Christmas is still months away, but for digital camera buffs, now is the season to be jolly. Camera makers are introducing new byteboxes in batches. The latest to do so is Nikon, which lifted the curtain on eight new Coolpix models today.


Center stage in today's chorus line is the 8.1 megapixel S51c (photo above). Like its predecessor, the S50c, the new camera is integrated with Nikon's my Picturetown service, an online Webstop for sharing and storing photos.

The S51c supports WiFi technology so you can move photos in the camera to any destination on a wireless network-your computer, an Internet site or an e-mail server. Each S51c ships with a six-month complimentary subscription to T-Mobile's HotSpot WiFi service for digital cameras, allowing you to send images and videos to my Picturetown from over 8200 locations.

The unit has a 3x optical zoom, three-inch LCD display with viewing angle of 160 degrees and a maximum ISO of 1600. It also offsets camera shake with optical vibration reduction and a one-touch portrait button for activating the product's face-priority autofocusing feature.

What's more, it lets you correct "red-eye" in the camera, as well as create slideshows, with music, there.

The unit, which runs on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, is expected to start shipping next month at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $329.95.

Here are the other Coolpix models announced by today.

• The S51, which is a S51c without wireless support.


• The 12.1 megapixel P5100 ($399.95), with 3.5x optical zoom, 2.5-inch LCD and maximum ISO of 3200.


• The 8.1 megapixel P50 ($229.95), with 3.6x wide-angle optical zoom, 2.4-inch LCD and maximum ISO of 2000.


• The 12.1 megapixel S700 ($379.95), with brushed aluminum case, 3x optical zoom, 2.7-inch LCD and maximum ISO of 3200.


• The 8.1 megapxel S510 ($299.95), with stainless steel case, 3x optical zoom, 2.5-inch LCD and maximum ISO of 2000.


• The seven megapixel L14 ($149.95), with 2.4-inch LCD, 3x optical zoom, maximum ISO of 1000 and capable of taking up to 1000 shots on a single pair of Energizer e2 Lithium AA batteries.


• The eight megapixel L15 ($179.95), with 2.8-inch LCD, 3x optical zoom, maximum ISO of 1000 and capable of taking up to 1000 shots on a single pair of Energizer e2 Lithium AA batteries.