Calling the new Nikon Coolpix P300 a point and shoot is something of a misnomer. Featuring an f/1.8 lens and 12MP sensor for great low light performance and 1080p HD video the P300 operates more like an entry level D-SLR or high end rangefinder camera—except of course it isn’t. It has an integrated 24-100mm (4x) zoom but the manual controls we’re familiar with from SLRs. What is even more stunning is the price. All this for $329! For those who don’t need the ultra-fast lens Nikon has also released some other great new models…

The new Nikon Coolpix P500 replaces the 26x zoom of the P100 with an amazing 36x optical zoom from 26-810mm. Of course don’t expect to shoot high speed sports at the long end of that range. It isn’t a replacement for a D-SLR and fast lens. But certainly it will provide some amazing reach. It also features 1080p video and a zoom control on the lens for those used to the “pro” feel of D-SLR lenses. And like most super-zooms it features the L-shape and control placement more typical of D-SLR—although at the cost of larger size than the more compact models like the P300.

The P500 can also shoot “slow motion” video at 240fps and the P300 can do it at 120fps—both of course at lower than their full resolution.

B&H is not yet accepting orders for the P300 but Amazon is accepting pre-orders for $329. Similarly Amazon has the P500 for pre-order for $399.