Help deciding between the PowerShot 570IS, 590IS, 720IS

[odd]

I've been carefully shopping for a digital camera for a while, have narrowed my choices down to the Canon family (my old film 50mm are all Canons -- I'm fairly loyal) and the 570IS and 720IS specifically. I was trying to decide between the two when I stumbled onto the 590IS.

I like the idea of optical viewfinders, image stabilization, manual and auto controls and the flexibility to add on with lenses and flash attachments in a package that is light enough to carry on my roadbike.
From what I can tell, the only difference between the 570 and 720 is the additional 1MP, zoom distance and $50 in price. The 590 seems to split the difference.

All three seem to fit the bill and are about what I'd like to spend, although with additional memory cards, battery charger etc. the 720 is at the top end of my budget.

And since I've been researching for digital cameras for years (long story) before making my first purchase, I'm getting antsy and don't know if I can wait for the 590IS review to come out.

Does anyone have any strong feelings for or against any of these cameras? Specifically, I'm wondering if it's "worth it" to upgrade to the newer 720 or 590 over the 570 -- if it's worth the extra dollars. I'd appreciate any comments or suggestions you have.

Thanks!

[AndyfromVA]

I prefer my A720 to my wife's A570 due to the extra zoom, but they are both fine cameras and otherwise practically the same.

[Beowulff]

As of this month (Mar 08) the 570 has been superseded by the 590, so I think your decision lies between the 590 and the 720.

We use a 720 and we're more than happy with it, so I guess it almost comes down to value for dollar (as you perceive it). I notice that the 590 has a 'slightly' faster lens than the 720, but nothing to write home about. They have the same LCD and the same sensor.

In fact, I'm not too sure why Canon are releasing a new model, the 590, with specs almost identical to the 720, or is it just a marketing exercise?

Cheers :)