What do u think of the Canon Powershot G6 as a first digital camera? Can i get something better for the same price?

For a first digital camera I would go with something less expensive. I recommend the Powershot A95 or the Powershot S1 IS. No need to go all out for your first one.

If you can afford to spend the money on a better camera. I see no reason to sell yourself short. If I had a few thousand to waste, I would purchase a DSLR as my first cam and force myself to learn it (of course I dont). I say purchase whatever you can afford, you'll be wanting something better later anyway (unless you already have the best :-p)

Thankyou for your advice. I think i will go with the noobguy because i dont want to buy another camera for a few years and the Powershot G6 has a 2" LCD display wich is something i want. The other models i was considering was the Olympus C-7000 Zoom and the Casio EXILIM EX-P600 because they are a similar price.Do you think they are as good as the G6?

Have a look here

The reason I would discourge you from the G6 is that for another $100 you could get the Digital Rebel, which it on a whole new level. The Powershot S1 IS is about $200 cheaper than the G6 and offers almost identical features (the S1 actually has a better lens). It seems like Canon just made the G6 to get a few extra $$ out of people who want a "top of the line" digital, but don't know about, or don't want to enter the SLR world.
As far as the Olympus or Casio, I would stick with Canon in almost all cases.

Darryl has placed a good link, the Olympus by numbers alone is slightly superior to the canon G6 (but almost mirror). As far as the Powershot S1 versus the G6. The S1 offers a 10x optical zoom while the G6 offers only 4x, but the G6 is a 7.1 MP camera while the S1 is has only 3.1 MP ccds. Guess it depends on what you feel is most important. If you are big on canon SLR like point and shoot cameras. I would also look at the canon powershot pro1 (also around $700).

i wouldnt recomend the powershot pro 1, i played around with it some, it feels terrible to use, has basicly the same functionality as my old S30 (somethings were better on my S30) and i hate how the viewfinder on it is just another LCD. the delay between what it sees, and what it shows is horrible and focusing and zooming are both brutal. i think i'd look more at the 'G' series if you dont want to get the full DSLR system

Thanks for eveyones help but i feel a bit more confused than i was in the first place.

good to know carl, I've never played with a pro 1, just lookin at the numbers

Many people who hated the Pro1 have said it's a completely different camera after the latest firmware update. Apparently nearly everything is faster, and OVF versus EVF is a personal choice (I prefer the EVF now, it gives you all the info the LCD on the back would).

As for the original question, to many, the G6 is an amazing camera. My question for you, though, is would this be a first camera or a first digital camera? If it's a first camera and you have no experience, I'd say go with something cheaper (perhaps Canon A-series). That way, you can learn photography and what you want in a camera, and if you find you're not as interested as you thought and don't take tons of pictures, you aren't out nearly as much money. If you're already used to a certain camera, look for a digital that's like it, or has the features you wish it had. My biggest piece of advice, though, is to go to a store and try them out in the store. Ergonomics go a long way to how you'll use and how much you'll enjoy the camera.

Basic Rules: If your getting a digital camera, stick with canon; If you NEED a second option then go with Nikon. But none of that Olypmus or Casio junk.

Thanks tbhockey.Canon it is.