Which is better for point and shoot, Nikon or Canon?

Particularly, I'm looking at Canon PowerShot SX260 HS 12.1MP Digital Camera with 20x Optical Zoom and Nikon S8200 16.1MP Digital Camera with 14x Optical Zoom. The Nikon is cheaper (by $30), and it has a better MP; Canon has more zoom capabilities. I'm not sure if zoom or mp is better when choosing a point and shoot, or which brand is better for this type of camera. What I want to do with the camera is take pictures when traveling (mainly) in addition to pictures of people.

MP has nothing to do with image quality.consider zoom. And more important go for CMOS sensor intead of CCD. CCD is old technology. CMOS are better.

Both Canon and Nikon produce the best cameras in the world. Choice is completely yours. You like Pepsi or Coke?

Canon is better in the point and shoot market. Sony, Panasonic and Fuji also edge out Nikon in point and shoots. Any advantages of two "top dogs" Canon and Nikon only apply to DSLRs and SLRs. Don't let the brand names fool you here. Electronics companies like Sony and Panasonic have been kicking but in the point and shoot camera market for years.

I think the Canon PowerShot SX260 is the clear winner of the 2:

http://www.amazon.com/...0075SUK14/

Advantages of the Canon SX260 HS over Nikon COOLPIX S8200:

1.Has a GPS Yes vs No
2.Much more zoom 20x vs 14x
3.Supports 24p Yes vs No
4.Records high-speed movies 240 fps vs None
5Longer exposures 15s vs 4s

Read this review by a user about the overall performance of the camera:

http://www.amazon.com/...55KNJMQKH/

Nikon COOLPIX S8200 if you want to have another look:

http://www.amazon.com/...005IGVXMA/

Consider Canon PowerShot SX260
Zoom - very long for a subcompact camera 20x optical, total 81x combined (yes 81 times!)
Image Stabilizer - Excellent (far superior than the DSC-HX9V); Even at 81x the picture did not come out of focus, but of course not as sharp. I think it's still acceptable
Scenes - A few scenes; I think the portrait, sepia, B/W works real well (the Portrait+ suppose to blur the picture a bit, but it's not to my liking) It has a few effects (fish eye, toy, miniature) that's very effective and can be fun for creative shots.
Auto Mode - was able to pick the correct type of scene almost all the time; it has an easy mode, and smart auto. Not sure why they have an easy mode, but the smart auto works great
Size/Weight - very compact and weigh's 8.2 oz. I would have prefer if the lens was flushed with the unit, but at 20x it may not have been possible
Uniformity - the unit does not feel cheap, and beautifully curved; no sharp jagged corners
Grip - the right side of the camera has a nice plastic strip for easier grip
Controls - Dial extremely easy to use with one hand. The other buttons, if you're a previous Canon user, it's a no brainer; the menu and setup are practically the same across all their models.