The Coolpix 4500 shares the split chassis of the 995, but adds a host of design, feature and specification improvements that will please advanced and novice users alike. This 4 megapixel digital camera has a maximum resolution of 2272x1704 and a 4x optical zoom.

Manufacturers rarely bundle enough memory so we weren't surprised to see the meagre 16MB CompactFlash card. It's fine for low-resolution shots but it only provides storage for eight high-resolution Jpegs or one TIF shot. On the plus side Nikon now supports the use of IBM's Microdrive so you can pack in up to 1GB of storage.

The split swivel chassis makes it easy to take shots from difficult angles and it's tougher and more compact than its predecessor. The flash has moved further from the lens, where it used to produce too much red-eye. Despite a wide range of manual configurations the 4500 is easy to use thanks to a well-considered button layout and fully automated operation. Advanced users can tweak away with shutter, aperture and exposure control or choose from 16 different scene modes. The 32MB memory buffer makes it speedy to use and if that weren't enough the 4500 also offers macro with auto focus down to three-quarters of an inch, making it one of the best intermediate digital cameras for macro photography. On the down side this Coolpix no longer has the quick-view LCD data panel -- you have to access the menu for information on images taken.

Nikon Coolpix 4500

4 Stars.

The 4500 offers you easy photography from the start and the longer you have it the more chance you'll get to appreciate how much functionality it contains.

Price: $1699.

Phone: (02) 9390 0200.

URL: www.maxwell.com.au.