Nikon COOLPIX P60
Online Retail Price: $229.95

The 8.1-megapixel Nikon Coolpix P60 features an f/3.6-4.5, 36-180mm (35mm equivalent) optically stabilized 5x zoom lens, and a 153,000-dot, 2.5-inch LCD. The camera also includes a 201,000-dot, 0.2-inch electronic viewfinder. Notable features include face-detection, redeye correction, Nikon’s D-Lighting function for opening up shadow areas, and the company’s Best Shot Selector, which takes a series of shots and saves the sharpest one. Also included are Nikon’s standard 14 scene modes in addition to plain automatic shooting as well as a Panorama assist mode. The P60 offers a top light-sensitivity setting of ISO 2000. The camera, which runs on a pair of AA batteries, can capture 30fps VGA video with sound. Designed for more advanced photographers, the camera offers a manual exposure mode, a histogram display and Nikon’s Optimize Image menu for selecting color and monochrome filter effects.

Designed for intuitive operation, it has an easy-to-hold grip providing stability and a solid shooting touch in a comfortable, compact body size. Framing a photograph is simple, using either the Nikon P60’s wide viewing angle 2.5-inch LCD screen, or the electronic viewfinder with included information display. The camera’s easy to use mode dial makes it simple for users to switch between manual and auto modes. In Programmed auto mode, it automatically selects shutter speed and aperture for optimal exposure, while the Manual mode lets users select both shutter speed and aperture for greater control over results. The camera includes 15 scene modes optimised for pre-defined situations including Portrait, Landscape, Night Portrait, Sports, Party/Indoor, Close Up, Museum and even Fireworks Show. The Nikon Coolpix P60 also has the capacity for movie recording with sound at 640 x 480 pixels at 30fps. Images are recorded on a removable SD memory card or in the 22MB internal memory.

Image sensor shift VR (Vibration Reduction) image stabilization compensates for camera shake or movement by unsteady subjects to realize yet sharper results. And extended light sensitivity up to ISO 2000 further helps prevent blurred shots in lower light, or when capturing fast-moving subjects. The COOLPIX P60 also offers Programmed Auto [P] and Manual [M] exposure modes, enabling the user to enjoy shooting in a variety of styles. A functional body design with a defined grip for secure finger placement allows for intuitive operation including the use of the Mode dial. Compositional versatility, even in bright sunlight, is achieved thanks to its electronic viewfinder and a 2.5-inch LCD monitor.

Key Features:
5x Optical Zoom-NIKKOR Glass Lens
8.1 Megapixels
Incredible, Bright 2.7-inch High Resolution LCD and Optical Viewfinder
Electronic Viewfinder
Program and Manual Exposure Modes
Auto Adjusts up to ISO 2000

Nikon In-Camera Innovations:
In-Camera Red-Eye Fix(TM)–automatically fixes most instances of red-eye in the camera. You may never see red-eye again! Face-Priority AF–Nikon’s face-finding technology that automatically focuses on faces. D-Lighting–rescues dark or backlit images by improving brightness and detail where needed.

Nikon COOLPIX P50
Online Retail Price: $229.95

The Nikon Coolpix Performance Series was designed with camera lovers in mind. The Nikon P50 camera is available both in basic black with a classic camera ‘look’ and in a silver finish. Features that make this a classic camera are the optical viewfinder, stable grip and a functional body design. The Nikon Coolpix P50 camera offers High-Sensitivity mode up to 2000 ISO, which automatically selects the optimal light sensitivity setting to further prevent blurred shots when shooting in lower light, or when capturing fast-moving subjects. The Nikon Coolpix P50 features a 3.6x Zoom-NIKKOR lens with 28mm wide-angle capability that covers a range from panoramic landscapes to close-up portraits.

Combining 8.1 effective megapixels of resolution and a new digital image-processing engine for outstanding imaging performance, the COOLPIX P50 also features a 3.6x Zoom-NIKKOR lens with 28mm wide-angle capability that ably covers a range from panoramic landscapes to close-up portraits.Electronic VR (Vibration Reduction) image stabilisation compensates for camera shake or movement by unsteady subjects to achieve sharper results. Extended light sensitivity up to ISO 2000 further helps prevent blurred shots when shooting in lower light, or when capturing fast-moving subjects.

While the option of manual exposure sets the P50 apart from many other compact cameras, in most other respects it is little different from any other 8MP compact, and in fact in some respects it is rather inferior. Available in either silver or black, the body is made of plastic, and feels a little flimsy in places. The top panel especially flexes and creaks when squeezed. However at least the battery/card hatch has a latch, so it’s not likely to fall open. The shape of the body is very square and functional, with a large rubberised handgrip and textured thumbgrip area on the back. It is physically quite large for a compact camera, measuring approximately 94.5 x 66 x 44 mm, and the relatively small 2.4-inch monitor and uncluttered control layout means that it is an easy camera to hold comfortably. It’s also a bit heavy at 210g including alkaline batteries, and its bulk means that it will take up a lot of room in your pocket.

Key Features:8.1 Megapixels
3.6x Optical Wide-Angle Zoom
Incredible, Bright 2.4-inch High Resolution LCD and Optical Viewfinder
Optical Viewfinder
Program and Manual Exposure Modes
Auto Adjusts up to ISO 2000

Nikon In-Camera Innovations:
In-camera Red-Eye Fix™ automatically fixes most instances of red-eye in the camera. You may never see red eyes again.
Face-Priority AF Nikon’s face-finding technology that automatically focuses on faces.
D-Lighting rescues dark or backlit picture by improving brightness and detail where needed.