what are some of the actual differences between the two?? it seems to me they are all quite similair. i am looking for a camera that fits the budget and allows me to learn the tricks with photography (different control, setting, exposure...all that jazz =) )

thx guys.:)

The 590 IS is actually a newer, more advanced camera. The 720 IS has one advantage: more zoom(6x vs 4x). I would get the 590.

with $40 more to get 6X optical zoom. I will get A720IS :) You may see camparison here (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fgp%2Fcompar ison%3Fie%3DUTF8%26ASIN.1%3DB0011ZCDKS%26ASIN.2%3D B000V1VG2E%26bf%3D0&tag=photography%5Freview-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325).

I have the A720 IS as my pocket camera for when I am on the bike. I am quite impressed with the picture quality. I used to have the A520, and this is such an improvement over that camera.

The A570is has face detection and optical image stabilization and can be purchased for 149 dollars. Save money to buy a 4gb memory card for the movie mode.

Artbob

Hi there. I had closely looked at these two camera's specifications and found out some minor differences.
A720 IS has some more Optical zoom 6x than A590 IS 4x
A720 IS has some more flash modes i.e. FE lock, Safety FE etc.
A720 has more playback time of videos as it consume less power.

In My suggestion A720IS camera is better

The A590IS and the A720IS are both great cameras for the price. I chose the A590IS because I was able to get it on sale at $50 less than the A720IS. I also didn't mind the smaller zoom range, and that it records at only 20fps (640x480 resolution) in video mode.

My review of the A590IS can be seen here (http://www.photographyreview.com/cat/cameras/digital-cameras/8-10-megapixel/canon/PRD_412086_6446crx.aspx).

lu4 - I love you! I just read your review and left a comment on it. I wish all reviews posted in our user reviews were that detailed and useful. Thank you very much for writing the review and for posting the link here. You're a dream community member! :)