Hello,

I am interested in purchasing a digital camera within a budget of $350. I want something that is going to take great pictures and won’t get outdated too quick. While I am not an aspiring photographer and will mostly be using the camera to take pictures cars, people, for travel and just having a solid camera for all around use. I am also however interested in taking some artistic type photos of nature and such. I don’t really think I need any advanced features as I will probably never use them, but as I get more experienced I may desire to use some of the more slightly advanced features. I having been looking at cameras for under $350 and I have heard good things about Canon and Nikon cameras. So I found a model from each that is just under my budget ($320 for the Canon, $330 for the Nikon). I am pretty sure that I will be purchasing one of these two cameras so firstly I was looking on some advice as to which you think is better? The Canon seems to have received more favorable reviews on both of the sites below; it also seems to have a few more features over the Nikon (flip out lcd, manual focus and exposure) along with being able to hold more photos as it comes with a 32mb card (which I will probably upgrade anyway). The Nikon does have recharable batteries however, but the Canon seems to be rated as having excellent battery life and I could always buy a battery charger. Secondly although I think that I will end up with one of these two cameras as they both got good ratings, seem like a good deal and seem to fit my needs, I am also open to other suggestions within my budget. Since I am new to the world of digital cameras I do not know too much about them so I greatly appreciate any advice on which camera I should purchase as I want to get the best deal for my money, thanks.


Crutchfield Comparison Chart of the Canon A-95 and Nikon 5200

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-bYGv4u39aOW/cgi-bin/ProdComp.asp?g=11310&c=8&s=0&cc=01&pt2=0&ITM280PSA95=on&ITM054CP5200=on&x=37&y=4

Canon A-95 Reviews

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canona95/

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/A95/A95A.HTM

Nikon 5200 Reviews

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikoncp5200/

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/CP5200/CP52A.HTM

Looks like you've done your homework well. Those review sites seem reliable. There are other similar review sites you can check too if you want to spend the time. The most important comparison to make is to actually hold the cameras and take some pics in the modes you usually use and see if the controls you normally use are handy for you. No one but you can decide that.