the SDs are the "no frills" version, where "no frills" means less (possible) to learn. If you want to be able to control the camera, you need an A (or the S3/S5/G7) The S and SD were separate series, actually.

[cdifoto]

S series are more pocketable. A series are more feature-rich.

[nicksan]

Are the S series cameras more pricey b/c of the compactness and the better build?

[cdifoto]

That's my take on it. Personally I'd rather have an A series.