automatic Noise Reduction feature, which reduces image noise from longer exposures. Other camera features include a Self-Timer mode, which provides a three- or 10-second delay between the time the Shutter button is pressed and the time image is actually captured. A Continuous Shooting mode captures a rapid series of images while the Shutter button is held down, with the actual number of images dependent on the size and quality settings, as well as the amount of memory card space. There's also a Multi-Shot 16 mode, which captures 16 thumbnail images in sequence, arranged in rows of four in the final image. A Movie mode captures moving images, without sound, at approximately 15 frames per second. The length of recording time depends on the amount of available CompactFlash card space, and appears in the LCD monitor.

The Coolpix 2000 stores images on CompactFlash (type I) memory cards, and comes with a 16MB Lexar "starter" card. Given the Coolpix 2000's 1,632 x 1,224-pixel resolution size, I'd recommend picking up a larger memory card so you don't miss any important shots. (Memory cards are cheap enough these days that really suggest you purchase at least a 64 MB card along with your camera.) Images are saved in JPEG format, with three compression levels available. A CD-ROM loaded with Nikon View 5 accompanies the camera, compatible with both Windows and Macintosh platforms (including Windows XP and Mac OS X). Nikon View provides minor image editing and organization tools, for downloading, cataloging, and enhancing images. The camera comes with a set of four single-use AA al