Which canon to buy?

[nanllyn]

I had one of the first Rebels as well as the Canon SD780 and I'm looking for something in between. I am not a professional but I do take photos of weddings and parties, etc for some friends and family. I sometimes take photos for portraits for friends and family as well. I also love to take landscape photos as well as city night scenes. I was considering the new Rebel T1i but not sure I really need a DSLR and would love to not have to spend that much.
I think I would like something a little more portable but yet better than just the point and shoot of the SD760. I am very impressed with the G11. Then I saw the reviews on the SX1 IS and heard it was pretty good but don't like the fact it uses AA batteries. I just find that I only take my rebel (which isn't working right now) out maybe 3-4 times a year and use the SD760 more often. But I can't take the weddings and such with the SD780. I even saw the SD980 IS but not sure that is any better for what I want than the SD760 I have.
So with knowing what I'm using it for, in your opinion, which one would you choose?
Even though I made the comment of not wanting to spend so much for the G11, I would if that is the best fit for what I'm looking for.
Thanks for your help and opinions.
Nancy

[David Metsky]

If you are going to shoot in full auto mode the G11 isn't going to take significantly better shots than your SD780. The real draw of a camera like the G11 is using the manual modes and creating better images. I'd probably go with the S90 right now if I was looking for an improvement over your SD780 in roughly the same sized package, but again you'll notice the biggest improvement if you use manual controls.

AA shouldn't really be a blocker for cameras. With the new low discharge NiMH batteries there are few downsides except the need for another charger, but you'll need one for any new camera you buy. The SX1 is a fairly big camera, not something you can throw in a purse or coat pocket with mean you may end up using it as much as you use your Rebel.

Any reason you restricted yourself to Canons?

[nanllyn]

Well I've always used Canon and I have a Canon camcorder and two Canon printers (pluse the SD780). I thought it would be just as easy to buy another Canon so they could use the same software and sometimes the same battery and memory.
I'm not totally against another brand but I will not buy one that has proprietary media, such as Sony. I don't think I need to buy more flash memory. I have CF cards(Rebels) and lots of SD and microSD cards of various GB sizes.
With that in mind suggest away. There may be a better camera out there for me.
I do read all the professional/website reviews but I prefer to read reviews from personal experiences and/or people that have personal knowledge of the camera.
Thanks for your time.
Nancy

[speaklightly]

Nancy-

I really like my Canon G-11 a whole lot. You see, I had gone down the DSLR route and has begun to rebel at all of the equipment that one has to carry. Instead, today I carry the G-11 and a very small, compact Canon EX-270 external flash.

That independence alone, has supercharged my interest and creativity quotient in photography once more, and it is once again fun. Yes, you do have to make some compromises, you have to be willing to zoom with your feet, and I don't object to that at all. In fact, I feel that getting close up has help my photography.

I agree with David, to get all that the G-11 has to offer, you have to be willing to try and make good use of all the many options the G-11 has to offer a user. Your idea is very correct. You may have to adjust your photo technique a bit, but in response you will receive huge dividends.

Have a great day.

Sarah Joyce