Nikon Coolpix P7000: Nikon says no to GPS

There's a new boss with a new look for Nikon's compact camera range, but it's no good with a map. The Coolpix P7000 takes over from the Coolpix P6000 -- but it jettisons its predecessor's GPS and ethernet features.

The P7000 is a 10.1-megapixel high-end camera. It's packed with prosumer features, designed as a compact for photography nuts or a lighter back-up for anyone wanting a day off from their dSLR. The recession has obviously hit the fat cats at the top of the Coolpix range, as GPS has dropped off the specs list.

It packs a 1/1.7-inch CCD and new Expeed C2 image processor. The lens boasts a 7.1x optical zoom, with a wide angle of 28mm equivalent to a 35mm camera. The screen is a 75mm (3-inch) LCD.

Features include D-Lighting and up to ISO 3200, expandable to ISO6400. Bracketing options include varying exposure, ISO sensitivity, or white balance. Pictures are recorded as JPEGs or Nikon's NRW+ raw format, which may be a problem for anyone not using Nikon software.

720p high definition video is also on board, with a stereo microphone and mic jack. HDMI out connects with your HDTV. Next-generation SDXC cards are supported for extra storage.

The Nikon Coolpix P7000 arrives on 23rd Sept 2010, and will cost £490. Competitors include the Canon PowerShot G11 and interchangeable lens snappers like the Panasonic Lumix G2. Click through our pictures above to see it in the flesh, so to speak. Does the specs boost tempt you, or will you be looking out for a bargain on the P6000 to grab yourself some GPS action?