Canon 1100 IS or Nikon C600?

I have been looking at the Canon 1100 IS and the Nikon Cool Pix C600. I want this for snapshots with friends and for landscape photography. I have noticed that in lower light conditions (like hiking under the trees) that pictures don't usually turn out as well with a digital camera. I want something easy to take along - which both are. Both have optical image stabilization (not electronic). The Nikon offers higher megapixels and ISO. The Canon has received better reviews and ratings, and has an optical viewfinder. I have seen pictures taken with both and the skin tone seems much more realistic with the Canon, but the Nikon is better at high ISO.

Stephanie,

I am a big fan of Canon point and shoots over Nikons (I've used a couple different cameras from both companies). While the higher ISO is a huge help in lower lit shots, it will cause some graininess in your photos. This can be partially corrected with image software on your computer though, so I don't see it as that big of a deal. I really think you need to choose which is more important to you though: the crisper shots or the better low light performance.

One way to battle the low light is forcing the flash on with either camera. The on-camera flash unit is going to be effective to about 15 ft and could help brighten your subjects up while hiking on the trails. It could be a way for you to go with the Canon SD1100 IS and still get better shots in low light situations. Good luck and happy shooting.

Andrew