I have just bought the 5Mpix Canon Ixus 50. Outstanding little camera, recently reviewed by Which?
A couple of years ago I bought the Canon Powershot G2 which was then the definitive machine [4Mp] - I think it's up to G6 now, with every feature you can think of.
Also get a big memory card. I recently bought 1Gb cards for both cameras - the G2 will take 880 pics at best resolution; 7500 at worst!
I bought the cameras after asking here for advice - I was directed to
www.steves-digicam.com, who turns out to be the definitive and top camera expert in the world. Known throughout the retail camera world - when I discussed the subject with the Jessop's expert prior to purchase, he immediately identified Steve as such.