Hi - I'm looking to buy a digital camera for my daughter who's a photography student. She wants a compact with full manual control.
I've narrowed it down to either the canon Powershot A610 or the A540. The 540 is a bit cheaper plus slightly smaller. Both seem similar - the 540 hasgood reviews but the 610 has very good reviews particularly for image quality..

Is there really anything to choose between these 2 Canons or should I just go with the slightly cheaper slightly smaller 540?

Of course if there are any cameras I'm missing in a similar price bracket , reasonably compact and with full manual control I'd appreciate a nudge in the right direction.

Many thanks
Bryn

I would get the A540. The A610 is last year's model, while the A540 is newer. The selling point of the A610 is the LCD screen that swivel out. Personally, I'd get the A540.

If you wanna do more research, be sure to checkout Steve's Best list:
http://www.steves-digicams.com/best_cameras.html

And general review:
http://www.steves-digicams.com/hardware_reviews.html

Thanks for your input Rey..
I think we'll go with the 540.

I would go for the A610. I think the bigger screen takes more batt. power. I also haven't heard as much good things about the A540. The A610 (in my opinion) is better because it has more manual modes, uses 4 AAs, and it has a larger lens (don't know if it changes anything).