Flagship Mega-Zoom
The new 12-megapixel P90 may seem like any other unassuming performance compact, but it has a generous 24x optical zoom (26-624mm equivalent) lurking within. Nikon's new advanced flagship member appears to be targeted toward advanced amateurs and photo enthusiasts who crave more control. Perhaps the most exciting feature on the camera is its bright, 3-inch tilting LCD, brushed with an anti-reflection coating. We've had great experiences with tilting LCDs in the past, for the Canon PowerShot SX10 IS allowed us to capture images without straining ourselves, rather than us attempting to capture an image lying down in the street with our chin to the pavement, risking life and limb.
Ah, but Nikon has one more trick up its sleeve that should send Casio up a wall. The camera is capable of 15fps high-speed shooting at up to 45 frames per burst. Keep in mind that this is characteristic of the Sport Continuous Scene mode, but the technology is there and Nikon is dabbling in it. There's no mention of high-speed video, but we speculate that it's inherent to the future of digital imaging across the board. Casio usually sets the scene, but then somebody else strolls along and one-ups them significantly. Nikon might be the one.
The camera also has a 4-way Vibration Reduction system that incorporates Optical Image Stabilization, in addition to an ISO capability of 6400. Add in Nikon's Best Shot Selector (BSS), which is akin to your typical Scene modes, Red-eye, Smile and Blink-proof modes and the camera is gearing up to be a versatile piece of weaponry. The camera will ship in March for $400.
Commander of the L Series
 Nikon's recently upgraded L series features a watered down version of the P90 for budget shooters. The 10-megapixel L100 is capable of the high-speed Sport Continuous shooting mode, though at 13fps and up to 30 frames per burst. The camera maintains the four-way Vibration Reduction system, Red-eye Fix and Smile mode, but that's where the line is drawn. The camera has a 15x optical zoom and a large 3-inch non-tilting LCD. In addition, the L100's ISO can only reach 3200, which is still impressive by any means, though we still scratch our heads at the thought of such a noisy image being deemed acceptable by anyone. The camera has a body similar to the P90, though it lacks a Mode dial and appears to be more simplified. April is the expected ship date for the camera, and the performance compact will cost $280.
Paging First Timers
 If you've never used a digital camera before, the 10-megapixel L20 and 8-megapixel L19 are two great places to start. Both cameras feature NIKKOR glass lenses and EXPEED Digital Image Processing, so we're hoping for some prime Nikon quality out of these entry- level compacts. Part of the novice-based allure can be attributed to the cameras' highly portable and compact architecture. Also, the L20 is available in Deep Red, which will certainly pool a large helping of soccer moms. Both cameras will feature a Smart Portrait System, Motion Detection and an Easy Auto mode, which is what most owners will shoot in. The L20 has a large 3-inch LCD while the L19 sports a decent 2.7-inch LCD, and both cameras will run on two AA batteries. The cameras will ship in February for suggested retails of $130 and $110, respectively.
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