how does the nkion s600 and canon sd850 compare in terms of performanc and picture quality

These camera's are both very good cameras and very similar cameras. Both will give you excellent picture quality and performance (both have features like image stabilization). You should be able to buy the S600 for around $235 and the sd850 for around $215, so the pricing is pretty close too. Both Nikon and Canon get great reviews on all their cameras, but Canon's seem to get better reviews in general, so that is what I would go with.

The S600 has a few advantages over the SD850, and is a newer model.

It has better low light performance with a max ISO of 3200, vs 1600 for the Canon.

It has more megapixels, but that doesn't really matter one iota. I shoot at 7 or less regardless of the capabilities.

The Nikon also has a wider angle lens, so it's more useful for group portraits and scenic shots, but not as good for intimate close ups, which cameras in this category are not intended for.

Canon has been the top dog in this category for a long time. This is the newest model from Nikon, and they've been working very hard to unseat the Powershots. I think this model has done a pretty good job.

The only thing I really prefer about the Canon is the whole look and feel/ruggedness aspect. People and other reviews tell me the Nikon is more solidly built, but i'm just not feeling it. It's lighter weight than the Canon which is a mixed bag; easier to carry, harder to hold steady.

On the whole, unless you see a fantastic deal on the Canon, I'd buy the Nikon. And I'd suggest that you look to see if there's a local dealer that you could support with your business; check Nikon's web site store locator with your zip code.

Hi James,

Did you experiment/compare regarding shooting speed performance ?
Other reviews that I read about Nikon s600 is that its boot time is quite fast but shooting speed is not good, shutter lag is high.

Shyam,
You're quite correct. I found shooting speed to be pretty frustrating. In the end I realized that a camera with the features I want no longer quite exists so I returned the Coolpix and am waiting for Canon to produce a camera that matches its high features while beating its shooting speed.

Were I to make the decision again today, I'd go for the Canon 870is. It has the wide angle zoom, good enough high iso (1600) for most uses, and a reasonable shooting speed.