When Nikon introduced eight new Coolpix P&S cameras with a February 2007 press release, a quick perusal of the individual models showed an interesting mix of features spread amongst the various models.

Nikon really shows off its style with its Coolpix S500, a sleek, compact camera that feels every bit as good as it looks. This little shooter has some of the nicest design points we've seen in a small shooter, plus a few handy features normally seen on higher-end cameras.

Small; light stainless steel body; Click wheel interface; Optical image stabilisation; Fast burst shooting

Slow performance; Way too much noise at high ISO settings

Physical Views The Coolpix S500 compared to a standard CD disc. Continue to the Features & Controls Page Coolpix S500 Specifications Effective pixels: 7.1 million CCD: 1/2.5-inch type (7.38 million total pixels) Image modes: 3072 x 2304 (High: 3072*/Normal: 3072), 2592 x 1944 (Normal: 2592), 2048 x...

At 125g, the S500 is the smallest, lightest camera we've seen that includes optical image stabilisation to reduce blur from camera shake. Its controls and menus are easy to operate and the brushed aluminium finish, 2in 230,000-pixel screen and five-way navigation pad that doubles as a wheel for...

The Nikon Coolpix S500 is a compact point-and-shoot digital camera in an attractive stainless steel body. It has intuitive controls and produces very good image quality with good detail and accurate colour reproduction at the low ISOs.

Read a digital camera review of the Nikon Coolpix S500 on DigitalCameraInfo.com - reviews, ratings, comparisons, and more.

Nikon Coolpix S500 digital compact camera At this time, the Nikon Coolpix camera series is mainly aimed at the amateur and those who like to have a handy compact camera. An exception is the Nikon P5000; with its many setting possibilities it will appeal to the experienced photographer.

I've only got this camera with me for a few months and I'm loving it. This camera has 7.1mp, autofocus, face detection, anti shake, and ISO2000. There is a 2.5" LCD for you to look at. The colour reproduction of this Nikon isn't as good as a Sony. I own another Sony T30 digital camera.

Good color reproduction; Strong quality build

wrong placing of power button; weak LCD screen

The Nikon Coolpix S500 features a 7.1 megapixel CCD image sensor and a Nikkor-branded 3x optical zoom lens. The Coolpix S500 couples this with the company's true optical VR (Vibration Reduction) technology as well.

The Nikon Coolpix S500 delivers top-notch image quality. At $300, it may seem a little pricey for a compact camera with a relatively standard...

Optical image stabilization,

Pricey; No optical