Nikon has an interesting mixture of high-end DSLR cameras and point and shoot cameras with cool features in its digital camera lineup. These cameras have been released in the past 18 months, and they represent the best new cameras from Nikon, both in its Coolpix point and shoot camera lineup and in its DSLR lineup.
1. Nikon J1 DIL
Nikon
The Nikon J1 DIL camera, which is available in a red, pink, silver, or black camera body and interchangeable lens combinations, showcases many desirable features in a small camera body.
The Nikon J1 makes use of a 10.1 megapixel CMOS image sensor, a fast 73-point autofocus system, 10 frames per second shooting speed, 1080p HD video, and a high-resolution 3.0-inch LCD screen. This is Nikon's first DIL camera,and it's a powerful contender.
2. Nikon Coolpix L120
Nikon
The Nikon Coolpix L120 carries the size and bulk that you might expect to see with a more advanced DSLR camera, and its 21X optical zoom lens gives you a feeling of telephoto power you'd find in a more expensive camera. However, the Coolpix L120 is a point and shoot camera with a sub-$300 price tag.
Beyond its large zoom lens, the Coolpix L120 has plenty of impressive features. Nikon has included 720p HD video capabilities with the L120, along with a 3-inch, high-resolution LCD screen. With 14.1 megapixels of resolution in its CCD image sensor, the L120 allows you to make large prints.
You can purchase the L120 in red, black, or bronze camera bodies.
3. Nikon Coolpix P500
Nikon
Nikon's new ultra zoom camera, the Coolpix P500, offers one of the most versatile lenses you'll find on a point and shoot camera.
The P500 carries a 36X optical zoom lens. In addition, Nikon has given the P500 strong wide angle capabilities with a zoom range of 22.5mm to 810mm, and Nikon says the P500 is a strong macro performer, thanks to its powerful lens.
You'll find 12.1 megapixels of resolution in the P500's CMOS image sensor, a high-resolution 3-inch LCD screen, and 1080p HD video capabilities. The P500 carries a strong list of specifications ... and, not surprisingly, it carries a high price tag, too, at around $350, but that price is much lower than other ultra-zoom cameras on the market. The Coolpix P500 is available in either red or black.
4. Nikon Coolpix P7000
Nikon
Nikon has designed the recently announced Coolpix P7000 with an advanced look, feel, and performance level, designed to bridge the gap between point and shoot cameras and DSLR cameras.
Don't let the 10.2 megapixels of resolution in this camera fool you: The P7000 includes a large CCD image sensor, designed to shoot photos similar in image quality to a DSLR model. Nikon has included a 7.1X optical zoom lens that includes high-end Nikkor glass and limited wide angle capabilties.
You'll find an optical viewfinder with the P7000 an a hot shoe for an external flash, more features that you don't expect to see on a compact camera.
5. Nikon Coolpix S80
Nikon
Nikon has released a camera with a good mix of style and substance with its recently announced Coolpix S80 digital camera.
The Coolpix S80 includes a 3.5-inch OLED touch screen display. The high-resolution screen has a wide viewing angle of about 180 degrees. Users can add art effects to their photos or can rate their photos for easy sorting by using touch commands on the S80's display.
6. Nikon Coolpix S1100pj
Nikon
The Coolpix S1000pj received a 2009 CES Innovation Award because of its interesting projector capability, and the recently announced Coolpix S1100pj should build on Nikon's previous experience with a built-in projector in a point and shoot camera.
The S1100pj includes a 3-inch, high-resolution, touch screen LCD; a 5X optical zoom lens with limited wide angle capabilities; 720p HD video recording; and 14.1 megapixels of resolution.
7. Nikon Coolpix S4100
Nikon
You'll find a 3-inch, high-resolution touch screen LCD with Nikon's Coolpix S4100 camera. You can control many of the camera's shooting functions through the touch screen LCD.
The S4100 has other powerful features, including 14 megapixels of resolution, a 5X optical zoom lens, and 720p HD video capability through a dedicated video button.
The sleek S4100 measures only 0.8 inches in thickness, and Nikon is offering it in four colors (red, silver, black, and plum) in the United States. Elsewhere in the world, you'll find purple and gold S4100s.
8. Nikon Coolpix S9100
Nikon
Nikon has paired style with a powerful zoom lens in the Coolpix S9100 point and shoot camera.
You'll find a 12.1-megapixel CMOS image sensor with the S9100. In addition, this camera carries an 18X optical zoom lens, which is a feature rarely found in a camera measuring only 1.4 inches in thickness. The S9100's 3.0-inch high-resolution LCD screen is impressive, and this camera can shoot full 1080p HD video.
Nikon is offering the S9100 in three colors -- black, silver, or pink/red -- although a gold-colored S9100 is available in some parts of the world.
9. Nikon D3100 DSLR
Nikon
The latest DSLR camera from Nikon, the D3100, is a good beginner camera for intermediate photographers, as it includes on-screen help guides, giving photographers more opportunities for learning how to use their cameras.
The D3100 includes a 14.2 megapixel CMOS image sensor. which should create high-quality images. Additionally, the D3100, which was named a 2010 CES Innovations honoree and which made my list of the best cameras for 2010, offers 11-point auto focus, a viewfinder, and the ability to use the built-in flash or an external flash unit.
10. Nikon D5000 DSLR
PriceGrabber
The D5000 DSLR camera from Nikon is a versatile, entry-level DSLR camera. It shoots at 12.3 megapixels of resolution, offers a 2.7-inch LCD that can swivel away from the camera, and provides 720p HD video. The D5000 is pretty easy to use for a DSLR camera, too, which makes it a nice option for those looking to switch from a point and shoot to a DSLR.
The D5000 was named a DIWA Gold Award winner. It made my list of the best cameras of 2009.
As with any DSLR camera, the optical zoom capability of the camera depends on the interchangeable lenses you use. Bottom line: The D5000 is one of my favorite entry-level DSLR cameras, regardless of manufacturer.
11. Nikon D5100 DSLR
Nikon
The Nikon D5100 will carry 16.2 megapixels of resolution and record in full HD video. The D5100 is a small and neat camera, which fits easily into the hand. It feels substantial, but weighs less than its predecessor (as it has a plastic body). The camera also benefits from the addition of an articulated LCD screen with a side hinge.
Replacing the D5000, the D5100 sits neatly in between the entry-level D3100 and the high-end D7000. The camera is clearly aimed at attracting enthusiasts who have outgrown their basic entry-level DSLRs, and it will be in close competition with Canon's T3i.
12. Nikon D7000 DSLR
Nikon
The Nikon D7000 features a 16.2 megapixel CMOS image sensor. When coupled with Nikon's EXPEED 2 image processing system, which allows for fast autofocus, low noise in photos, and six frames per second in burst mode, the D7000 creates high-quality images with impressive speed.
Look for 1080p HD video capability, a 3.0-inch high-resolution LCD, and a built-in flash unit with the D7000.
