ALL of $2,648. That's how much it will cost for the equivalent in DSLR gear to match Nikon's new superzoom, the Coolpix P80.

Plus, you would have to lug a small backpack worth of a camera body and a minimum of two lenses weighing more than 1.5kg. The P80 weighs a dainty 400g.

The reason for its existence is a very versatile zoom range of 27-486mm (35mm equivalent). That's enough to cover most of a general photographer's needs. Add to that a 10.1 megapixel sensor, a 2.7 inch, 230k pixel LCD and an image stabilising system and you have a very handy camera.

The 27mm wide angle is particularly useful. The P80 is Nikon's first attempt at such an extreme range, a turf which has traditionally been guarded by Panasonic, Sony and Olympus.

At full zoom, the P80's lens does extend quite a bit - almost twice its depth. Watch out if you are shooting through a window with the camera close to the glass.

What Nikon does well is to control colour fringing. These are the false colours that appear on the edges of sharp contrast - something that plagues superzooms. I caught only a few instances of it.

Picture noise is, unfortunately, an issue. It makes an appearance at ISO400 and moves increasingly centre stage at higher ISOs.

For a camera with such a long zoom, using the viewfinder is naturally more stable. The viewfinder works very well. But strangely, if the P80 starts up to the viewfinder instead of the LCD, it takes a lengthy six seconds or more instead of the two seconds or less with the latter.

Unless you are willing to strike very awkward poses, shooting using an LCD with a long zoom is a dicey affair even with the P80's good image stabilisation.

Aperture, shutter speed and focus can all be manually controlled so this will make a good camera for learners. Of course, you could set it to full automatic control and use it as a powerful point and shoot. Get a second battery as battery life is only 250 shots per charge.

FINAL SAY
A must-consider for a nifty travel camera. Keep to lower ISOs and you can get excellent results.