If you look at the specifications and price, it is easy to see that these two cameras are targeting the same customer.
The only real difference is that the Canon has manual controls such as:
Aperture Priority
Shutter Priority
Program Mode
Manual Mode
The Nikon is strickly a point-and-shoot camera.
If you want to take good photos and not get further involved with the mechanics of photography, then the Nikon is a fine choice.
If you want to take control of the camera on difficult shooting situations, then the Canon is the camera to choose.
Here are reviews on the two cameras:
http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/canon/powershot_a95-review/
http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/nikon/coolpix5900_7900-review/index.shtml
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I need to purchase a new camera and have narrowed the field to Nikon Coolpix 5900 or the Canon Powershot A95. I am most interested in image quality, ease of use, and a larger LCD. Can anyone with expertise help me to decide? I am willing to spend about $300. Thanks.

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