I consider myself a very experienced and competent semi-professional photographer and currently own and use both film and digital equipment, including a high-spec Canon 50D dslr outfit and complete medium format outfit, both of which are extremely bulky and heavy. However, I also carry and use a tiny Canon Ixus 500 pocket digicam which, despite its 5.1 megapixel sensor, can still deliver exceptionally good A4-size prints when required. I bought the new Powershot A3300IS to ultimately replace my 6-year-old Ixus 500, principally because it has a really advanced modern specification with a screen that is four times larger. Having put the A3300IS through its paces, I can confidently assert that it is a remarkable piece of kit and can readily produce excellent A4-size prints with ease.
It has a solid, all-metal body, which appears both handsome and durable. My sole gripe is with Canon's meanness by not supplying even a basic SDHC card, so don't forget to order one from Amazon with the camera, so that you can get shooting straight away.