ixus 430 0r 500 ?

are 430 and 500 using the same ccd sensor ? which one is more value for money ? image quality ? macro shot ? please advise anyone ?

You can do a comparison here :

http://www.canon-europe.com …5190&SourcePage​ID=26009#2

That depends on what you need. I decided to go for the 430 as it has less noise and better macro focusing according to a few reviews I've read.
I like this review which compares both models: http://www.dcresource.​com …0_s500-review/index.shtml

If you need as big prints as possible or wants to use 640*480 movie resolution (max 30 secs at this res.) go for the ixus 500. Otherwise I would go for the 430.