My only problem with a lot of these cameras, the Powershots included, is that some contain a LOT of features. I watched someone spend a whole evening taking just a couple of pictures, but throwing on all the special effects like sepia toned and motion blur, etc. If you do that post-camera, then you still have the original picture from the camera. (grin) Reminded me of navel gazing, sitting there going through all the menus. I want to just take the picture and get on with it. (evil grin)

Alas, I am very out of date with any kind of recommendation for photography books to recommend. But libraries are wonderful places with excellent people on hand to help!

Dr. Phil