Nikon Coolpix P7100

Nikon's new high-end compact digital camera, the Nikon Coolpix P7100, a contender against Canon's popular PowerShot G12, will appeal to those who want full control from their compact, perhaps as a DSLR backup or second camera. The P7100 is packed with features and controls and some fun filter effects. Reassuringly weighty in the hand, at 395 g, it's of barely pocketable dimensions, but a far cry from the cheaper compacts, which have fewer features. Nineteen selectable Scene modes will cope with most situations, and there is in-camera image editing and full exposure control modes. Although there is no Full HD video capture available, the 1280 x 720/24p specification matches that of the Canon rival.