Kodak EasyShare M853 ($150 , 8.2MP) - The Best UI
The Good: The UI is clean and straightforward. On-screen menus explain the different options very clearly. The color in outdoor, well-lit settings was very accurate. Macro shots were clear.
The Bad: For such a great UI, I was surprised at the mediocrity of certain features. The most problematic issue I found was the M853 wouldn't mount to my Mac. Neither iPhoto nor Image Capture recognized it as a USB mass-storage device. The display is too small to get a decent field of vision. There are few options for taking manual shots, and the buttons used for these limited options aren't labeled. The M853 had the worst battery life of any camera I tried. Low light/no flash situations yielded poor pictures.
The Verdict: A beginner will be taking pictures right away, but it's not worth the frustration that comes later.

Nikon CoolPix L18 ($140 , 8MP) - The Easiest to Use
The Good: The CoolPix is so simple that it pretty much has two modes: Auto and Easy Auto. No pure manual mode exists, but there are some scene options available if you need something more specific. Outdoor pictures as well as close up macro shots looked good. Most of all, I really loved the 3" LCD display—larger than any other I tested.
The Bad: It may be too simple for people who like to tinker with their shots. You can adjust exposure and ISO, but the options don't help very much and you may not have as much control over your pictures as you'd like. Low light shots came out very blurry. I am not fans of AA batteries in cameras, and this one takes two.
The Verdict: This camera is a no-brainer for those with no-brains. It's pretty much the digital equivalent of a disposable camera—decent pictures for a decent price.

Canon PowerShot A580 ($150 , 8MP) - The No-Frills Camera
The Good: This camera takes pictures and it takes them well. Outdoor pictures came out bright and colorful, and turned out best when we were able to get a clear shot of the subject without background distractions. Manual options are comprehensive and show changes live, allowing you to see your alterations. The A580 took the clearest pictures of any of the cameras in dim light/flash free situations.
The Bad: It's bulky and unattractive. Pictures taken from a distance were out of focus and came out bad. The UI is cumbersome. Indoor, well-lit, no flash macro shots did not come out well (though maybe that's asking too much). It too runs on AAs, which I have avoided buying since 2002.
The Verdict: If you want the best pictures you can get in this price range, the A580 is a good choice. If you want to win the $150-and-under point-and-shoot beauty contest, you better keep shopping.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S750 ($150 , 7.2MP) - The Fiddler's Delight
The Good: Pictures on the S750 turned out bright and crisp. Outdoor shots looked good, and so did indoor macro shots. Plenty of manual options put you in control of the pictures you take.
The Bad: It helps to have some experience with digital cameras if you want to get the most out of the Cyber-shot. The auto mode is fine, but the manual options are the stars of the show. The scene modes are few and located on the camera dial itself, not a menu, adding some awkwardness. Low light shots were blurry. It uses Sony's proprietary Memory Stick, and not SD, a big no-no in my book.
The Verdict: The Cyber-shot is a very complete camera, it takes good pictures in different situations, has many options as well as a solid UI. I think it's worth learning all of the features on the camera; after all, this will be an investment, and it could improve my photo-taking skills.

GE A735 ($100, 7MP) - The Cheapest
The Good: The A735 is seriously cheap—$40 to $50 less than the rest—and holds its own when it comes to features. Manual mode is full of options. Bright light pictures had rich, deep colors.
The Bad: Most pictures didn't come out well and were very dark. Indoor and low-light situations were blurry and unfocused. The UI is a mess, way too many options and not easy to figure out. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I don't want no stinking AA batteries!
The Verdict: If you're super-broke, wait until you save up some more and get something nicer than this. It will take pictures, but you won't be happy with most of them.

The Final Word: Point-and-shoots in this price range will never be masterful at taking great pictures. However, if you don't have the money or desire to make the DSLR investment, or even spring for the next step up, you don't have to be stuck with junky pictures or a junky camera. There are different things I liked about each one I tested, especially the screen on the Nikon and the picture quality of the Canon. But for the best all around package, I'd spend my hard-earned $150 on the Cyber-shot DSC-S750.

NIKON INTRODUCES THE NEW COOLPIX S52 and S52c, STYLISH CAMERAS DESIGNED TO OPTIMIZE YOUR PICTURE TAKING AND SHARING EXPERIENCE

New Style Series Cameras Boast Stunning Design and Innovative Sharing Technologies

MELVILLE, NY (April 10, 2008) - Nikon Inc. is pleased to introduce the new COOLPIX S52 and S52c to its Style Series of digital cameras. These cameras combine Nikon's stunning wave-surface camera body with advanced features designed to produce incredible pictures with ease. With 9.0 effective megapixels, a 3x, 38-114mm Zoom-NIKKOR lens, Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Image Stabilization and manual sensitivity settings as high as ISO 3200, the COOLPIX S52 and S52c are for consumers looking for a stunning camera that takes equally stunning photos.

"We are pleased to introduce the COOLPIX S52 and the S52c to our Style Series line of compact cameras, as they combine an elegant camera design with advanced imaging capabilities," says Bill Giordano, General Manager, Marketing, COOLPIX for Nikon Inc. "With the versatile COOLPIX S52 and its Wi-Fi enabled counterpart, the S52c, users will have the opportunity to take incredible pictures with exceptional detail and sharpness."

The COOLPIX S52 and S52c feature Optical VR Image Stabilization technology, which compensates for camera shake as well as ISO capabilities up to 3200, which provide more opportunities to capture fast moving subjects and greater flexibility and clarity when shooting in low-light settings. These cameras also boast an AUTO ISO control, which automatically selects the optimal sensitivity across a range between ISO 100 and ISO 800, and up to ISO 2000 in High-Sensitivity mode.

Providing even more control and freedom in photo taking, the S52 and S52c come with a 3x Zoom-NIKKOR lens designed to capture brilliant detail and vivid colors in every photo and a huge 3.0-inch high-resolution LCD screen allowing easy sharing and viewing of images. Also, these new cameras are built on Nikon's innovative EXPEED digital image processing system designed to enhance noise reduction and improve the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio.

Like all cameras in the COOLPIX line, the S52 and S52c include Nikon's unique image innovations including enhanced Face-priority AF, which automatically finds and focuses on up to five faces within the frame; In-Camera Red-Eye Fix, which can automatically detect and correct red eye in a photo; and D-Lighting, which compensates for excessive backlight or insufficient flash in images.

The Wi-Fi enabled S52c can send images directly via email through its Wi-Fi connection, as well as support my Picturetown, Nikon's photo sharing and storage service. Through my Picturetown, users can email pictures directly to friends and family, publish pictures to the photo community sharing Website Flickr®, and link their photos to blogs and social networking sites. Pictures can also be sent to the email addresses of a Blackberry® device for viewing.

The S52 and S52c both feature the Pictmotion function which will allow users to combine their favorite movies and photos and create in-camera slide shows with music including songs uploaded from iTunes.

The COOLPIX S52 and S52c come packaged with Nikon's exclusive COOLPIX Software Suite for organizing, editing and sharing photos. The S52 and S52c are SDHC compatible and utilize Nikon's ultra-compact EN-EL8 rechargeable Li-ion battery. The S52 will be available in Crimson Red and Midnight Black. The S52c will be available in Vibrant Black.

The COOLPIX S52 and S52c will be available nationwide in May 2008. The S52 has an MSRP** of $249.95, and the S52c has an MSRP** of $279.95. For more information about these and other COOLPIX cameras, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

** Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price.Actual prices are determined by Nikon Authorized dealers and are subject to change at any time.

NIKON "ZOOMS" IN ON PERFORMANCE WITH THE NEW COOLPIX P80, AN 18X ZOOM COMPACT CAMERA

MELVILLE, NY (April 10, 2008) - Nikon Inc. is pleased to announce the COOLPIX P80, a high-performance compact camera built to satisfy the needs of camera enthusiasts and family photographers alike. The P80 harmoniously integrates a 10.1 megapixel CCD image sensor with Nikon's innovative EXPEED digital image processing concept and an 18x optical Zoom-NIKKOR lens designed with the compact and comfortable styling of the Nikon COOLPIX brand.

"The COOLPIX P80 addresses a need from consumers for an ultra-zoom compact camera that offers unrivaled Nikon performance and clarity," said Bill Giordano, General Manager Marketing, COOLPIX for Nikon Inc. "Nikon is proud to continue delivering the highest quality imaging products for photo enthusiasts and aspiring photographers with a broad range of creative control options and superior imaging ability."

Packing the power of 10.1 megapixels, the P80 captures fine detail with the creative freedom to crop and edit. The P80 features Nikon's legendary NIKKOR optics, ensuring quality images even while at a distance to subjects. The P80's 18x Zoom-NIKKOR lens covers focal lengths from 27-486mm (35mm format equivalent). To ensure steady shots while utilizing the camera's versatile zoom capabilities, the COOLPIX P80 is equipped with Optical Vibration Reduction (VR).

In line with other COOLPIX P-Series cameras, the P80 includes intuitive controls via dedicated command and mode dials, providing easy access to shooting controls and exposure mode settings. The P80 offers Programmed Auto [P], Shutter-priority Auto [S], Aperture-priority Auto [A] and Manual [M] modes granting users the ability to tap into the creativity of D-SLR functions while maintaining the simplicity of COOLPIX functionality. What's more, the P80 has the benefit of an all-new Sport Continuous Mode, allowing users to shoot as many as 30 consecutive pictures at four, six, or a quick 13 frames per second.¹

Capturing photos in lower light conditions is no problem for the P80. With a light sensitivity range up to ISO 6400², users can now create new opportunities to capture more natural-looking photos with minimal light, or fast moving subjects with unparalleled clarity.

Composing and reviewing photos is an enjoyable experience on the large, 2.7-inch LCD monitor with anti-reflection coating, wide viewing angle and 230,000 dots of high resolution. An eye level electronic viewfinder is available for quick easy viewing in challenging lighting conditions.

The P80 also offers quick access to a selection of 15 different scene-optimized and movie modes including the ability to shoot pictures in both black and white and color simultaneously. The new graphical user interface has an enhanced pop-up design allowing for more precise menu navigation and interaction.

Nikon has incorporated its user-friendly Imaging Innovations into the P80, designed to make the photo-taking process easier and more intuitive. These technologies, referred to as "Nikon In-Camera Innovations" include In-Camera Red-Eye FixTM, D-Lighting, and Face Priority AF. In-Camera Red-Eye FixTM automatically detects and corrects red eye, a common condition that occurs in flash photography. In playback mode, D-Lighting compensates for excessive back-light or insufficient flash in images. Nikon's enhanced Face-Priority AF automatically finds and focuses on one person's face or up to 12 people's faces within one frame. Face-Priority AF provides faster and sharper focus to produce clear, crisp portraits wherever the subjects are positioned in the frame.

The COOLPIX P80 comes packaged with Nikon's COOLPIX Software Suite for organizing, editing and sharing photos. It also has PictBridge support and is compatible with SD/SDHC cards. The COOLPIX P80 will be available nationwide beginning April 2008 and has an MSRP of $399.95*. For more information about the P80 and other COOLPIX cameras, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

** Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price.Actual prices are determined by Nikon Authorized dealers and are subject to change at any time.
¹At 3MP and smaller resolution.
²At 5MP or smaller resolution

• CoolPix S210 - Thinner than its predecessors at 18mm thick, with 8MP and electronic vibration reduction, the S210 comes in plum, graphite black, blue, and brushed bronze. The key here is compactness of body and of price: $180.

• CoolPix S520 - Step up from the S210, this slightly larger camera reads similar in specs, but with optical image stabilization rather than the electronic kind. You'll pay extra for better pictures; included in the $230 camera's intelligent scene modes is a high-ISO mode one optimized for food. (Yours or someone elses—totally your call.)

• CoolPix S550 - A sidestep to the S520, this one also costs $230 and comes in plum, blue and graphite black, but has 10 megapixels instead of 8 and no optical image stablilizer. It does have two cool tricks, however. Smile recognition (already seen in cameras from Sony and others) means it snaps when your subject smiles. The more unusual blink warning system automatically suggests you retake shots where someone's eyes are closed. Pretty crazy stuff—definitely our favorite in the lineup.

• CoolPix S600 - This is the high-end performer, a 10 megapixel with 4x wide-angle zoom lens and optical image stabilizer (aka "vibration reduction") that'll cost you $300. It comes in slate black, has the fastest start-up time of any camera in its class (says Nikon) and has an Active Child Mode for getting the fast moving kids. (Yes, grammar sticklers, it probably should be "Active-Child Mode" but nobody asked us, now did they?)

Overall, it's a fine lot of cameras, but I'm not quite taken by the color choices. While I can dig the black and especially that brushed bronze, I do not think I'll ever be down with the plum. No sir. See for yourself in the gallery below. [Nikon]

NIKON'S NEW COOLPIX S-SERIES ARE AS STUNNING AS THE PICTURES THEY TAKE

Nikon is pleased to introduce the new COOLPIX S210, S520, S550 and S600 to its Style Series line of compact digital cameras. The super thin, just 18mm, (less than 3/4-inch) COOLPIX S210 offers 8 effective megapixel resolution, a 3x Zoom-NIKKOR glass lens, Electronic Vibration Reduction (VR) Image Stabilization technology, and a quality-crafted aluminum body. The S210's slim, elegant camera design comes in an array of color options such as plum, graphite black, cool blue, and brushed bronze, delivering high performance and ease-of-operation.

The slim, ergonomic COOLPIX S520 boasts a streamlined profile, 8 effective megapixels, a 3x Zoom-NIKKOR lens, Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Image Stabilization, and a quality-crafted aluminum body. Style-conscious consumers will love the S520's design, in addition to the latest Nikon technologies that make this camera compact, easy to use, and capable of capturing breath-taking images. Additionally, the S520 adds the "Food Mode" to its existing scene modes. Food Mode allows for users to capture beautiful close-up images of food at high ISO settings in restaurants or other locations where flash photography is not permitted.

The COOLPIX S550 elegantly packs high performance and advanced functions into an ultra-compact body. The S550 boasts 10 effective megapixels of sharp resolution, a 5x Zoom-NIKKOR lens, and Electronic Vibration Reduction (VR) Image Stabilization and two new modes that enhance portrait photography: Smile Mode, which automatically triggers the shutter when the subject smiles, as well as Blink Warning, which displays a warning message when the subject has blinked. The COOLPIX S550 will be available in an array of new colors - plum, cool blue and graphite black - allowing consumers to not only express themselves with their photos, but with their cameras as well.

A standout in the slim-compact camera category, the COOLPIX S600 features an astonishingly fast start-up time, advanced functions, outstanding photographic performance and a slim and stylish body. Boasting 10 effective megapixels, a 4x wide-angle 28-112mm Zoom-NIKKOR lens, Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Image Stabilization and the fastest start-up time for any camera in its class, the COOLPIX S600 is perfect for consumers who want stunning photos and an equally stunning camera. The COOLPIX S600's all-metal body will be available in ultra-cool Slate Black. For capturing action shots or fast moving kids, the COOLPIX S600 adds an Active Child Mode to the 14 existing scene modes that are standard in COOLPIX cameras.

The new COOLPIX S-Series cameras will be available nationwide beginning March 2008. The S210 will retail for 179.95**, the COOLPIX S520 and S550 will retail for $229.95**, and the S600 will retail for $299.95**.

** Estimated selling price listed is only an estimate. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

NIKON'S NEW P-SERIES CAMERAS BLEND TOP-LEVEL PEFORMANCE WITH DURABLE CAMERA DESIGN

COOLPIX P5100 and P50 Digital Cameras Are Ideal Companions For Photo Enthusiasts

MELVILLE, NY (August 30, 2007) - Nikon introduced today two new additions to its COOLPIX Performance Series of digital cameras: the COOLPIX P5100 and the COOLPIX P50. Both cameras offer versatility, advanced functions, upgraded features, great picture quality, and ease of use. Additionally, the P5100 and the P50 incorporate Nikon's new EXPEEDTM advanced image processing system and high sensitivity capabilities that will help create incredible pictures in nearly any setting.

"The COOLPIX P5100 and the COOLPIX P50 were designed for the passionate photographer who enjoys advanced camera performance and outstanding picture quality," says Bill Giordano, General Manager Marketing, COOLPIX for Nikon Inc. "The P5100 and the P50 are the ideal partners for photography enthusiasts who are looking for a compact camera, with a broad range of creative control options, to use alongside their Nikon D-SLR camera."

The COOLPIX P5100
Designed for the consumers looking for more creative control in a compact camera, the 12.1 megapixel COOLPIX P5100 has the ability to capture every last detail, while also providing creative freedom to crop and edit. It features a 3.5x optical Zoom-Nikkor lens, Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) image stabilization, as well as an optimized image menu for producing high-quality images that look stunning in any size.

The P5100 offers program, shutter, aperture and manual exposure modes that allow photographers increased creative control over their photos. Adding to the camera's versatility is its compatibility with add-on system components, such as Nikon's telephoto and wide angle lens converters.

The COOLPIX P5100 features a quality-crafted body that feels immediately familiar in the hand. Made of solid magnesium alloy, the body features a quality finish, a comfortable grip covered in grid-pattern rubber, as well as an optical viewfinder to aid composition in any light condition. The built-in accessory shoe adds support for Nikon Speedlights and advanced i-TTL flash control.

To ensure sharp and steady images, this camera boasts an anti-shake mode that combines the benefits of Optical VR image stabilization and Nikon's exclusive Best Shot Selector, (BSS) that snaps multiple frames and automatically selects the best one. The P5100 has an optical viewfinder and an incredibly bright, high resolution 2.5-inch LCD monitor. The P5100 is powered by a Li-ion rechargeable battery.

The COOLPIX P50
The COOLPIX P50 combines classic design with contemporary performance. Engineered for the photo enthusiast, the P50 delivers easy handling and comfortable ergonomics. The P50 features an 8.1 effective megapixel resolution, a 3.6x wide-angle Zoom-Nikkor lens, and a large 2.4-inch LCD monitor. The P50 boasts an optical viewfinder and Electronic Vibration Reduction to compensate for camera shake at slow shutter speeds. Program and manual exposure modes come standard with the P50, so users have creative freedom when capturing images. The P50 is powered by two AA-batteries adding to the convenience and portability of this camera.

New EXPEED Image Processing System
Top-of-the-line performance and stunning image quality are staples of the COOLPIX P5100 and the COOLPIX P50. Both sport the new EXPEEDTM image processing system combined with enhanced high sensitivity capabilities to ensure the best picture quality. The EXPEEDTM image processing system enhances noise reduction and improves the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio that preserves image quality even when shooting at higher ISO settings. The P50 extends the light sensitivity range to ISO 2000, while the P5100 extends it to ISO 3200, which makes it easier to capture fast moving subjects, even in lower light conditions.

Simple Yet Advanced Functionality
P5100 and P50 users can also take advantage of the new mode dial which provides quick access to a selection of 15 different scene-optimized modes, movie modes, and macro mode. The new graphical user interface has enhanced the pop-up design, and allows for more precise menu navigation and interaction. Nikon has incorporated its user-friendly Imaging Innovations into the new line of COOLPIX cameras, designed to make the photo-taking process easier and more intuitive. These technologies, referred to as "Nikon In-Camera Innovations" include In-Camera Red-Eye FixTM, D-Lighting, and Face Priority AF. In-Camera Red-Eye FixTM automatically detects and corrects red eye, a common condition that occurs in flash photography. In playback mode, D-Lighting compensates for excessive back-light or insufficient flash in images. The P5100 and the P50 have PictBridge support and are compatible with SD/SDHC cards.

Nikon's enhanced Face-Priority AF automatically finds and focuses on one person's face or up to 12 people's faces within one frame. Face-Priority AF provides faster speed and sharper focus to produce clear, crisp portraits wherever the subjects are positioned in the frame.

The COOLPIX P5100 will be available nationwide beginning September 2007, and the COOLPIX P50 will be available beginning October 2007. The P5100 has an MSRP of $399.95, and the P50 has an MSRP of $229.95. For more information about these and other COOLPIX cameras, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

Both cameras will run on AA batteries, and will have such beginner-friendly tech as In-Camera Red-Eye Fix and D-Lighting automatic exposure tweaks. The L15 will also feature Optical Vibration Reduction image stabilization, to reduce the chance of a blurry low-light shot.

THE NEW NIKON COOLPIX L14 AND L15 DIGITAL CAMERAS ADD INNOVATIVE IMAGING TECHNOLOGIES TO NIKON'S LIFE SERIES

User-Friendly Design and Simple Functionality Provide Consumers With An Enhanced Shooting Experience

MELVILLE, NY (August 30, 2007) — Nikon introduced today two new additions to the LIFE family of digital cameras: the COOLPIX L14 and L15. As the ideal companions to capture all of life's moments, these compact, user-friendly cameras combine high performance and easy operation with the latest in imaging technology at affordable prices. Representing the utmost value to the consumer, the L14 will be able to capture an astounding 1,000 shots on a single pair of included Energizer® e2® Lithium® AA batteries, the most of any camera in its class.

"With the COOLPIX L14 and L15, users of any experience level can capture great images without having to master complicated features or controls," says Bill Giordano, General Manager Marketing, COOLPIX for Nikon Inc. "These cameras are great for casual snap-shooters who want to take great pictures, easily."

Building on the success of previous L-Series digital cameras, the L14 and L15 include new technologies designed to enhance the experience of the point-and-shoot consumer. With an enhanced face recognition function, each model will be able to recognize five separate faces, faster and more efficiently than ever before. Additionally, the L14 and L15 incorporate the new EXPEEDTM advanced image processing system for enhanced speed and brilliant color reproduction.

The L14 and L15 also feature In-Camera Red-Eye Fix™, an innovation that automatically corrects red eye. In addition, scenes with poor backlight or underexposed faces can be corrected with the D-Lighting function, which is also done in-camera. After activating these functions or shooting in one of 15 different scene modes, the original settings of these cameras can easily be restored through the Easy Auto Mode. The L15 also offers active full-time Optical Vibration Reduction image stabilization, which compensates for camera shake and minimizes the instances of blurry images.

For composing and displaying images, the L14 and L15 feature incredible, bright LCD screens, measuring 2.4-inches and 2.8-inches, respectively. Adding to the convenient portability of these cameras, both models are compatible with easily accessible AA-size batteries.

The seven megapixel L14 and eight megapixel L15 allow for high-quality prints in a variety of sizes and are easily connected to compatible printers via a PictBridge port for on-the-spot printing without a computer. Each camera features a 3x optical zoom and up to ISO 1000, helping to ensure sharp photos in any setting. In addition to the scene and movie modes found in every COOLPIX camera, the L14 and L15 will have a stop-motion feature, allowing the consumer to create fun, animated movies.

The COOLPIX L14 and L15 will be available in stores September 2007 with MSRP's of $149.95 and $179.95. For more information about these cameras and the full line of COOLPIX products, please visit www.nikonusa.com

There is also an S51 version, identical except for the lack of Wi-Fi. Both cameras feature 8.1 megapixel resolution, face priority, and vibration reduction. They will be priced at $329.95 and $279.95, respectively, when they launch in September.

According to a UK press release, the S51c will be available in silver and black, while the S51 will be available in silver, black, blue, brown, red and the vivid magenta shown here. However, the same document warns that not all colors will be available in all regions.

NIKON ANNOUNCES NEW WIRELESS COOLPIX S51C DIGITAL CAMERA AND MY PICTURETOWN, AN INNOVATIVE PHOTO SHARING AND STORAGE INTERNET SERVICE

New Wi-Fi Camera and Photo Sharing Service Will Allow Consumers to Access and Share Their Photos Anytime, Anywhere

MELVILLE, NY (August 30, 2007) - Furthering the development of wireless sharing technology in digital cameras, Nikon today introduced the new COOLPIX S51c digital camera. This camera not only sends images via email through Wi-Fi, but it also supports my Picturetown, Nikon's new photo sharing and storage service. In addition to an innovative Wi-Fi feature, the S51c boasts 8.1 megapixel resolution for generating high quality prints, a 3x Zoom-Nikkor glass lens ensuring great pictures with true-to-life color, and a huge, bright 3.0-inch LCD screen for users to easily compose and share images. The S51c is also the first in Nikon's Style line of COOLPIX cameras to utilize the new EXPEED™ image-processing system. To help ensure the consumer will be able to capture stunningly sharp images, the S51c features an Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) image stabilization system and ISO up to 1600, enhancing the camera's low-light performance.

"Not only does the S51c boast superior imaging abilities, but it also enhances the photo sharing experience for the consumer," said Bill Giordano, General Manager Marketing, COOLPIX for Nikon, Inc. "With the S51c and my Picturetown, consumers will be able to easily share and securely store their images, faster and more efficiently than ever before."

Across town or across the ocean, by using the S51c's One Touch Email with the Picture Mail button and Nikon's new photo sharing and storage service, my Picturetown, consumers can take advantage of several avenues for sharing their images and videos. Through my Picturetown, users can email pictures directly to friends and family, publish pictures to the photo community sharing website Flickr, and link their photos to blogs and social networking sites. Pictures can also be sent to the email addresses of a Blackberry® device for viewing. Each S51c ships with a six-month complimentary T-Mobile™ HotSpot™ Wi-Fi service for digital cameras, allowing the user to send images and videos to my Picturetown from over 8,200 T-Mobile™ HotSpots™ nationwide.

In addition, S51c owners can utilize my Picturetown to store up to 2 gigabytes of images and movies, providing a valuable back up to memory card storage. S51c users are also able to access my Picturetown from their computers and Blackberry® devices, providing instant access to their images anytime, anywhere.

Adding to the advanced sharing capabilities of these cameras, the S51c features a huge, bright, high resolution 3.0-inch LCD monitor with a 160-degree viewing angle and an anti-reflection coating facilitating easier composition and high-quality playback anywhere, even in direct sunlight.

Furthermore, the LCD monitor serves as an excellent platform for Pictmotion™, which allows users to select up to 200 images along with music that's pre-loaded, or from the user's library. The music and photos are then automatically compiled in-camera to produce audiovisual shows in VGA quality for a truly personalized photo-sharing experience.

For capturing great portraits with ease, Nikon has enhanced their hallmark Face-Priority AF feature. When using the camera's convenient One-Touch Portrait button, the S51c will be able to detect up to five faces in a frame, ensuring in- focus smiles and properly exposed faces. In addition to face detection, S51c users will be able to take advantage of In-Camera Red Eye Fix™, for fixing most instances of red eye, D-lighting, a feature that automatically lightens dark images as well as Optical Vibration Reduction, ensuring sharp pictures. This camera will also utilize EXPEED™, Nikon's new imaging processing system for enhanced speed and brilliant color reproduction.

In addition to the COOLPIX S51c, Nikon has also today introduced the COOLPIX S51. Similar in features and form, the S51 offers the same stylish body and advanced yet easy to use imaging technologies as the S51c without the wireless transfer capabilities.

Both the COOLPIX S51 and the COOLPIX S51c come bundled with Nikon's COOLPIX software suite for transferring, organizing, editing, and sharing images. The cameras utilize a rechargeable EN-El8 Li-ion battery and are compatible with a wide array of SD and SDHC memory cards.

The COOLPIX S51 and the COOLPIX S51c digital cameras will be available nationwide beginning September 2007. The S51c has an MSRP of $329.95, and the S51 has an MSRP of $279.95. For more information about these and other COOLPIX cameras, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

Just 2 1/2 hours later, the balloon reached its pinnacle of 117,597 feet—holy moly, that's 22.27 miles above the earth! At that point, the helium balloon burst and its payload parachuted safely back to Earth, where there were a few recovery teams close enough to see its soft landing. Cool pix, indeed! [SABLE-3]

There's a glass Nikkor lens with a 3.5x zoom, and there's also optical VR image stabilization. A plus is the ability to hang optional lens converters onto the camera's f/2.7-5.3 lens, giving you a choice of the 35mm equivalent of a 24mm wide angle and a 378mm telephoto. With its optical viewfinder in addition to its 2.5-inch LCD viewscreen and its compatibility with Nikon's sophisticated Speedlight flash units, the $399.95 P5000 looks like it could be an pretty good bridge between the low and high end. – Charlie White

The L11 ($149.95) has the same features of its L10 brandmate but adds a 2.4-inch LCD and a 6-megapixel CCD. Topping off the L-series is the L12 ($199.95, pictured above), with a 7.1-megapixel imager, 3x f/2.8-4.7 glass Nikkor lens and 2.5-inch LCD, and this top-of-the-line model adds optical VR image stabilization and maximum 1600 ISO compared to the 800 max ISO of the other two. Its anti-shake feature puts together that stabilization along with a higher ISO number and Nikon's Best Shot Selector, together designed to make up for jittery novice photogs. Or you could just get a tripod, kids.

Jump for pics of the L10 and L11, plus info on the ship dates:

Here's the L11 (above), looking almost the same as the L10 (pictured below) and L12.

These aggressively priced cameras are bound to give Canon's PowerShot A Series a run for its money. This is quite a price-performance improvement over last year's Nikon L-series models, where the Nikon Coolpix L4 announced last year at this time cost $149.95, and had just a 4-megapixel CCD compared to this year's identically priced 6-megapixel L11. All these entry-level Nikon point-and-shooters ship in March. We'll get our hands on 'em at PMA in Las Vegas, starting March 8th. – Charlie White

Some good news: it's relatively cheap, looks sexy, has an entirely non-protruding lens, a 2.5-inch viewer, decent shutter lag, average flash performance and pretty decent image quality. The bad news is that the battery sucks—you only get around 100 shots from a full charge. Also, there's no optical viewfinder, so you better like using that LCD screen.

Long story short, the Coolpix S9 is a good camera for the people who want a small shooter to carry around "just to have a camera", but not so good for people who want to fiddle with settings to get the best shot. – Jason Chen

Nikon Coolpix S9 Digital Camera Review [Nikon Coolpix S9 Digital Camera Review]

Bonus cock pic taken by the Nikon S9 after the jump.

Some good prices for some pretty good cameras. Nice to see Nikon has decided to pull their heads out of the sand with the COOLPIX line of cameras. – Travis Hudson

Nikon Pumps Out Five COOLPIX Point-and-Shoots [CrunchGear]

Nikon Coolpix P3 and P4 First Impressions Review [DigitalCameraInfo]

Pre-order Nikon Coolpix P3 for $399.99 [Amazon]

Pre-order Nikon Coolpix P4 for $399.95 [Amazon]

The P2 is the one that stands out. It's got built-in WiFi support, 5.1 effective megapixels and a 35mm equivalent zoom lens. It also has a D-Lighting feature for digitally correcting shots that are too light or dark—which is a good thing because the flash on my Coolpix gives everyone I shoot a flat alabaster face. No word on the shutter lag, which is the aspect I always get hung-up on, but all will be revealed in September.

Nikon Coolpix P2 digital camera [LetsGoDigital]