When it comes down to it many cameras have similar features but Canon and Nikon tend to be on top due to there support and vast years of research and development....Comparing Canon and Nikon is like comparing apples and oranges...it comes down to personal preference and how comfortable u feel. I have been a Canon guy for yrs but right now the Nikon D200 is simply amazing however i wasnt going to spend over 1500 for a body alone. Keep in mind these are SLR cameras. When u actually get into photography a SLR is a must. Digital SLRs have come a long way in recent years. But for the avid ametuer shooter, a mid-high end point and shoot is good enough. Now if you are wondering what is the difference between SLR and P&S its kinda drawn out but basically it comes down to the sensor. Pixels are what capture the image as light signals. More pixels the better detail yes also you can crop more without jeapordizing the quality however the differences between a 8 megapixel and 6 are too minut to tell unless u crop. Anyaways a megapixel is 1 million pixels! yes 1 million so 8 megapixels is 8 million pixels capturing light. THis is where the difference is tho. For example the Nikon D50 has a 6 megapixel sensor. Now you may think there other cameras with more MP for less money but a 6 mp DSLR sensor is 4 times bigger than a 6 MP point and shoot cam's. What is the advantage? well the pixels itself are then bigger, allowing them to capture more contrast and clarity. Less "noise" in low light conditions. Noise is that static like effect from night shots. Bigger pixels also mean you can turn the ISO up to shoot with a faster shutter speeds for less blur. ISO is the sensors sensativity to light. Without jumping into more lingo, DSLRs take better pics if you know how to use them. They also use way less battery and can be left in standby for a long ass time and come to life in a blink of an eye in order to take a quick shot. There is virtually no start up time. However they come with some disadvantages too. For one they are bulky and heavy. Two they dont take video. ANd like someone said earlier, dirt and dust can get in them when changing lens. But if you find a good all around lens and can deal with the other two disadvantages it is definetely worth getting one.

My personal toy is a Canon EOS Digital Rebel 30D (DSLR).......my secondary is a Canon G6 (Point and Shoot)......


Hope this helps...Ill post some pictures later....