Beginner P&S Recommendation

My sister-in-law knows nothing about cameras, but is after a no-knowledge-needed P&S, preferrably over 4-5 MP, with IS and a medium telephoto function. She needs as basic a camera as possible, or atleast one that can be used in full-auto reliably. I was thinking the A570 IS would do it for her, but I really know nothing about P&S's- is there any other model or brand I should be looking at?

If she goes with an SD series or something lower-end than the A570 in the A series, they don't have as many user-controllable functions, so it's harder to set something wrong ("harder", not "impossible"). Look for one with IS, though. All of them go up to at least 100 mm (35 mm equiv.; about a 60 mm on a crop body) and many go to 135 (100).

The SD1000 would be a great option if she wants a small camera. I am very impressed impressed at how much better that thing is than my A530.

thanks guys! I'll have a look at them.

I love my SD1000 and prefer it to my A560 due to its compact size. It doesn't have IS though, but other pricier SDs do: http://www.dpreview.co​m/reviews/specs/Canon/ (the site also has a great side by side comparison option)

I think the SD850IS was $199 at Staples last week, so perhaps you can find comparable pricing elsewhere in the weeks to come?

Good luck!

I think the A570 is a pretty sweet deal these days. You might find it for $140 - $150. The quality is good in auto, and who knows, maybe she'll try some of the manual settings one day.