In an apparent jab to anyone who bought an entry level digital SLR, Nikon has dropped the Coolpix P80, a 10 megapixel superzoom. Incorporating some of their best technologies, like VR (vibration reduction) in its enormous 18x optical zoom, and ISO up to 6400. How well that handles noise is yet to be seen, but the new EXPEED image processor may help.
Other features include a (very large) 2.7″ LCD, Digital SLR controls (Program, Aperture, Shutter and Manual), 13FPS (!) sports mode with up to 30 pictures in burst, Face Priority and a whole lot more.
Did I mention its got a $399.95 MSRP? This looks to steal a lot of the action away from entry level Digital SLRs and might just be enough to sway some advanced amateurs away too.
Excellent price/features ratio. I’m still sticking to an DSLR for the speed and quality. But the P80 looks like an excellent companion for vacation.
MSRP is actually $349
As for the camera, I’ll stick with my entry level SLR with it’s APS-C sized sensor, which is about 10 times the size of the sensor in the P80, and every other point-and-shoot. I am actually considering this camera to replace my point-and-shoot to take with me on vacations and trips. It looks like an amazing camera, especially with it’s 18x zoom range.