Nikon Coolpix P80 (Rs. 20,000)

Sporting SLR-like looks and controls, the 10 MP Nikon Coolpix P80 features a dominating 27-486mm Nikkor-branded 18x optical zoom with OIS. Given this focal range, the lens should be good for shooting in enclosed spaces as well as long range photography. Vibration Reduction (VR) built in to the camera helps avoid camera shake and is quite useful when using the long end of the zoom. Unlike Canon's OIS that shifts the lens elements, the P80 uses sensor-shift VR that shifts the CCD rather than moving the lenses to counteract any camera shake. The P80 sports a 2.7-inch (230k) LCD screen at the back as well as a 0.24-inch electronic viewfinder (EVF). The camera offers 23 scene and shooting modes, including the PASM exposure modes. ISO sensitivity ranges from ISO 64-6400.Two Auto ISO modes can select ISO sensitivities from the lowest to either ISO 400 or 800 maximum. The P80 has 50 MB of built in memory as well as SD card slot. Power is drawn from a proprietary EN-EL5 Lithium Ion battery and connectivity options include USB for data transfer to computers and the like, and AV output connectivity. For the price that it commands, you should ideally get a dealer bundled 2 GB SD card, batteries + charger and a carry case.