My Sister wants her first Digital Camera (Coming from a DSLR Enthusiast) Help!

If they're still available at a low price, I'd go for the Samsung Digimax L85. 8.1 mp, superb lens, full manual controls and intelligent auto modes, very good IQ, can shoot TIFF (but not RAW), superb flash performance (pictures are never "washed out"). A bit larger than "tiny".

Very good camera at $300. I paid $112 on eBay. I know 6 people who bought these, and they all love them.

SimpleGirl2008 wrote in post #5698871
S5 IS = $329

Link: http://www.newegg.com …aspx?Item=N82E1​6830120207

you can get it cheaper now, $300 or less
but I believe the OP said compact and the S5 is not so compact (but not the size, weight (and price) of a dSLR

_aravena wrote in post #5720718
As mentioned it's not that much smaller and the viewfinder is preference. As for sharper, opinion as well. I did enough tests, the typical users of this can stare at a 4x6 for hours and still scratch their heads. MY word, come up with something better than preference opinions.

SX100
Dimensions (W x H x D)
4.28 x 2.81 x 1.84 in. / 108.7 x 71.4 x 46.7mm
Weight
Approx. 9.35 oz. / 265g (camera body only)

A720
Dimensions (W x H x D)
3.83 x 2.64 x 1.65 in. / 97.3 x 67.0 x 41.9mm
Weight
Approx. 7.05 oz. / 200g (camera body only)

They are considerably different in size.

Sharper is not my opinion, it's what DPReview found when they tested both. The Sx100 was criticized for being slightly soft and for chromatic aberrations (purple fringing). The A720 did not have these faults. That shouldn't be surprising. A longer zoom with the same processor and sensor is bound to involve some compromise in IQ.

OTOH the OVF is preference. To the point where I wouldn't buy a camera without it. The LCD screens wash out in bright sun, and holding the camera to your eye gives you much better stability, especially at full zoom. It's also much easier to track a moving object with a viewfinder.

Since it's her first digicam I'd just grab a simple SD1100 IS for about $220. It's very easy/fun to use and very mobile - she can carry it anywhere. Then she can buy a large 4GB/8GB SDHD card and still be well under budget. No sense in getting a digicam with Av, Tv, etc. 'cus she won't use those settings. This camera takes good video too and I'm sure she will love that. About the only setting I ever change on a regular basis is AF Frame - Face Detect, AiAF, or Center.

I have the SD800 my daughter has the SD850 any of those types are really good for a quick point and shoot with a small learning curve.. ISO, shutter speed choices but you can get all that plus with the S3is or S5is which I think is a great beginners camera which will later enable her to step up to a DSLR.

As a DSLR user, I would highly suggest the SD870 IS. It has a 28-105mm FOV equivalent and is very sleek. I have one and I really like it. I know, it has no viewfinder but on p&s, they aren't that accurate anyway. The 3" full color screen eliminates your worries about the viewfinder, too.

bakerbranded wrote in post #5692312
Here are the few I have looked up and really seem to like, tell me what you think.

Sony Cybershot DSCW80
Sony Cybershot DSC-T200
Sony Cybershot DSCT300/B 1
Canon PowerShot SD850 IS
Canon PowerShot SD850 IS
Canon PowerShot SD870IS

Add Panasonic TZ5 to the list as well, it has a nice wide lens and 10x zoom.

I have a DSLR and wanted a smaller camera for similar reasons to your sister as well as being handier to travel with. After a lot of research I decided on the SX100IS and am delighted with it. No viewfinder takes a bit of getting used to but it is worth it for the great zoom and great results particularly with animals. No more missed shots while having to change lens!