Hi Ann My Wife has a Canon S2 IS....all I can say is, you get allot of camera for your money! I use a Rebel, but S2 always amazes me with the quality of photos it can take! The only drawback I find with these cameras, also Sony, I tried one out, 12 x zoom lens, but have returned it, just because the processing speed is a bit slow, perhaps with the new one it is better? As for batteries, we use Energizer rechargeable 2500 mA H, it takes about 3 hrs. to recharge and you can shoot about 200 to 300 pics on super fine setting. You should have at least two sets [of 4] , my Wife has 3 sets, so you will never run out of power. I find these batteries are more convenient, because it is available anywhere, much cheaper, about 1/3 of the price then my canon Rebel special battery. We heard, S3 IS will be released May 31. Also it has some new futures like sport shooting setting, which is good for moving objects and ISO up to 800 from 400. Here are some sample shots from couple of days ago. Konrad Macro

I would reformat it in the camera. You will lose any pictures on it when you do that, so be sure to have them saved elsewhere.

>>Is that on English Bay, I think that's what it's called....where they shoot of the fireworks for the International Fireworks festival?Yes, you'r right on! One day I took a walk to Stanley Park and took my tele lens with me, in the hopes for some birds to shoot but I was very disappointed, only a couple of American Robbins I spotted under a black berry bush. sea otter at the aquarium ... And Beluga Whale Red Tailed Hawk Totem Poles.. ... Harbour Canada Place .... At the pond Konrad

Search in the Photography forum and you'll get plenty of answers. In the mean time, I'll try to give you my 2 cents worth. Cameras are like cars. There's a maker for each person's individuality. 1st, You'd need to determine what is his level of photography knowledge? In any brand, there's intermediate, medium and professional level cameras. If he's a pro, you may just want to ask him what he'd like. A pro knows what he wants and mostly will not settle with just anything. If he's not, most intermediate and medium level cameras has both features: auto focus and manual focus. They're made for those that want to grow and learn about photography beyond autofocus features. 2nd, Does he owns any previous 35mm camera lens? Would these lens capable to be mounted on the new DSLR body? Such brand as Canon has been a favorite for many because of its interchangeable lens. Meaning, we can invest into the more expensive lens knowing that if we ever upgrade the camera, the old lens would still work with the new camera body as well. I have a few that I owned from the mid 80's and still work very well with the new DSLR. 3rd, The camera body and weight must feel comfortable in one's hand. It makes a different with the result of a photo. If all possible, take him to a camera store and let him play around, ask questions and make a choice of the Digital SLR (DSLR). Then, go online and purchase from one of the reputable online store. Normally, their prices are less expensive. Watch out for import (gray market) vs. US warranty cameras (price varies). Personally, I've always owned Canon. I had several Canon 35mm cameras and had since upgraded to digital: from the Canon Rebel XT to currently the Canon 40D (had it for a little over a month). As mentioned, I have a few lens from the 35mm cameras that works well with both DSLRs. I've upgraded to the Canon 40D because it has some image stabilizer built into the camera. Although, Canon also makes some lens with Image Stabilizer (IS). The lens kit of the Canon 40D camera comes with a 28-135mm lens that has the IS feature (mainly in the US). I don't plan to upgrade the camera body for a long while. I'm quite satisfied with the Canon 40D. Instead, I'm investing on better lens. And, that's what I'd recommend for you to do. If money is not an object, buy a medium price range camera but invest the rest on a good lens with low aperture capability such as f/2.8 or less. Good lens give the flexibility to take crispy clear photos in low light situation. I strongly recommend to read reviews from the 2 websites that Susan posted above. They also has forums in categories of camera brands. You may find some useful information from the users. Good Luck! Natalie