here is the down and dirty looking at 2 cameras I think would be decent for a average photographer. any thoughts on the Canon powershot S5 vs the sony cybershot H9. I can snag one of each for a pretty similiar price. the big thing I liked for the Canon is the SD card capability
other then that they seem really identical to me.

The Sony is a better camera, IMO. Although the Canon is definitely a good buy. You won't be disappointed with either. Personally, memory card isn't a big deal to me (since I don't swap cards between cameras), so long as it doesn't use some crappy memory card.

Reasons: The lens is better on the sony, more zoom, better wide and more aperture range. The Sony also goes into higher ISO.

Memory Stick blows goats.
I'm lucky my Sony DSLR takes CF

CF cards FTW. Suckers are bricks, and can last through ANYTHING. I had one that got washed 2 times, and still worked.

A DSLR that doesn't take CF should just be put in a blender.

I'd go with the sony. It has better resolution and zoom capabilities. The images stabilization is a plus too. I've always liked canon myself, but between the two, the sony seems the better deal.

Kinda like my Canon 20D and canon SD1000. They both use SD cards fine.

I have an old Sony DSCS50 (and I mean OLLLLD) and it takes better pictures then most newer higher res point and shoots. Why...the lens. The Zeiss lens is really fantastic. For a weak 2.1 that I use right now....its brilliant, but its a brick.

DSLR is a totally different animal though.

I'd get the Sony if I were you.

thanks for all the advice I am hoping to get one after the first of the year hopefully there will be new pics of the regal then

20D is Compact Flash

The newer Nikon DSLR'* use SD, I have no problem with that, they're quite fast. Memory stick on the other hand, is slow AND expensive media...