Hands-on with the Nikon Coolpix S210, S520 and S600

Nikon is quietly confident that the Coolpix S210 will be this year's smash hit when it comes to consumer-friendly point-and-shoots. We took a look at the S210, S520 and S600 at the Focus On Imaging camera show -- in picturesque Birmingham -- to see which we think deserves to fly off the shelves.

The S210 is an 8-megapixel compact. It boasts a 3x zoom Nikkor lens with a slightly underwhelming 35mm equivalent focal length of 38-114mm. The 64mm (2.5-inch) screen is par for the course.

The redeeming feature of the S210 is that it's very slim indeed. The aluminium frame feels solid yet feather-light, and is rounded out by the delight of camera control that is the CoolPix signature scroll wheel.

A fun scroll wheel does not a classic compact make, and there's more than a hint of style over substance here. As is traditional with most technology, the manufacturer has compensated for an underwhelming set of specs by offering a wide range of colours for the easily distracted. So you can have the S210 in silver -- if you're boring; pink or purple -- if you're a girl; blue or red -- if you're a boy; or urban black -- if you're a rapper. Boys, girls and rappers can get the S210 now for less than £150. Click through for more Nikons from FOI.

Credit: Rich Trenholm