Nikon has released two new compacts in the shape of the 10MP, 7.1x optical zoom COOLPIX P7000 and OLED touch screen S80, which has a 14MP sensor. Both cameras are due for release pre-Christmas and offer some impressive features.

The COOLPIX P7000 features A 10.1MP
sensor and 3in LCD screen, while a 7.1x optical zoom should make the
camera more versatile when framing a shot and the ISO range can be
increased to 6400 for low light photography. The most significant points for amateur photographers to note are the full manual controls and removable adapter ring, allowing for accessory-based expansion.

A 720p HD movie mode is available, as is a new Virtual
Horizon which should help to insure shots are level. There are full
manual controls available on the DSLR-style top dial, and a hot shoe to
attach a flash gun.

The COOLPIX S80’s most eye-catching feature on paper is the multi-touch OLED (Organic LED) screen, which is far less power hungry than the standard LCD equivalents. This allows for the user to touch an area of the screen to focus on that section, as well as tap-operated shooting and video capture.

The sensor offers an impressive 14MP resolution, making it capable of some highly detailed shots as well as 720p HD movie capture. A 5x optical zoom is also present as is Vibration Reduction and Motion Detection to counteract camera shake and rapid subject movement.

There are varous colours available in a either two-tone or a single shade, and is both slender and small enough to fit into a pocket with ease.

The COOLPIX P7000 certainly looks like it may challenge the likes of the Canon PowerShot G11, or at the very least the S95 from the same manufacturer, as a compact manual control camera for the discerning photographer. The COOLPIX S80, on the other hand, is more of a style-concious model offering a number of eye-catching colours and an impressively thin 16.5mm frame.  

For more information on either camera visit Nikon UK online.