In reply to mary:
Agree that the G10/G11 had this problem quite badly - but have been using a G16 for two years now very intensively (for work as well as play) and no problems at all so I think they've finally fixed this.
The G16 is still prone to occasional sticking lens cover blades (a common problem in many compacts of this type) but you can usually get them to unstick with a bit of judicious prodding about between the blades with paper or thin card.
Overall, a top camera and one of my favourites for image quality, handling, toughness, relaibility and out-of-the-camera images (default jpeg colours are generally very pleasing to most folks). The 'star settings' in the G16 are also remarkably good and, although you can get similar results from many cameras, you normally have to fiddle about in software afterwards image stacking etc and also bodge an intervalometer. In the G16 it does it all remarkably simply and efficiently in-camera - a little marvel!
They may not be the absolute cheapest, but I've found DigitalRev to be very good - they're quick and efficient and they even have an email query service that responds to you - sometime immediately! Pretty good for a Hong Kong-based operation.
http://www.digitalrev.com/product/canon-powershot-g16-digital-camera/MTEwMj...
Cheers,
Col
