Nikon Coolpix P50

The Nikon Coolpix P50 marries a resolution of 8.1 effective megapixels with a new digital image-processing engine for outstanding imaging performance, the COOLPIX P50 also features a 28mm wide-angle, 3.6x Zoom-NIKKOR lens.

According to Nikon, their Electronic VR (Vibration Reduction) image stabilization system will compensate for camera shake or movement by unsteady subjects to achieve sharper results. Sensitivity extended up to ISO 2000 further will also help to prevent blurred shots when shooting in lower light, or capturing fast-moving subjects.

It’s big and chunky, and I like that – a Nikon should have a little heft to it and this one does. The screen is a disappointing 2.4 inches, but I prefer an optical viewfinder, which this also has. There has been a lot of complaining about lack of features on this camera, but my own feeling is that most of those high end features go unused most of the time, so what’s the point.

This is a good middle-of-the road camera which does exactly what it is supposed to – take pictures, not make the tea. I like the fact that it’s not all about how sexy and slim it is. It’s a camera – it takes good quality, well defined, sharp images and that’s what a camera is for. It also says Nikon on the front which is not to be sneezed at. Amazon are knocking them out for around $150 – a good buy at that price I feel.