By Leonard Goh
13/05/2009
URL: http://asia.cnet.com/reviews/digitalcameras/0,39001469,62044441,00.htm

Nikon was originally known as Nippon Kogaku K.K. in 1917, and was the result of the merging of two industrial companies. It was initially known for its optical products, especially lenses, but work was put to a halt when World War II broke out. In 1948, its first camera, the Nikon I, was conceived. Following the success of this model, Nikon was set on track to become a dominant presence in the imaging industry.

Fast forward to 1997 when its first compact digital camera, the Coolpix 100, was announced. With just a 0.33-megapixel sensor and 1MB of internal memory then, the Coolpix has evolved to become what it is today. Although it embraces new technologies, we feel Nikon hasn't lost the essence of photography, which is to capture the moment, and that is what its shooters do.

For the Japanese company, the Coolpix brand aims to be the epitome of quality, intelligence, style and integrity to photography. With imaging technology advancing constantly, the company told us that it will listen to consumers' needs and build "smarter, sexier" point-and-shoots equipped with intuitive functions and unique designs.

If you've set your eyes on a Nikon Coolpix point-and-shoot but aren't quite sure which one is suitable for you, we've put together a comprehensive guide for its lineup. But if you prefer dSLRs, take a look at our dSLR buying guide to see which shooter suits you.

Click on the images to find out more about the series.

The L series

The L series is Nikon's lifestyle lineup. According to the Japanese company, these shooters come with affordable price tags and are targeted at shutterbugs who want a "simple, easy-to-use and reliable" camera. Another defining feature of the L series point-and-shoots is that the snappers use readily available AA-sized batteries, which make them suitable for travelers who may not have access to electrical outlets to recharge their camera's batteries.

Price range: S$199 to S$499

In this series

Nikon Coolpix L100
The L100 is Nikon's answer to a budget long-zoom shooter. Besides having a 15x optical zoom lens with wide-angle capability, this snapper also has friendly shooting functions to aid beginners. Unlike most other long-zoom cameras, the L100 doesn't come with a manual or semi-manual exposure mode. It's literally a point-and-shoot affair with this Nikon.

Nikon Coolpix L20
Beginners who are looking for a no-frills compact camera should be satisfied with this entry-level model. Besides a 3-inch LCD, Nikon has also incorporated the Smart Portrait system to help users take better portrait shots. The styling may not be the sleekest we've encountered, but its user-friendly operation makes up for this.
Other related models: L19 and L18

The S series

Fashion-conscious users should take to the S series point-and-shoots. Not only do they look sleek and classy, these cameras are generally good performers. Nikon said the retro-boxy design is "unique and superior", and we'd like to add that the brushed metal casing adds to the overall charm. The S series snappers are priced at a slight premium, though this is probably due to the use of quality materials.

Price range: S$349 to S$649

In this series

Nikon Coolpix S710
This shooter is a powerhouse packed into a compact body. The S710 features a 14.5-megapixel sensor, 28mm wide-angle lens and 3-inch LCD. Advanced shutterbugs will be pleased with the array of shooting modes available, from manual exposure option to full auto mode, so anyone can snap decent shots with this camera.
Other related models: S700, S630 and S230

Nikon Coolpix S60
The S60 is Nikon's first attempt at a touchscreen camera, and it has . The shooter has only the power and shutter buttons, and the rest of the operations are conducted via the large 3.5-inch display. This Nikon point-and-shoot also incorporates some nifty features such as the iPhone-like image viewer in playback mode.

Nikon Coolpix S52/S52c
If you want to share pictures with friends the moment you snap, the S52c would be suitable with its onboard Wi-Fi connectivity option (the S52 is the non-wireless option). Transmitting of images to Nikon's myPicturetown gallery can be done via a wireless hotspot.
Other related models: S51 and S51c

Nikon Coolpix S9
This single-digit lineup is the first iteration of the S-series. We see it as the base for which the latest models were built on. This lineup has gone a long way in paving the path for the S-series since conception. It may not tout spectacular features, but its looks still distinguish it from the rest of the pack. Nikon told us it is no longer producing the single-digit series, so you may have to hunt around for a brand-new piece.

The P-series

Nikon says its P-series lineup is targeted at seasoned photographers who want a high-performance camera with advanced features. Some shooters in this family are loaded with dSLR-like functions such as full manual exposure override and RAW image support. Certain units have unique features such as tilting LCD, onboard GPS for geotagging purpose or a superlong zoom lens to snap faraway subjects.

Price range: S$399 to S$699

In this series

Nikon Coolpix P6000
This 13.5-megapixel camera is one of the most advanced point-and-shoots in Nikon's current Coolpix range. Not only does it have a built-in GPS system for geotagging, the onboard LAN port facilitates transferring of images to Nikon's myPictureTown online gallery. The P6000 is also capable of recording RAW images so users can have more creative control when editing the snaps on their computer.
Other related model: P5100


Nikon Coolpix P90
Travelers who are looking for a megazoom shooter can consider the P90. Armed with a 24x optical zoom lens, this snapper lets you capture almost anything, from wide expanses of scenery to closeup shots of wildlife. The 3-inch LCD can be tilted to facilitate shooting overhead or at waist-level.
Other related model: P80