ctot216,
My new camera is a Canon PowerShot SD700 IS, my old one is a Canon PowerShot S45. I like some things about the S45 better than the SD700, but I wanted the Image stabilization that comes with the SD700 IS. I think the auto-focus in Auto mode works faster on the S45, for one thing, and as I said I'm not such a hotshot photographer -- even when I've practiced in manual mode I have trouble remembering what to change the setting to in order to get the shot I want. But, I'm going to try harder to learn this one. It does have better sensitivity in the dark (if I don't leave it in autofocus), it's 6 megapixels vs 4 mp for the S45, and it's a bit faster between shots. Plus it's lighter and not as bulky. The good shots are really good, so I just need to work harder to improve the marginal shots and not rely so much on the autofocus except in more controlled conditions. I was able to get some decent shots (like of the parades) just holding the camera over my head and clicking away -- something I never could have done with the S45! I can't say I have any tips, except the one I keep forgetting -- just keep clicking away. I'm forever forgetting to take pictures, kind of a hold-over from the days of film when I might ration a dozen rolls or less over a week. Now I can snap hundreds of shots a day and download them to my laptop at night. But that conservatism with the camera is a hard habit to get over. You've got LOTS of time to experiment before you go, though (try practicing on local parades this summer, they probably move about the same speed in all parades). Have fun!
Tim
