Nikon Coolpix P80 - Swooning for Nikon's Big Zoom
Previewed on 24 April 2008

The latest Nikon Coolpix P80 is one of those cameras that embodies everything that the camera industry is currently infatuated with and we're definitely not complaining. Offering an outlandishly strong 18x optical zoom power with an enviable 27mm wide-angle lens, photos are captured with a crop-friendly 10.1 megapixels CCD sensor. As Nikon's first entry into the ultrazoom race, the P80 stunned us out our seats when we found out it's also the World's smallest 18x zoom camera. While mini in size, this camera is certainly no wimp when it comes down to performance and holds all that to hang with the best of them.

While the size of this camera is surely something to marvel at, here at DigitalRev, we know better than to just admire the physical and aesthetics, and here's what the P80's got crammed inside. In this palm-sized camera, there's the aforementioned 18x optical zoom power with pretty much all the zoom one could possibly ask for. It makes ideal for bird-watching and whatever else your mind leads you to, and once you've gotten close enough, images can be captured in the pleasing double digit resolution of 10 megapixels. For those in fear of blur-ridden images, Nikon's VR sensor shift image stabilisation is in place to handle the blur-reducing duties.

For the ultimate best in image quality, the P80 also uses Nikon's EXPEED image processor which comes with the brilliance of Face Priority AF, In-Camera Red-Eye Fix and D-lighting for shadow correction. Enthusiasts who demand a little more control over their images will definitely appreciate the availability of a P/S/A/M dial. A nice ISO range between 64 and 2000 enables enough versatility for varying lighting conditions and an extra boost to 3200 and 6400 is also available at 3 megapixels shooting. At 3 megapixels, the P80 also enables shooting up to 30 consecutive pictures at 13 frames per second in the new Sports Continuous Mode.

The Nikon Coolpix P80 is a camera capable of many things and it's hard to believe that it's the direct successor to Nikon's budget-minded P60, a camera with a measly 5x optical zoom. Leaping up to an 18x optical zoom power, the P80 is expected to be a smashing hit amongst birdwatchers and those with an eye to spy. With also extensive manual controls to tinker with, it's also a camera that carries a strong appeal to even the photo enthusiasts who are looking for a do-it-all camera. The Nikon Coolpix P80 will be available at DigitalRev sooner than we may be expecting, so keep your eyes open and get ready for the full hands-on review once this small marvel drops in.