http://www.nikonchat.com/canon-coolpix-600/
I need someone experienced with digital cameras to help me narrow down my choices..?
I’m not a professional – only 14 – but I have a serious passion for graphic design, and so therefore want a camera with excellent image quality as to make them easier to work with in Photoshop. Great macro shots and night shots would be nice, but in particular, I want something you can recommend with your full confidence.
But it can’t be too pricey either – I don’t think I’ll be able to spend more than 500-600, though one of the cameras I’ve narrowed it down to is in the 800′s.
So if you have any personal experience with the following cameras, and any advice as to what’s best for ME, I would really appreciate it. 
nikon coolpix p3
canon powershot g7
nikon d80
canon powershot a640
which one?
In the real world, I think you are looking at the A640. The D80 with a good lens is simply out of your price range. Do not get the P3 without considering that it does not have an optical viewfinder. Also, the default settings are somewhat soft and this may not be best for graphic applications. You CAN sharpen them in the menu system of the camera or using Photoshop, etc. If you are still interest in the Nikon, consider a P4, which is about $50 cheaper because it does not have the WiFi connection, unless your computer and/or printer are suitably equipped. Otherwise, they are identical.
In the review of the G7, the conclusion states, ” Interestingly the output from the G7 and it’s far less pricey stable mate, the A640, is pretty much identical (in fact if anything the A640 actually manages a fractionally higher resolution).” The G7 and A640 go down to 1 cm for macro, also.
Since the G7 sells for $550-600 and the A640 sells for $400 or less, the choice is clear. Besides, you will need another $50-60 for a good 1 GB memory card, which would put the G7 out of your budget. The G7 (and P3/P4) DO have image stabilization, but for serious graphic work, you will be using a tripod anyhow and won’t need that feature.
Go here and look at the green links for “Our in-depth review” and read the user comments. I only included the A620 so you can read the review and comments. This is pretty much the same camera as the A640, except for the obvious improvement in pixel count.
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=canon_a640%2Ccanon_g7%2Cnikon_cpp3%2Ccanon_a620&show=all
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