Help purchasing a digital camera for my fiancee

[NHLNied27]

I would like to purchase a digital camera as a bridal gift for my fiancee. I have reviewed the Which Camera is right for me sticky. Here is what I am looking for:

1. The camera would be used for sports, recreation, family and vacations, so I would rather it be slim with a large screen.

2. Although I do not plan on using the camera to print 16 x 24, I would like 5 x 7 photos to look sharp and colorful.

3. As far as price, my budget is around $500

4. I would like to have the highest pixel and zoom that $500 can afford.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. You can reply to this thread or email me at NHLNied27@aol.com. Thank you very much.

[Rocket_Scientist]

Any of the Canon PowerShot cameras (with Image Stabilization) will do nicely for a 5x7 print, or even larger, but, in general, the bigger the zoom the bigger the camera. You might consider these...

Canon A720 IS
Canon G9
Canon SX100 IS
Canon S5 IS

[NHLNied27]

Any of the Canon PowerShot cameras (with Image Stabilization) will do nicely for a 5x7 print, or even larger, but, in general, the bigger the zoom the bigger the camera. You might consider these...

Canon A720 IS
Canon G9
Canon SX100 IS
Canon S5 IS

Thank you very much for your help. Why do you prefer Canon over other brands? Out of the links that you sent me, do you prefer one of them over another?

[Rocket_Scientist]

Why do you prefer Canon over other brands?

...guess 'cause it's what I have...

I had an Olympus years ago, but it used SmartMedia cards, which I dislike. I much prefer SD cards over the others you'll find used by Point & Shoots. I also like one that uses standard battery sizes.

Of the links I gave you, the S5 IS is closest to what I use (the S3 IS), but I have heard lots of good reports on the G9. The SX 100 is rather new, so I don't know much more than what you read. It and the A720 are smaller footprint cameras, though not exactly a fit-in-the-pocket.