Besides larger versions of images before and after shooting, the external LCD monitors are used to access the shooting, playback and setup menus, in conjunction with the adjacent Multi-Selector control. The My Menu option lets you choose which 6 of the 20 shooting-menu items will appear in the Custom Menu, providing quick access to items you change frequently. Both cameras come with the latest-generation version of Nikon’s PictureProject software (Windows and Mac), which makes it easy to transfer, catalog, retouch, share and save your images to CD or DVD. Also included is a software suite from ArcSoft, including VideoImpression to edit QuickTime movies, and Panorama Maker, which complements the cameras’ Panorama Assist mode. In Use Image quality is amazing, especially when you consider that those 8 million picture elements occupy a sensor about the size of your pinky fingernail. The big problem with tiny pixels is poor low-light and high-ISO performance, but in the course of testing the 8800’s Vibration Reduction system, we made hand-held exposures as long as 5.5 seconds (at ISO 200), and while the longer-than-a-second shots obviously exhibited camera-shake blur (1¼30 second seemed to be about our limit for hand-holding the 350mm focal length, still pretty amazing), image quality was quite good, with surprisingly little “noise,” and good detail and color throughout. Of course, at ISO 50 with good light, image quality is outstanding, in color, dynamic range and sharpness. Due to their wide range of features and tiny size, these cameras are not as easy to learn and use as an entry-level digital SLR such as Nikon’s excellent D70. But a good session with the instruction manual, plus a little practice, will make sure that you press the right button(s)—and only the desired button(s)—every time. And the all-in-one versatility plus some features the D-SLRs lack (such as movie mode and swiveling LCD monitor) makes it worth the effort. Both new Coolpix cameras are great for general shooting. Image quality is excellent. Photo © Lynne Eodice, All Rights Reserved Bottom line: If you’re willing to take the time to really learn these cameras, they offer a lot and are great take-anywhere tools. The 8800’s Vibration Reduction system is very effective, the 8400’s 24mm focal length provides real wide-angle capability, and both deliver excellent image quality. The Coolpix 8800 measures 4.6x3.3x4.8 inches, weighs 21.1 ounces, and has an MSRP of $999.95. The Coolpix 8400 measures 4.4x3.2x3.0 inches, weighs 14 ounces, and has an MSRP of $899.95. For more information, visit www.nikondigitalusa.com. Camera Nikon Coolpix 8800 Category 8-megapixel digicam AF Performance * * * Metering Performance * * * * * Feature Set * * * * * Ease Of Use * * * * Ergonomics * * * * Value * * * * * Camera Nikon Coolpix 8400 Category 8-megapixel digicam AF Performance * * * * Metering Performance * * * * * Feature Set * * * * Ease Of Use * * * * Ergonomics * * * * Value * * * * *