I JUST CAN'T DECIDE coolpix 5200 or the Canon S500

[chuckyg]

I have read all the threads, all the pro's and cons.
I cannot find a deciding factor.
PLEASE HELP! :confused:

[WCK]

I was making the same choice and opted for the nikon. I should have gotten the cannon,I also own a G-3.The nikon takes terrible pictures under all but perfect outdoor conditions,at any setting you use. The pics are out of focus, fuzzy and grainy. I am sending the camera back. Maybe it's defective. I chose the nikon for the ED lens, the movie mode, and I liked the style.I should have stuck with the cannon quality and reliability.

[jasonhe]

CNET says that if you're "image quality consious," you should should not go with the Coolpix camera (since it loses lots of detail in red colors). However, the Coolpix's operation is simple and has in-camera redeye prevention, so if you're just starting digital photography the Coolpix would be a better choice.

If you're a little more advanced in digital photography, I'd suggest the Powershot S500. It has more features for customization in special shooting situations.

Actually, I wouldn't recommend the S500 or the Coolpix, since their image quality is not so stellar. Are you looking specifically for an ultracompact, stylish camera? If so, you may want to wait for the Canon Powershot SD300, which has a lot of promise. If you want a "mainstream" camera, one that is compact and will take good pictures and short movie clips, then I'd suggest the Canon Powershot A95, Kodak Easyshare DX7440 or Sony Cybershot DSC-V1.

Please note, none of the cameras I mentioned are ones that I own. All information used for this review was from reviews.

[greybyrd]

First of all, no camera takes a pic any better than the user, which leaves a LOT to be desired! As a former demo person for the Nikon program, I can tell you that Nikon Coolpix cameras take wonderful pics! They are NOT out of focus not underexposed any more than another camera if you allow the camera to expose or use the flash within 10 feet or a split second to focus when the shutter is released.

As far as Canon, most pro photogs prefer Nikon exclusively for the quality of the ED optics, and this alone will give the image a clearer and sharper result. Ask any pro who earns a living... he likely will own many Nikkor lenses and this same ED glass is used in ALL the Coolpix cameras and especially the 5200. I have the Coolpix 5200 and it works as a snapshot (point and shoot) camera when I want, though I can over-ride exposure and adjust EV setting as I see fit. I have never had it not focus correctly even under low lighting.

Because most Canon cameras seem slow and also have noisy images (static or an edgy look to the flat colors in the final image) I have not seriously taken them as contenders that most people who seriously use a camera would employ. However, as with everything, the image is in the eye of the beholder and what one can't see might not even matter to them!

Nikon, unlike Canon, is an optics and camera imaging company and produces its own glass. They don't make copiers or printers and the Nikon name is one of the best. Commercial claims and those who may not be able to afford Nikon make some dislike the product, but that doesn't change the quality and reliability. Check it out again! One defective camera doesn't make them all bad! :-)