I'm shopping for a digital camera for the first time...?

I think I like the Nikon L6 from what I have looked at.

While shopping, it seems like a lot of the Nikon camera's that are similar to Canon are a better price. I've noticed that Canon's seem to be more popular in general. Is there a reason for this?

Also, how good of an option is the anti-shake/shudder/vibration option?

ok, so you say canon is better... but i want to know WHY is canon better?

>> Also, how good of an option is the anti-shake/shudder/vibration option?

Very important, especially if your hands are even slightly shaky.

Nikon is extremely reputable in the digital arena. Canon is tops. This is due to Canon's in-camera image processing. The brand procudes excellent photos, with spectacularly accurate color quality. My one-stop site for all that concerns digital cameras is here:

http://www.dpreview.com/

Either way you go, you'll most likely be happy. Canon & Nikon make great cameras!

While I love the upscale Nikon cameras, I'd suggest you look into the Canon A620. We did a lot of shopping while trying to stay in the under $400 range and this is exactly what we bought for our adult son before he went on a trip to Europe. For that money, you can get the camera and a one gigabyte memory card. The A620 lets you control everything, if you know how, or it takes great shots in several automatic modes. It uses "AA" batteries, too.

The A620 was a Comcast Shopping Top Choice for several months.

Consumer Reports for November 2006 has ranked the Canon Powershot A620 as the best compact digital camera. It is becoming almost a legend for longevity at the top of various consumer lists.

I would certainly agree with the Dr.
Nikon's small digicams just aren't as good as Canon.
Canon is the market leader and that is why they are more popular (or vice versa). Or just because they make some of the best cameras available.
And yes, last year's A620 is a fantastic little camera...also keep a look out for it's successor, the A630 (8MP).
Neither of these cams have 'anti-shake', however the smaller Canon SD models have that (SD 700 IS or 800 IS).

But a copy o Nov 06 Consumer Reports. You'll find lots to choose from including CannonPowerShot A620 but but hasn't got feature of image stabilizer.

I am a Nikon lover but I prefer the Canon Point and Shoot for one reason. They still have an optical view. You can use the LCD display or hold it up to your eye to compose. I find that quicker to use. With Nikon you must use the LCD.

While I have three Nikon DSLRs, I own a Canon SD650 for just carrying around or when I don't want to carry a gadget bag.

Norm