My digital camera is almost dead, and I want to get a new one to tide me over until I can afford a decent SLR rig. So far I've narrowed it down to between the Nikon Coolpix P1 and the Canon PowerShot A620. I mostly want to be able to carry it around for whenever those photo opportunities arise, and I'd like for it to perform well in situations like action shots at the skatepark or pics of a band in a dark club.

I have pros and cons for both cameras, and while I'm leaning towards the Canon, my mind still isn't made up. If the photographers on the board have any suggestions as to which is better I'd appreciate hearing them.

I love my Pentax SLR - maybe you should just save your money and get an SLR sooner.

here is a good site for reviews: Steve's Digicams

The thing is, I want both. An SLR is too big to carry around in my courier bag, so I was going to keep my small point-and-shoot, but it's in rough shape so it needs to be replaced.

Maybe upgrade to a nice cameraphone?

I hear what you're saying - it is just that since I got my SLR any picture I take with my old digital I end up wishing I'd had my REAL camera instead.

They have 8 MP camera phones?

I don't think so... I'd be more worried about picture quality and camera speed than megapixels, though.

Yeah, I know. Those two I mentioned have relatively high megapixels, but they also have excellent image quality. I understand what you say about SLR. It can't be beat, but it's nice to have a compact camera available whenever you need it.

I only paid $760 for my Pentax SLR with an 18-55mm lens, and later another $220 for a 28-80 and 70-300 lens set...

that coolpixp1 is $600 by itself.

{edit:} I guess that is MSR price.

I don't know why they list the price so high. I can get it for less than $500 CDN.

I love my Cannon Rebel, but I rarely use it anymore because it costs so much to develop film. (I'll shoot a roll just to get the 2 or 3 pictures that I will actually be willing to show someone)

Digicams are the way to go for point and shoot, and now that they have digital slr's, I'm thinking that film will be obsolete soon for everyone but the professionals.

The Cannon coolpix looks like the way to go imho, and you can get it under 400

just got a Canon Powershot SD450, which Im thrilled with so far!

I looked at the SD450. It's a great camera, but I can get the A620 for the same price so I'd rather get it.

Thanks for the advice, you guys.

http://www.dpreview.com/

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canona620/

My advice - I have similar camera, and wish I had got a smaller one, something that can fit in the pocket.

Ive been too busy to read to eh book.. how do i get to record video? i know you set the switch to the middle position, but then what?

With the way that digicam technology has progressed to this point, can you really go wrong with either selection?

When you mention SLR do you mean digital SLR or traditional?

Sony DSC-H1 - big bang for the buck. I'm considering this to replace my slowly-dying Nikon Coolpix 995.

That is something I've considered. I almost bought a Canon SD30 on a whim because it's so tiny.

Thanks for the link. I hadn't checked the reviews on dpreview yet.



Probably not. The main gripe I have with the Nikon is it uses a proprietary battery that won't last as long as some cheaper NiMH AA's will in the Canon, but it has slightly better picture quality, especially in macro mode. Tough choice.



Digital. People still use film?

If you're looking at high-speed shots - skating and whatnot - you better handle these cameras. I have a Canon Powershot something-or-rather, and while it's nice, there is significant lag time for focusing. Really irritating when trying to capture action.

My wife has a Nikon D70, a digital SLR, and it is super badass. I know the prices are starting to drop on these. While it's larger, the quality and performance are spectacular.

only if you know what you are doing

seriously though, digital still cant do much for black and white.. besides I like to get my hands dirty...

I have a Coolpix 4300, 4megapixel model from about 2 years ago. For a point-n-shooter, I like it. My other is an early-80's Minolta x370 slr. There's no question that the slr is nicer, but the convenience of the digital is soooo nice.

Mostly I'd recommend that Nikon, with just one caveat: the focus time is slowish. But since I dicovered the half-way trick on the button, I can get it to snap at a reasonably quick response time, so it's bearable. Plus I can hold it half-way and then "drag" that meter setting to another shot, which scratches a lot of control itches I have with automatic cameras. It's reliable, functional, and reasonably priced.