I have the F717 too and it's probably still the best 5.0mp fixed lense camera you can buy. It performs great in pretty much any light condition due to it's super fast aperture of F2.0. However, it's kinda big and can sometimes be awkward. It's not a bad deal considering the shots it'll take. However, it is two years old.
I figure since you're into RCs, you'll want a good video mode. The F717 takes 320x240 videos at 16 frames/sec. Sony's newer cameras take videos at 640x480 at 30 frames/sec. The difference is pretty big.
My buddy just got Sony's new
W1. It just came out and it's pretty sweet. The first thing I noticed with his was how fast it was. When you turn it on, the lense extends fast and the autofocus is super fast. I was impressed with how fast all the operations were. The W1 has the good video mode I mentioned above, but a downside is that you can't zoom in and out once the video is recording like you can with the F717. Even though it doesn't have all the higher-end manual settings like aperture priority or shutter priority, it does have a full manual mode. It's a great point and shoot camera.
So in conclusion, I will suggest the W1 because it's new, super fast, has a HUGE LCD at 2.5 inches, compact, easy to use and it takes great pics for only $400. That would leave you $100-$200, enough for a good size Memory Stick. You will want at least a 256mb, and those cost about $90 now. The 512mb would be really cool. Memory Sticks are getting cheaper and the 512mb one is about $180. It's just a good, go anywhere, inexpensive 5.0mp camera.
I will ask him for a couple of high resolution shots to post as examples.