Opinions and Suggestions PLEASE! Nikon CoolPix P80 OR Cannon PowerShotSX110is...

[Moeluv4u7]

Okay, I am looking for a good but inexpensive PnS camera- I need to replace my easyshare anyway, so with our up & coming trip, this is the best time...

Nikon CoolPix P80 OR Canon PowerShot (many models peak my interest and very hard to set on one specific-

Which would be my better choice as a non-photographer-

I want good sharp pictures- a camera with great optical zoom as well as good stabilization, the shutter speed is somewhat important to me as well since I'd also like to get some good low light shots for the firework, around the resort at night, etc and action shots since I will be keeping this camera for quite awhile and my kids are all in sports of some sort... the ISO on the Nikon is reported as great until you use 3200 & 6400 and then it is at 3x optical only and any crops can be quite grainy (noisy)?-
I understand the Nikon CoolPix P80 also has a video mode and although I was planning to buy a seperate camcorder, I could possibly use that for now and be somewhat satisfied even though I also understand that in video mode on the Nikon, the zoom is not operable.
I have heard different things on cameras with video ability not being a wise purchase but the reviews I've read of the actual camera capabilities on the Nikon P80 sound great!
On the Canon PowerShot- SX110is - I also like the reviews and the price tag!- the design of all the cameras seem to suit me although the Nikon looks to have an easier grip w/o my fingers being in the way during shots...

I also considered the A590is but, only has 4x optical and that is really much lower than I am looking for but the pricetag is very enticing-

Of the two main cameras I have mentioned which would you recommend and why? Thx so much!

 

[Frantasmic]

Based on the limited reviews I looked at, I'd go with the Canon in this instance. The Nikon doesn't get good ratings at ISO above 200 and many of the picture opportunities you mention might need more than 200. Any P n S camera isn't going to do exceptional in the ISO's above 800, but if reviewers complain about a camera above 200, then it's really only a daylight camera.

I have the Canon S5, which also was chided by the experts for not having better, higher ISO performance. But, I think it's replacement is better above 400 ISO.

 

[Moeluv4u7]

Well, I am still deciding but I am almost absolutely set on the Canon SX10is...
This is me bumping my budget up from what I kept saying earlier- a previous post where I mentioned staying below $200... Well, we all know that the SX10is is well above $200- and even if I go with the lesser SX110is - again I am above $200-
I figure after looking at all the features I do want and understanding my hesitation to buy from the internet, I am going to have to raise my budget to get quality. I am now leaning hard to the Canon SX10is because it will enable me to grow more with the camera and I do like the ability to get a closer zoom w/o giving up on quality- As far as the megapixels, not so important, but I want a good bridge camera w/o the price- I think it will be most value for my money- I was wondering if the Sx110is and the $100 higher price tag on the SX10is weighed strongly enough to justify it- I am looking again at a few comparisons- What is the average life of the batteries while shooting? One thing I really am not liking is the AA battery type or even recharge ones- I believe the Lithium ion are better although more expensive- I am so torn!

Found today that the P80 has already been replaced at most retail stores w/ the P90 ($399) and that the Nikon L100 (not impressed) is also out already even though the reviews I read spoke of April being the release time- Really done looking at Nikon at this point- Just wondering what would I be missing if anything?
Thx again

 

[blackjackdelta]

I would go for the Canon of the two you mentioned. P80 has a number of faults. I would look at the SX10IS or the SX1IS which will be out shortly. These exceed the $200 limit. With superzooms, they get expensive. P80 vs SX110IS two different classes of camera's.
Go to www.dpreview.com and read about both if you have not already.

Jack

 

[Moeluv4u7]

Thx BlackJack,
I have- I have been on dpreview every night for 3 weeks including many other websites! I am not an internet shopper so I am desperately seeking a local store with a great price on the SX10is- I have finally made up my mind- LOL Now, I'd like to find it less than $300- at least- I will cave if I can't- I could kick myself though that 2 weeks ago when I was still looking at either the Bridge- P80 or the PnS SX110is that Best Buy had sent me a % off reward coupon and $30- in rewards- I used on a new computer power cord for my sons laptop... (I got him the top of the line powercord with 11 different adaptors for any computer- in hopes if I ever need formine i can comandeer it- LOL)
I should have got him the cheaper one just for his Toshiba and used my reawrds for me- LOL I guess it all goes in the same bucket... saving from one pocket to add to the other- either way - I wish I had my mind made up then- I could have saved 20% on any camera and that would have given me the SX10is at $64- off regular price (would have been less than $300 at that point)
I am still searching- I may order from Dell- We'll see-

 

[My2Girls66]

I don't know if this interests you but I got an e-mail from Abes of Maine this a.m. Canon SX110is for $199.99. 2 of my friends have that camera and both love it. Another friend has the 590is- it is a nice camera, too(no megazoom tho)

 

[blackjackdelta]

Could look at the SD880, but do not have the clue of the price.

Jack

 

[Moeluv4u7]

Susan,
I am definitely interested! Is this an online site? I am going to google it- Is it an e-mail specifc offer for current/past customers? Or could I get in on that deal?

Thx again!