Despite an occasional straying here and there, I have been shooting with Nikon camera gear just about my entire career as a photojournalist.

In this millennium many of my duties have been restructured, with tasks added as well as getting a new title – editor.

But all along I have been shooting Nikon.

Until this week.

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I think every family must have a hobby which all (or at least most) members of the family enjoy.  Such common interests are what tie them together (and gives you something to talk about at family picnics).  For my family, growing up, that common interest was photography.  We all played around with both video and still photos, but the true love was probably still photos.  Back then, we used to devise intricate plans for turning the basement into a darkroom (we never did).

Of course, that love of photography has carried me into the digital world, where I am happy to have a very nice digital darkroom on my laptop.  I have all of the tools I need, and the smell is much nicer than all of those chemicals you used to require.

Sadly, I have not been able to get a fancy DSLR camera, like the one my brother has, but then again, when you are shooting fast-moving children who do not understand the meaning of the words, “sit still,” a point and shoot camera is probably best.  As such, I was extremely intrigued when I read an advertisement for the new line of Nikon Coolpix cameras.  My first digital camera, which my Dad gave me when my oldest son was born, was a 2 megapixel Nikon Coolpix.  I have had other cameras since then, but I have to admit that I was extremely excited to attempts a return to the Coolpix line.  Thankfully, Nikon agreed to loan me the Nikon Coolpix S600, their newly released ten megapixel point and shoot camera with an advertised, fastest power up time of any camera in its class.  A bold statement, which we will be putting to the test, along with all of the features of the new Coolpix from Nikon.  Hit the jump and, please, keep your arms and legs inside the review at all times.

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I was in Sams Club yesterday and on three electronic items I price checked to Amazon.com, every one was CHEAPER by $10 to $30 at Amazon.com. This morning I’m noticing that Costco has the Nikon D40 for $699.99 - and sure enough Amazon beats them by $50 (but Riz Camera actually has them all beat by $150! - link - Oops: Just noticed that the 55-200 lens does not have VR image stabilization and my sister say’s don’t buy a telephoto without it - so it’s only a good deal if you don’t want VR). Someone please explain what purpose these warehouse clubs have other than offering gigantic sized portions of pizza sauce, toilet tissue and Diet Pepsi.

(Check out the next page to see what I’ve started to use these warehouse clubs for)…

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