I know someone said that they didn't like the coolpix, but I have had a good experience with it. I take it on every backpacking trip...but not waterproof by any means. It can be annoying...the limitations of a point and shoot...but I am always impressed by the photos it produces given that it is a point and shoot. I also love my canon xti. Heavier than the coolpix...haven't taken it on a trip yet...but probably will now that I use it so much. I am renting a macro lens for some test shots I am doing for friends this weekend...and I'm excited about my first foray into the macro world!