2004 looks to be the year of the 8-megapixel camera. We take a look at Nikon's latest offering.

Here's something for enthusiasts to get really excited about: 2004 looks like the year of the 8-megapixel camera. It all started with Sony's Cyber Shot DSC-F828, whose sensor will be making the rounds of 8-megapixel enthusiast cams later this year. Nikon hopes to build on the popularity of its 5-megapixel Coolpix 5700 with its 8-megapixel successor, the Coolpix 8700.

Upside: Because this 8-megapixel sensor's photodiode is larger than that of the typical 5-megapixel CCD, the jump in resolution shouldn't have the same drawbacks as stepping up from 4 megapixels to 5. Plus, Nikon claims that the 8700 performs better than the relatively sluggish 5700; the new model's burst mode, for example, is rated at 2.5 frames per second for up to 5 frames. And the 8700 should prove enticing for upgraders; its body is similar to the 5700's, and the two cameras take the same accessories.

Downside: Compared with the 5700's 8x zoom lens, the 8700's f/2.8, 38mm-to-280mm (the 35mm-camera equivalent) 8x zoom lens has a slightly narrower range and gives up some precious wide-angle territory.

Outlook: Competition between the 8-megapixel upstarts and the increasingly cheaper dSLRs will make digital-camera choices even tougher. Enthusiasts will have to decide if they want an SLR's flexibility and feel or a higher resolution. The 8700 is available for AU$1,999. We'll keep you posted.