Coupled with Nikon's innovative digital features -- including face recognition, Best Shot Selector, and D-Lighting -- the Coolpix S10 could only be bettered by a camera with image stabilization. Well, the Coolpix S10 also has that, in the form of Nikon's optical Vibration Reduction technology. It all worked very well, this zoom in a small package.

They may have tried to make it too small, however, because it is difficult to get a grip on the right side and see the vibrant 2.5 inch LCD, but I found holding the Coolpix S10 with two hands helped, and made it easier to swivel and compose anyway. As expected our test results do reveal some chromatic aberration at both wide and telephoto ends of the zoom range, but we thought it was kept under control, probably thanks to Nikon's use of ED glass in the Coolpix S10.

As for image noise, ISO 800 shots were only usable at 4x6, but the ISO 50 shots were quite good at 11x14, and ISO 400 shots made a decent 8x10. There's little arguing with having such quality from a zoom this long in such a small and convenient package as the Coolpix S10, especially at the street prices we're starting to see. And the special Nikon-only features included will all come in handy as you use the camera. Click to see more on the versatile and fun Nikon Coolpix S10.