If you compare the specifications - the Casio blows the doors off the Nikon.
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=casio_exz750%2Cnikon_cps1&show=all
I have not seen any sample photos from the Nikon.
I have seen Casio 750 photos and they are excellent.
Key specifications that favor the Casio Z750:
7 megapixels as opposed to 5 for Nikon
Manual Focus
Aperture priority
Shutter priority
Manual Mode
.....................................
Regarding digital zoom......
Do not use digital zoom as it degrades the photo.
.....................................
Optical zoom lets you get closer to the subject without any degradation of the photo.
.................................
Optical zoom - good
Digital zoom - bad
...
..
.
Which is better and why? any opinions? I am having a really hard time deciding between the two of them. How important is the digital and optical zooms?
Casio
8x digital
38mm-114mm optical
Nikon
4x digital
35mm-105mm
Thanks for your help

Chowhound
Comic Vine
GameFAQs
GameSpot
Giant Bomb
TechRepublic