The Nikon Coolpix 2000 is a bold step for Nikon, because it further broadens Sony's digital range as the manufacturer moves from top-end SLR cameras and prosumer models into the popular point-and-shoot arena dominated by Kodak and Fuji.

The Coolpix 2000 shares many of the design cues with the recent 2500 with a silver finish and metallic blue accent around the lens and the absence of a normal optical rangefinder. Instead, as with the 2500, Nikon has chosen to ensure that the LCD viewer on the rear of the camera is of sufficient quality to be used in all conditions, including bright sunlight. It has also ensured that the camera will run comfortably on four AA alkaline batteries. Unlike the 2500, the Coolpix 2000's lens does not rotate into the body of the camera--it does, however, have an automatic lens cover.

The Coolpix 2000 is not the smallest 2-megapixel camera we’ve seen. However, it has a nicely rounded body and will fit comfortably in the pocket. Controls are straightforward and comprise shutter release, power slide, mode dial, zoom controls, menu navigation, and buttons for self timer, macro, and flash. The modes include party/indoor, backlight, portrait, night portrait, and beach/snow. We found that when chosen carefully, these modes would significantly improve the quality of the final image compared with the Auto setting.

The Coolpix 2000 scores highly in two areas--image quality and value for money. It takes excellent pictures in most conditions. The colors are accurate and the images crisp. This must be due to the quality of the Nikkor lens and the in-camera processing.

The Coolpix 2000 offers a lot of bang for the buck, providing many of the features found on Nikon's high-end range. For instance, despite the Coolpix 2000's many automated features, you can still adjust exposure and metering as well as manually set white balance and in-camera sharpening. Nikon has also included its Best Shot Selector, which takes a series of images while the shutter is depressed and then saves the sharpest to the flash card--this can produce better images more reliably without using up your memory.

The Coolpix 2000 is supplied with a quick start guide, a comprehensive paper manual, strap, 16 MB CompactFlash card, four AA alkaline batteries, AV cable, USB cable, software CD, and reference CD. The basic image transfer software supplied is the excellent and straightforward Nikon View 5. This provides an interface to the camera to upload images, and then organize and view them.--Nick Baxter

Pros:

• Excellent and affordable point-and-shoot digital camera
• Very automated, but also offers many manual controls
• Nikkor lens produces crisp images and accurate colors
• LCD performs well, even in sunlight

Cons:

• Doesn't have the cool twisting effect of the Coolpix 2500
• Included 16 MB memory is a good start, but you'll need a higher capacity card