Bought a Canon Powershot A20 yesterday... sent you an email with details I learned primarily by letting my entire family buy one first (for more $$) and then complain, "Gee I wish I had known..." and "I wish I had gotten...."

I bought:
The Canon mentioned above (Walmart - $400) with
CF card (mini film disk is included)
Optical Zoom
2.1 MG Imaging sensor (choice is basically around 1.3 which is fine for most things) or 1.5+ for advanced capabilites

Invested in Digital film reader for reasons mentioned in my email to you (extra $60)

Rechargeable batteries/ charger (ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY I hear) @ $15.00

Have fun and GOOD LUCK!!