Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS

Based upon reviews I finally broke down & purchased a "real" digital camera vs. things I bought at on line auctions that I still can't use...
So, after all that research from Staples retail to on line purchase I was disappointed in this camera. First, if you're over 45 and your close up vision is starting to wane you will need your glasses to read the icons and text on camera.
You will also need a magnifying glass and a lot of time to peruse the instruction booklet which is tiny and every set of instructions refers to another page further in the book which refers you to other pages. It's like reading the telephone book.
I photograph animals and I just don't have time to dash about searching for my glasses etc etc. I also have cuts on my fingers from dry skin and washing constantly, so the teeny buttons were painful to operate. I'm not full of patience and need to get the shot when it happens and for me, this camera was not a good option. I"ve ended up with an older Panasonic DMC-TZ series (#1) which for me, is far superior for ease of use. I got ti for $100 at a Ritz Camera store closing.
It's bigger and bulkier (good - I'll be able to find it) but the screen is huge, the manual is easy to read and follow, and it's easy on the fingers and hands. For $50 less I have a camera I will use.

small if you want small, cute colors if you want cute, lots of icons if you want icons.

it;s so subjective, see above.

mostly 35 mm slr or 35 ml point and shoot

fine

Very easy to use for beginner / casual photographer. It has several features that I do not use, yet, but overall it is very easy to use. So far, I have only messed around with Macro and Nightshot settings. This was a gift, so I am still learning.

I would recommend this camera for all beginner photographers. It has many features, but would limit a more experienced photographer.

Ease of use.
IS
Face recognition.
Available colors of camera. (Mine is very pretty!)

Haven't found any yet!

Powershot S3 IS

Not needed yet.