Standout features include the unit's excellent macro mode, which lets you get within an inch of your subject and capture an extremely sharp shot with shallow depth of field. In our tests, the Coolpix P7000 also did the best job of in-camera editing: After snapping a shot, you can choose to have the camera automatically enhance the image via Nikon's Active D Lighting correction, Quick Retouch mode, or skin softening; and you can even apply filters such as a Miniature Mode setting. Unlike competing cameras, the P7000 applies its filters and editing work to a copy of the original image, rather than overwriting the source photo. As is true of the G12, continuous shooting isn't a strong suit: The P7000 tops out at around 1.3 shots per second at full resolution.

The Nikon Coolpix P7000 runs neck-and-neck with the Canon PowerShot G12 at the front of the pack when judged on manual controls and image quality. For most users, though, the G12's entertaining scene modes, better video performance, and impressive ease of use will give it a slight edge. The Nikon Coolpix P7000 is sure to please more-seasoned, DSLR-savvy shooters who know how to handle it.