Both good cameras. I am considering the same ones you are and the Olympus 3040. Based on what you say about your interest in photography, I'd go for the less expensive camera (Nikon) until you really need more advanced features. Really, though, both cameras are on the high end of intermediate ... right below Digital SLRs...

So Gary. I am also having a hard time between the Nikon 995 and the G2 and wonder if you have decided on one and why. I think they are probably both great. I want good closeups and everyone raves about the 995 which is the main reason I am leaning towards that one...

My father and I are both looking at the G2 and the 995. Other than the megapixel difference, we're having a hard time deciding between the two. One side of me is leaning towards the 995 because Nikon always seems to have the best optics, but without personally playing with both, it's difficult to really tell which is better. Has anyone used both and have an opinion? I'm basically looking to get a camera to get back into photography. I did a lot in Highschool and College but as I got older, I didn't have the time/money to spend in a darkroom. I'm looking for something that has the ability to take color/bw pics to be printed 8x10 or perhaps a little larger.

So basically, which has the best image quality and which has to best manual capability?..

I have the 995 and when I was looking for a camera, that had the most bang for the buck. It can print up to 8x10 with no distortion plus the 4x optical zoom is very nice. Besides the price, the things that made the decision for me was the different attachments you can get with this camera, plus the fact that it has a wide range of shutter speeds (1/2000 to 1min) The quality of pictures has been awesome, and I've been satisfied with the quality of low-light shots...

Does the G2 have panorama function like the ixus series? if there is, get the canon.

I'm rite now using my 995 and i'm not pretty pleased w/ the autofocus in dark and the shutter lag.... the outdoor pics and the manula focus works fine though.......but if yer looking for nice macro, go for the nikon, but for night shot, I believe the g2 has better noice reduction ability (unless yer looking for the iso800)..

I almost bought a 995 because it's everything I wanted in 990.

And more, especially the rare 4x zoom in this range of digicam.

Then I read about it's barrel problem, and some pix with street.

Light poles and buildings show that it really has pretty bad.

Barrel problem. Too bad. Such a wonderful digicam! Nikon improves.

Upon many features but misses an important one. Now I'm looking at G2 and others. Probably will wait for G2's.

Price to drop further...

The 'barrel' problem is not a big deal...and some barrel or pincushon distortion exists in virtually every zoom lens...

Well, I work at a digital imaging shop in North Carolina, I use the nikon 995 a lot. it's such a great camera. we take them out sometimes for sample shots and when using everything maually, even low-light sources produce great shots. I love it's macro capabilites too, better than sony I think. I honestly haven't messed with the g2 much. that's my next project though. -zach..

I've been using CP995 for about 2months. previously I was using Canon EOS100 with TAMRON28-200.

This is my first venture in digital photography I must say that I personally enjoy the CP995 so much.

That I 'll ignore whatever reported camera deficiency. The Nikon is a great camera whether you use it as.

Point & shoot or full manual...