Nikon Coolpix P60 First Thoughts

I've been playing with a lot of cameras lately, and with each new camera there are things I search for – does it do this right, how does this feel? In initially evaluating my latest review unit, the Nikon Coolpix P60, I noticed from the start that it doesn't necessarily stand out much – and, in general, I like that.

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Despite being a solid if a bit anonymous camera, the 8.1 megapixel, 5x zoom P60's performance did get started on the wrong foot with a flash that behaves oddly at best. There are times where I am not sure what the camera is doing (or rather trying to do), and delays and quirks with the flash have caused me to entirely miss some shots.

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So far, though, this strangeness is the only thing I haven't cared for. The rest of the P60 is a solid if unremarkable camera: the electric viewfinder is very welcome, the lens is nice, and the whole camera feels good.

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Hopefully, no other issues will be unearthed with the new Coolpix. The P60 has so far produced good results and appears to be a good family-oriented camera.

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Will the P60 live up to the high standards for its class of AA-powered, manual-exposure cameras for general users? Stay tuned for the final review!