Nikon COOLPIX 2500 Digital Camera [2.0MP 3xOptical]

In addition to the novel swivelling lens barrel, the 2500 also dispenses with a rangefinder and relies solely on the LCD monitor. Nikon have clearly worked hard on this aspect of the camera as it provides good visibility even when placed in direct sunlight. We were also impressed with the battery performance which in a rather unrealistic test involving switching off the power saving options and burning the battery down as fast as possible, still yielded well over an hour of use. We noted that the LCD panel was quite warm to the touch after this test, but not worryingly so.

Design considerations aside, it is in the areas of ease of use and image quality that the 2500 really excels. The menu is based around that found on the more advanced COOLPIX models but omits many of the manual settings such as ISO, image sharpening, aperture, shutter speed etc. Instead, Nikon have opted to provide an extensive range of preset "scenes" such as Night, Landscape, Museum and Fireworks show. These presets variously alter flash settings, shutter speed, focus etc. to help get you the best image in given conditions. Unique to Nikon is the Best Shot Selector which takes a series of up to 10 images, compares them, and stores the image with most detail to the memory card. We found that in most conditions the 2500 produced excellent images, often belying its two-megapixel resolution. Outdoor, the sophisticated exposure system was difficult to trick although some images taken in very bright sunlight required a small amount of brightening. Colour balance was also good and unusually, can be calibrated against a white background.

The 2500 includes a movie mode, but this is of limited use as it is restricted to 15 seconds and does not record sound. We were also disappointed by the lack of an AF illuminator which is a surprising omission in a camera of this quality. Nikon have also elected to leave out an AV output for viewing images on a television. The camera is supplied with an excellent lithium ion battery and charger, a small 8 MB CompactFlash card, USB cable, a strap, Nikon View transfer software and a pretty good manual. --Nick Baxter

Featuring a 3x Zoom-Nikkor lens, with a 5.6-16.8 mm (equivalent to 37-111 mm in 35 mm [135] camera format) focal range and 4x digital zoom, the Nikon COOLPIX 2500 delivers exceptional optical performance, and together with the 2.0 effective megapixels, ensures images of remarkable colour, contrast and clarity. Auto mode is ideal for most photo-shooting situations, and manual mode allows photographers the freedom to select camera settings as they like. The camera's 12 Scene Modes further enhance the flexibility and creativity of shooting and provide optimal image results for a range of situations. The Transfer function simplifies image data uploading and the Small Picture function produces reduced-size pictures ideal for e-mailing or Web posting.

The COOLPIX 2500 comes with some essential accessories--including the newly developed rechargeable battery and charger, USB cable and Nikon View 5 software. With its array of features and accessories and remarkably innovative design, the COOLPIX 2500 promises to increase the fun and excitement of digital photography for countless users.