I don't know anything about the A series, but the SX series is outstanding. The zoom and image stabilization work great. You can't go wrong with the SX 130 IS. It's a great camera and worth more than they charge. It's normally 199 but you can always find it cheaper. Expect to pay between 149-199 on the internet.
Pros: the zoom is amazing. The image quality is excellent. It takes AA batteries, and if you use the same batteries that God uses (Sanyo Eneloops) you'll easily get 900 shots (without flash) out of just two batteries.
The image stabilization works.
Cons: It won't fit into jeans pockets or a shirt pocket. It's a little thicker than most point and shoots, but it'll fit into a purse, no problem, or a coat pocket or cargo pocket.
It's a battery eater. If you put in Duracell Alkalines, you'll be lucky to get 200 shots, and often will get less than a hundred. That's a drag. But like I said, use Sanyo Eneloops (10 dollars for a four pack) rechargeables, and your worries are over. One four pack will give you, easily, well over a thousand pictures, and that includes some with flash.
Here are a couple samples with the SX110 IS. The 130 is even better.
Father-in-law on the lake (Captain Jack):
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Party animals on the lake:
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Zoomed in big time on this bird. He has a skeptical look in his eye because I had just told him a whopper of a fishing story. Notice the bokeh. Not bad for a Point and shoot (it's a matter of getting your subject, zoom, and background at the proper relation to each other. By the way, this photo has been processed with Topaz Adjust, which is why it has a slight cartoonish look to it.
Do eleven-year-old boys love construction sites? You bet they do.
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This is another example of the zoom capabilities. Two "monkeys" enjoying some fruit at Zoo Atlanta.
In this zoomed-in photo, I could hear the giraffes whispering to each other. One said, "There's a guy over there.....don't look at him. He's been stalking us for fifteen minutes with that camera. Ignore him and he'll go away." Eventually I did, in fact, get bored and leave.
Thank you. 
