Is it better to get a SONY digital camera or CANON? What are the differences in cost, picture quality etc.?

Canon probably wins in the 'better' stakes. Their compact cameras have better features. However, Sony make some good models too.
Both brands feature a very good movie mode .
Canon...SD models are very compact, have a high res. LCD, but minimal manual controls.
Canon A630 or A640...both have full manual control (aperture & shutter priority).
Sony W series...W30, W50, W70, W100
(my pick would be W100)...only because it has a minimum shutter of 30 secs. The others only have 1 sec. And the Canons have 15 sec which is usually more than enough.
The W series cameras are all a little let down by a low res. LCD and absolutely no aperture & shutter priority. Fast camera performance is a positive point, though.
If full manual control is not a necessity...then I would recommend the very compact Canon SD600 or SD700 IS (which has image stabilisation). Or A630 or A640 if you want aperture & shutter priority.
Sony W100...if you want a point and shoot camera with the ability to take a long exposure (30 secs v 15 sec).

SONY
Its different
I have used and felt it.

its very difficult to say which one is better. because sony as well as canon are excellent brands. but nikon is unbeatable.

Instead of comparing on the whole, its better to compare with respect to specific feature.

For example you want 6 M Pix resolution camera, go the company website and find for the models which are of 6 m pix resolution and then compare the features of the models. That way it will be easy for you to chose among the best. You will get even the price details in the website i hope.

Good Luck!

Try these links
"http://www.canon-asia.com/index.jsp?f...


"http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTER...


"http://nikonimaging.com/global/produc...

Go to rating organnizaion such as Consumer Reports or Website
dpreview.com Just because a camera has 6 Megapixels doesn't always mean an excellent enlargement of say an 8X10. dpreview.com downed the image quality of a 6MP camera Olympus FE-170 I own a Sony and think it's great, but Canon also makes excellent cameras.

SONY... definitely... it is the best.
i ve a canon and a sony. Bside tat, i compared few brand with sony, such as olympus, panasonic. As a result sony still the most outstanding 1.

Go for it..!! Grab a Sony 2day,,..~~
Currently i am using Sony T30..

You did not tell us which line you are looking at. Sony point and shoots are probably okay, although I'd still favor Canon. The Sony DSLR is a bad choice, in my opinion, if you are considering a comparable Canon like the Rebel XTi or better.

Sony

Cost wise Canon is cheaper in India and Dubai. Sony is some what costlier. But reception and qualitywise I feel Sony is best.