You can't go wrong and won't be disappointed with a Canon. Got the PowerShot G1, but if I had to buy one today, I'd get the S40.

Get as large of a Compact Flash card as you can afford.

Always use the LARGEST image format when taking photos. You can ALWAYS shrink a large photo, but you can not always expend a small image.

Invest in 2 good sets of NiMh 1800 mAH rechargeable batteries and a good recharger. You won't regret that move.
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T.K. Paker