Nikon Coolpix 775 or Nikon Coolpix 2500

I have decided to purchase a basic 2 megapixel digital camera; as explained
before, film 35mm SLRs (Nikon N65 & N80) are my main-stay but processing
costs are adding up. Therefore, I see the need to use a digital for
"everyday" snapshots which wouldn't be much improved (at least with ME as
the "photographer" anyway) with higher-grade cameras like the SLRs--in order
to save on film-processing costs. I'd still use the SLRs for more critical
work and "adventurous" shots like star trails, sunsets, scenics, shots of
lightning, etc.

Anyway, I earlier posted on the merits of the Kodak DX3600 (which I THINK
has been discontinued) vs the Nikon Coolpix 2500. The latter attracts me
because it's a Nikon (notice my 35mm SLRs are as well) and because you can
get it for $150 after rebate, brand-new and everything. Both cameras from
what I've read give better-than-average results for 2 megapixel models.

Well now another choice has emerged. The Nikon Coolpix 775. I THINK that
model has been discontinued, but of course you can get one on eBay.

I've been reading the reviews at Digital Photography review (775:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikoncp775/ 2500:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikoncp2500/). From what I can see I think I
may like the 775 more. Its different exposure modes--which to me seem like
the way you'd trick the camera to sort of using the aperture/shutter
combination you want it to (eg, the portrait forces a wide-open aperture,
landscape a smaller aperture)--seem easier to access to me. You do it with a
simple rotary knob. With the 2500, you use the "scene" button and (I
imagine) the 4-way toggle switch to select it. Not as convenient it would
seem to me. Yes the 2500 has 12 of them vs 7, but the 2 I mentioned may well
be all I need anyway.

Moreover, the 775 has the handgrip whereas the 2500 is completely flat,
basically. Then, lastly and maybe the biggest of all, the 775 has a
conventional viewfinder. Some have stated that they found the 2500 really
difficult to use in sunny light due to their only being an LCD to use for
framing.

Your thoughts?

LRH