Is the canon SX 1 IS actually the next camera after the S 5 IS? Just thought it was strange as to why it is called SX instead of S?

Thanks!

No problem, if you have any other questions feel free to ask.

I have been eagerly awaiting the US release of this camera. However, I was devastated to learn today, directly from Canon, that Canon has no plans to release this camera in the US. Here is the the text of the email I received from Canon:

"Thank you for your inquiry. We value you as a Canon customer and
appreciate the opportunity to assist you. We are happy to hear that you
are so interested in some of the great new PowerShot cameras that Canon
has recently released.

Canon made the corporate decision not to release this model here in the
United States. Also at this time there are no documented to plans to
release this model in the future. We apologize for any inconvenience
this may cause you at this time.

The PowerShot SX10 IS is virtually the same camera as the PowerShot SX1
IS model. The SX10 IS shares many of the same great features and we
hope that you will find it a suitable alternative to the SX1 IS model.
Please visit us on the web at: www.powershot.com for more information
regarding our cameras."

I photograph wildlife, especially birds, and, the S-series of cameras allow me to capture high quality images almost everywhere without having to haul around heavy telephoto zoom lenses.

There is incredible market potential here in the US with the increasingly larger number of older individuals who spend lots and lots of time outdoors with camera sin hand and who need something that can help them capture wildlife in wonderful detail at reasonable cost and in a product that is relatively light weight and portable. The video features make this camera especially valuable to an older person for capturing important moments with friends and family without having to lug around a separate video camera. In these less than great economic times, a camera that serves double duty for still and video photography is an invaluable tool for people like me.

With which email did you use to contact canon?

If Canon will not sell the SX 1 IS model in the US and I have a friend purchase the camera overseas will there be US compatible issues like for downloads and software issues?

check out dpreview.com they have good advice... the SX10 takes better pictures than the SX1 because of the sensors and chip size, I'm personally gonna go for the SX110 and sell it in a year, once they iron out the problems with the SX1. Unless you absolutely need HD video recording or RAW files (who does?) get the SX10.