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Building on the success of the COOLPIX Style Series of digital cameras, Nikon is pleased to introduce the S500. Boasting 7.1 megapixels, a 3x Zoom-Nikkor glass lens, VR Image Stabilization technologies, and sleek metal body, this camera exudes high performance and exquisite design. The camera features a classic camera design as the lens extends from the camera’s body when the cameras is turned on; the S500 is constructed from stainless steel.

Nikon is pleased to introduce the COOLPIX P5000 to the Nikon COOLPIX Performance Series of digital cameras. The new COOLPIX P5000 offers advanced functions, ease of operation, and high image quality that is sure to satisfy photo and camera enthusiasts. The P5000 boasts 10 effective megapixels, a 3.5x Zoom-Nikkor glass lens, an optical viewfinder, and an incredible, bright high resolution 2.5-inch LCD monitor with anti-reflection coating. The P5000 incorporates a new advanced image processing engine, which optimizes low light performance and color reproduction, and Nikon’s optical VR image stabilization, which compensates for camera shake.

Nikon (www.nikondigital.com) yesterday released an upgrade to its highly acclaimed Capture NX software. Capture NX version 1.1 boasts several new improvements including increased performance, full support for Intel-based Mac OS X computers, and optimization for Microsoft’s Windows Vista operating system.

The Coolpix S10 is equipped with a 10X Nikkor optical zoom composed of 12 elements arranged in 9 groups. But the most notable feature of this particular camera is the implementation of a VR optical stabilization system. The focal length of the zoom covers from 6.3 to 63 mm, the equivalent on a 35 mm camera of a 38 to 380 mm zoom. Apertures start at a constant f3.5 for the lens, closing down to f13.6; while the shutter speed covers from 1/1000 second down to 2 seconds at the maximum.

The Nikon Coolpix S7c tries to be the ultimate ultra-compact camera. Offering a 7.1 Megapixel CCD, 3X Nikkor lens, a huge 3-inch LCD, Wi-Fi, and the two gimmicks du jour (face detection and high sensitivity mode), it does just about everything. Unfortunately, it doesn’t do them terribly well. The S7c is mediocre at best, especially with the tough competition out there. While the S7c has some nice features, there are better cameras out there for the money.

Nikon’s D40 is not only an awesome little dSLR that captures great photos with robust performance, it also has a very pleasing price tag of $600 or less (and remember this is for the body and the lens.) In fact, we bought our D40 from B&H Photo for about $572 shipped! The only annoyances I had with the D40 was that you have to enter the Setup menu to “unlock” the rest of the available settings… That said, I feel this model will make an excellent camera for any user who wants a more versatile camera over their consumer digicam, and don’t feel like breaking the bank in the process.