TThe P6000 is a camera we wanted to like. On paper, it has many features that sets it apart from the other high-end cameras: GPS for location tagging - great for travel photography; 1:1 square format option; and ethernet port - for uploading images. Our expectations were also raised after seeing the excellent body's design, which makes it one of the most comfortable cameras to hold. All of the buttons and controls are all well placed and easy to operate.

The camera in actual use presented some baffling aspects. GPS is very slow to acquire signal and eats up the battery too quickly. We like the 1:1 square format, but it's not supported with RAW mode, which is just as well because shooting RAW is so unbelievably slow. We also find the Ethernet port a wasted feature because it only works with Nikon's own 'my Picturetown' - it doesn't work with standard remote FTP servers.

With RAW off, the camera performs fairly well, is quick and responsive. Image quality is OK but doesn't stand out for a high-end camera. The overstuffed 13.5 megapixels sensor reduces image quality at 400 and higher ISO settings. For compact cameras, higher pixel count generally produces lesser image quality.

Overall, we like the ideas behind the unique features in the Nikon Coolpix P6000 but feel frustrated by their failure to soar. The P6000 performs decently, but for a high-end camera it doesn't inspire.

 

>> san jose photo gallery

HIGH

• nice camera body, handles well
• well placed buttons and controls
• unique GPS feature
• lens based optical image stabilization
• comprehensive photographic features
• multi-format: 4:3, 3:2, 16:9, 1:1 square
• excellent high-resolution 2.7" LCD

MIND

• average image quality for a high-end
• 13.5 megapixels reduces performance
• extremely slow RAW mode
• menu interface could be more polished
• GPS very slow to acquire signal
• battery life not great
• ethernet port not useful

WISE

• recommended if you need the GPS feature and the 1:1 square image format