Back in 2006, Panasonic introduced the digital travel zoom compact camera with its Lumix DMC-TZ1 . Ever since, travel zooms have acquired increasingly longer zooms and ever smaller bodies.

During the first half of 2012, Nikon added four new models to their popular S-series of slim, yet sophisticated cameras; with the flagship model being the Coolpix S9300. It's a super-zoom camera (18x) that's still only 1.5-inches thick.

16-megapixel CMOS sensor; Powerful 18X zoom with wide angle; High resolution 3-inch LCD; Vibration reduction image stabilization; 7fps burst mode at full resolution; Full HD (1080p) video recording; Built-in GPS; 60fps and 120fps burst modes at low resolution

Auto focus is not always fast; Image quality could be better; Battery must be charged in camera; Battery life is low; Low battery indicator appears too late

The Nikon Coolpix S9300 gives you a lot of zoom power in a camera that is small enough to slip into a good sized pocket. It has plenty of features if you are looking for that little bit extra in a digital camera.

Good Points: Picture quality; features; value for money; GPS; Full HD movies; iFrame movies; Image Stabilisation for video and stills; Stereo sound; High resolution (921,000 pixel) LCD screen; 7 frames per second; 360 degree panoramas; 3D shooting mode; Slow motion and fast motion shooting available

Bad Points: No manual exposure controls; slows down when taking multiple pictures with flash; No manual exposure controls

All said and done the 'auto everything' 16 megapixel, 18x Coolpix S9300 comes across as a lot of camera for an affordable price if a big zoom with a broad 25-450mm focal range yet pocket sized dimensions are your chief concern.

Broad focal range yet compact; Built-in GPS; High-class construction

Zoom can be noisy; No Wi-Fi facility; Scroll wheel is a tad slippy

The Nikon S9300 is Nikon's flagship travel compact as as such its highlights include: a 18x optical zoom with built in Vibration Reduction image stabilisation technology; a 16MP backside-illuminated sensor; a sensitivity range of ISO range of ISO 125-3200; Full 1080p HD movie recording at 30fps; a...

Stylish; well-built and easy to use; 18x optical zoom offers plenty of flexibility; Useful/fun high-speed shooting modes; Excellent screen quality

Telephoto reach not quite up there with its rivals; No Raw recording; Image quality not up to that of its rivals

The Nikon S9300 sits at the top of the manufacturer's S – or 'Style' – range, offering a specification aimed at those looking for a compact for their travels. It impresses on paper, but how does it perform when put through the WDC test?

Good LCD screen; nicely designed; general image quality good

Sluggish in use; lack of advanced functionality or manual shooting modes; slight issue with fringing and over-sharpening

The Nikon Coolpix S9300 isn't a whole lot different than its predecessor. Aside from a new sensor and GPS, it's basically the same camera, with a very similar list of pros and cons. The body hasn't changed much, and that's generally a good thing.

Good value for the money; 18X; 25 - 450 mm optical zoom lens in a compact; generally well-built body; Optical image stabilization; Sharp 3-inch LCD display with 921k pixels; Fast autofocus in good light; GPS receiver with compass and large landmark database; Scene Auto Selector picks a shooting mode...

Noisy and soft photos have noticeable detail loss; even at base ISO of 125; Strong highlight clipping at times; No manual controls; save for white balance; Low light focusing not great; Below average battery life; Flash is slow to recharge; Not great for night shots; due to 1 sec shutter speed limit...

THIS CAMERA IS WORTH EVERY PENNY, i had it for 2/3 hours and i already know how to use it, unlike my panasonic FZ45 the slow motion video is ace, the pictures are crystal clear and i also like the panorama feature on it as you dont have to stitch together just pan the view you want and it plays back

Good Sized Screen; Rugged; Nice Features and Settings; Excellent In Low Light; Great Resolution; Fast Shutter Speed; Easy To Use; Good Battery Life

I've already compared the S9300 to the Fujifilm FinePix F770EXR on account of their similar headline specs where sensor and lens are concerned. The Fujifilm is around 10 per cent more expensive than the S9300, and were you paying for just the finish and a slightly longer zoom, you might find that...

Sharp; colourful images; Movie quality; Long zoom; High resolution; Built-in GPS

Few manual controls; Some wind noise on movies; even with noise reduction

This camera takes very good quality pictures in almost any light condition. Small size and versatility makes it a must have for a ski trip, hiking in the mountains, New York sightseeing and when going to a club.