When we're asked which point & shoot camera is "the best" one in the market, we have several that we can choose from and still be correct. Each of these cameras have particular features that distinguish one from the other. We can show you the Leica X1 and V-Lux 20, with exquisite craftmanship & sharp German optics. Or we could suggest the Canon G12 or PowerShot S95 (the only camera that had a love letter written to it! ). The Panasonic LX5 is in this category as well. The common denominator in all these cameras are the large sensors that can capture detail, manual settings and RAW processing that allow you creative versatility and top quality optics. There is a new addition to this category, and it's our #9 holiday pick. Presenting the Nikon Coolpix P7000... The latest flagship model in the COOLPIX series, The P7000 is a fun camera that incorporates advanced shooting functions with a feel similar to that of digital SLR cameras in a compact, lightweight body. The P7000 offers an effective pixel count of 10.1 million pixels &  is equipped with a 7.1X optical zoom NIKKOR lens that covers a broad range of focal lengths beginning at the wide-angle 28mm (equivalent with 35mm [135] format), and makes the most of the large 1/1.7-inch, RGB CCD image sensor and optical characteristics. A built-in ND (neutral density) filter expands exposure selection range for greater creative possibilities.Light sensitivity settings as high as ISO 6400 help achieve sharper, more natural-looking photos in a variety of low lighting situations, or when shooting fast-moving subjects. The COOLPIX P7000 is capable of shooting full-size images (3648 x 2736) at ISO 6400 when using its new Hi 1 setting. You can record HD movies at 720p (1280 x 720, 24 fps) with stereo sound, whether using the built-in microphone or taking advantage of built-in support for powered external microphones. Other features include: Optical lens shift VR image stabilization , Active D-Lighting , HDMI connectivity and macro shooting from as close as 2 cm (0.8 in.). We have the P7000 for $499.95 and it's also available in a kit with a custom Nikon case for the camera & a 3 year Nikon USA extended warranty for $529.95. For more info and a cool video from Nat Geo photographer Bob Krist, go to Nikon's webpage for the camera: http://tinyurl.com/34bdr6e We are happy to show you any of the above mentioned cameras (each of them have been featured with it's own blog post on our site in the last year) and can suggest one of these cameras to meet your particular needs. Our last holiday gift idea is a foolproof way to make your loved one happy photographically. We'll let you know what that is on Thursday morning...

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