SD790IS vs the new SD880IS

I've been thinking of buying the SD790IS but recently I noticed a simliar camera SD880is came out. I was wondering what the real difference is between the two? Here's some of the things I want: 3" LCD, 9+ MP, anti-blur, ultra compact, point and shoot. I had a canon camera prior and really like canon's picture quality- so I'd like to stick with a Canon.

I would guard against falling into the "more megapixels is better" trap, NC. It really isn't. In fact, if a camera manufacturer doesn't increase the size of that CCD while stuffing it with more and more MP, the chip ends up being LESS sensitive to light, not more. And that invites more noise to the digital party. Then there's that 3" LCD, which will eat up more battery power and give you only marginally more detail in reviewing pictures. In fact, by sacrificing the viewfinder, most large LCD cameras have trouble showing the images in bright ambient light. Not to mention that more MP without larger lenses causes diffraction and clarity issues in the image as well.

Frankly, I htink you're better off with the SD1100IS. Cheaper, too.

I think the SD1100 is also a good option, but the SD880 is probably the camera to go with if you're looking for a slightly better camera. The whole more megapixel argument is all well and fine when you're comparing two cameras with the same sensor and processor, but the SD880 has a newer sensor and processor, using Digic 4 instead of Digic 3. Also the SD880 has the wide angle lens, which makes it a good choice.

That may be, but any advantage that newer processor has is undone by the stuffing of yet more MP in it. It's great it has a new processor, but stuffing a new processor will also mean less sensitivity to light. Were it equal in MP, you may see a difference. And the processor arguement doesn't even begin to address the issue that the larger MP, the larger the lens it needs to provide the clarity it deserves and prevent diffraction due to a loss of detail with smaller apertures. And since we’re talking portable point and shoots here, those large lenses simply aren’t being made. Not in this model, anyway.

What about the SD790? I really want to have a 3" LCD, so I'm not sure I want the SD1100IS. However, since the SD880 came out, the SD790 price dropped to close to $200, which i think is a good deal. Between SD790 and SD880, is it worth almost $100 to buy the newer one?

Frankly, I don't think so. You're essentially paying $100 for an additional 1x optical. I doubt you'd even know the difference on most shots.

I asked the SD880 vs. SD790 question on c'net's website. The responder seemed to agree that there's little difference for my shooting purposes (4x6 prints and good on PC screen, pics of kids indoors and outdoors). But he also suggested I look at the A590 IS. Assuming I don't mind the camera being a bit bigger, does anyone have an opinion as to how it compares with the other two quality of picture wise. The recommender pointed out that the A590 offers a better zoom (plus for me but not more important than pic quality) and more control over the settings (again, maybe a plus down the line, but I'm mildly knowledgeable about ISOs, etc now).