Nikon has announced a new budget-friendly Coolpix S-series digital camera, the S3500. While the press release was unclear as to whether or not it houses a CCD or CMOS image sensor (CMOS sensors typically shoot better quality video, faster still images, and are better in lower lighting scenarios), the S3500's 20.1-megapixel resolution is sure to be one of the biggest image sensors available in point-n-shoot cameras costing less than $140.

This means HUGE photos, which is great. However, smaller image sensors with inflated resolutions may be more susceptible to noise. That may not be a problem with the S3500, mind you. We just need to learn more about its capabilities, hopefully during a full, in-depth review.

The 7x optical zoom lens should cover most of your framing needs, and the lens-shift VR (Vibration Reduction) should smooth out things when the camera is capturing stills or HD video in full telephoto mode. In-camera editing functions like Glamour Retouch and Quick Effects allow users to retouch and stylish photos on the go without having to use computer-based software.

The Nikon Coolpix S3500 will be available in March (2013) with an MSRP of $139.95 in five colors: silver, red, orange, purple, and "decorated" pink.