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.

Stevie,

I believe this was answered in this question here. The answer was:

"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

Don't get this camera until you've looked up the 'e18' error message. It makes the camera completely useless. Happened to me after only 2 weeks... For a lot of people it happens sooner than that.

I loved this camera until I had it for 6 months. It took wonderful pictures, easy to see display, lovely features for nighttime , beach, etc shots. The battery pack is the problem. I can take fewer than 5 pictures and the battery needs to be changed. The charger says the batttery is ready and the camera just freezes up. I will replace it with a camera that does NOT have a battery pack. For $200, I think 6 months of use is too little.