dpexpert's only disgreement with the judges concerns the merits of the Face-priority auto focus which we think is one of the weirdest gimmicks to be incorporated into a digital camera. Still, it is something the prospective buyer will have to try for fit.

The COOLPIX 7900 is a 7 megapixel 3x zoom camera which also comes in a 5900 5mp version. They are both very attractive cameras, either in the black or silver livery. They are a little bulkier than the competition because of the small hand grip on the right hand end of the camera. Whether the grip is a boon or a nuisance is another matter of taste – we found it a boon. It can sometimes be hard to get a good grip on these little cameras.

The 7900 is strictly point-and-shoot and there were times when we longed desperately for control over shutter speed and aperture. It is frustrating to have the Blur icon winking when there is plenty of light for a hand-held shot if only the aperture could be opened up.

Results from the camera are nevertheless good, at least in "average" conditions. Colour, focus and exposure are generally spot on, except that like all of these compact digital cameras there is a tendency to over-expose in situations of low contrast lighting and to underexpose in high contrast light. The camera has excellent spot metering and exposure compensation is conveniently located so it is easy enough to adjust.

The 7900 has a reasonably accurate optical viewfinder, awkwardly placed in the top left corner of the camera. It is heartening to see Nikon, Kodak and Canon resisting the super-chic LCD-only approach to viewfinders.

Like this: The NIKON CP 7900 comes up to speed quickly and there is no noticeable shutter lag, provided the half-depressed pre-focus technique is used. And the aesthetics of this camera are simply gorgeous.

Dislike that: While acknowledging that there is a market for a fully automatic camera it nevertheless seems peculiar to market a unit at $800 that doesn't provide for any user control of shutter and aperture. The absence of shutter and aperture priority modes limits the usefulness of a camera that might otherwise be a sensible, pocketable supplement to a single lens reflex.

Parting shot: At dpexpert we have had the opportunity to test the Nikon Coolpix 7900, Kodak V550 and Canon Ixus700 side by side. They all have the same virtues and the same vices. Within the limitations of their specifications they all function well. The Kodak is a 5 mp camera, compared with 7 in the others, but that does not put the Kodak at a significant disadvantage.

We have given each of these cameras 4.9 out of a possible 5 stars, not becauce they are perfect but because – as we have explained elsewhere – we have decided to rate cameras according to how well they perform their clearly intended function. These cameras are intended for technophobes who simply will not try to grasp the most basic concepts of camera use but still expect to produce decent images. For such users these cameras are almost perfect. For anyone serious about photography it is best to keep in mind that these are also marketed as fashion accessories.

THERE ARE SAMPLE IMAGES FROM THE NIKON COOLPIX 7900 IN THE GALLERY

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