for more advanced users, If you want to shoot in RAW, but dont want to carry a DSLR around, check out the CHDK firmware that's compatible with some of the Canon Powershots.

It works with the A710 IS (which is a good size, takes AAs)

that firmware is more like a program that the camera runs off the SD card, but lets you shoot in RAW, play Reversi, turn the LCD into a flashlight, and have a battery meter among other things. I really dont know how much benefit RAW will have with a compact digital

The A710 IS is a good camera to start anyway, with image stabilization, it's great for low light, it's got 6x zoom, which is pretty good, equivalent to 210mm in 35mm film terms.

I would recommend it over the A570 IS because of the extra zoom and the freedom to upgrade it for free.

(this software will work with the A640 as well, but the Image Stabilization of the A710 is a huge plus.