in buying a P&S digicam, used or bnew?

There are some very good new cameras that are reasonably priced such as those made by Sony, Panasonic, Nikon and Canon. They have the newest features such as Intelligent Auto Mode (handy if you're a point and shooter only), and backlit CMOS sensors which do relatively well in low light for cameras with small sensors. One of the main advantages of a new camera is that you typically get a one year warranty.

Some fine cameras, a year or two old, can still be bought new so you'll also get the advantage of a full warranty.

Unless you know who you're buying from, and can try a camera before plunking down your money, getting a used camera can be risky. A better option might be to buy a refurbished camera directly from a manufacturer. Refurbished cameras are used (often barely used cameras) that others return within the return period. They are usually have a warranty of at least 90 days. Make sure it's "factory refurbished.:

try a canon factory refurbished

I have 5 of them

try buydig.com

that is where I buy mine