How does Sony digital cameras compare to Nikon, FuijiFilm and Canon cameras? (Only compare compact P&S)?

Compare in terms of image quality
Noise at high ISOs
Lens quality
Purple Fringing

Well in my opinion Nikon is the absolute best. Everyone out there is trying to copy Nikon. I personally have Olympus and have for years but if I buy new it will be Nikon. Sony is a good brand but they do not specialize in cameras like Nikon does. You may get higher ISo speads with sony which if you are wanting to take pictures at sports games or moving objects then you want the higher ISO. It is all really a matter of what you like. They are all about the same in quality when you ge tto the smaller cameras. The bigger ones no way are they the same and I would def. go Olympus, Nikon or canon. Good Luck

very good

Likely they are very similar.
Sony makes most of the CCD's for most of the manufacturer's digital cameras. Canon is the only company I know of that makes their own (perhaps Samsung also, not really sure). So the noise at high ISO's are probably exactly the same (if I had to bet on it).

Optics-wise Sony often incorporates other optic manufacturer's products. Currently there is talk that Tamron is to soon (if isn't already) producing optics for Sony digital cameras. Other than than, Sony is likely using Nikon optics, but that is just speculation on my part.

All of them make a good Product. I have more than 20 years experience in Camera Retail, and I can tell you that SONY probably has the worst warranty & service.... so if you have a problem and did not invest in an extended warranty at the time of purchase....dont expect them to bail you out. Even with an extended warranty, dealing with sony is like cutting down a redwood tree with a pocketknife. Good Product, bad warranty & service.

While Canon and Nikon are still the two top leaders right now in digital photography sales....Fuji does have some impressive products, and their digital cameras use a different technology that is worth mentioning, they certainly are worth checking out.

I think that no matter what you go with (Canon, Fuji, or Nikon) you should be happy, they all offer you an inital one year warranty (Parts and Labor) so go with your instincts, and pick the one that calls out to you. Maybe you will like one more than the others just because of the way it looks, or the way it fits in your hand.
I recommend going into a CAMERA STORE in your area and getting the 411 from the guys who specialize in this field.
And remember, you dont need more than 4MP if your never going to make enlargements bigger than 8x10, so the more megapixels is not always better. Good Luck in your decision.

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Canons are by far the most expensive. Sony has nice designs but my dad's one broke from going from cold to hot climate. I bought a pentax water proof and dust proof one and its amazing it was 300 buck along with 50 bucks for the memory card.