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Nikon P80

Low: $328.89
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Test Images (click to enlarge) Still Life Multi Target

	10.10 Megapixels
	18.00x zoom
	2.7 inch LCD

The Nikon Coolpix P80's standout feature has to be its zoom lens. Dominating the P80's SLR-like body, this Nikkor-branded 18x optical zoom offers both true optical image stabilization, and 35mm equivalent focal lengths ranging from a very useful 27mm wide angle through to an equally impressive 486mm. Given that many consumers are likely to want to take photos in relatively enclosed spaces where they can't just back up a bit to fit everything (or everyone) in, wide angle performance is something that's perhaps overlooked too often in the search for greater telephoto strength. It's great to see a lens that offers plenty of reach at both ends of the zoom range.

Coupled to this lens, the Nikon P80 features a 4:3 aspect ratio, 1/2.33" CCD image sensor with 10.1 effective megapixel resolution - plenty for cropping while still leaving enough resolution for a good-sized print. If you feel limited by 4:3 photography, the P80 also offers 3:2, 16:9 and 1:1 aspect ratio resolution settings. The Nikon Coolpix P80's ISO sensitivity ordinarily ranges between 64 and 2,000, with the ability to boost this to ISO 3,200 or 6,400 at resolutions of three megapixels or below. Two Auto ISO modes can select ISO sensitivities from the lowest to either ISO 400 or 800 maximum, allowing the camera to be left on auto ISO without fear of exceeding your own personal tastes, noise-wise.

Images are framed and reviewed on either the Nikon P80's 2.7" LCD display with 230,000 pixel resolution, or alternatively on a 0.24" electronic viewfinder with the same resolution. There's 50MB of internal memory on which to store your images, and the Nikon P80 also accepts Secure Digital memory cards. Power comes from a proprietary EN-EL5 Lithium Ion battery pack rated as good for 250 photos on a charge. Connectivity options include USB for data transfer to computers and the like, and AV output connectivity (type unspecified).

The Nikon Coolpix P80 will ship in the USA from April 2008, priced at US$399.95.