I really like the Nikon's. I have a Coolpix 4300. Its really good comapred to the cameras my friends have. Plus this one, you can just plug it in the USB port, push one button on the camera and the computer does the rest for you! Nikon's run a lil higher than others, but i think it was worth the investment. It has all and mreo than the features i need. Lots of pre-set modes for types of pictures like night, firework, portrait, indoor, landscape, sunset, beach, museam, snow ,ect. Plus an automatic mode for quick snapshots and a manual mode for someone who really understands a camera - i dont! Nikon suppsoedly makes their own lenses and sells some to otehr companies. They say they are the best but im not sure exactly. My dad's graphic's artist reccomend a Nikon to us, so we bought the 4300, i have been more than pleased with it. I would defintely recommend at least a 3 megapixel no matter what camera you purchase. If you do get a Nikon, I know you will be pelased.