Nikon has updated its catalogue of digital cameras in its CoolPix range, upgrading the S-Series, P-Series and L-Series models.

The updated 2011 range includes the S-Series for the casual shooter, the mid-range L-Series and the high end P-series for the enthusiast.

The amateur-shooter S-Series remains relatively unchanged since last year, sporting the same simple functionality and high quality imaging for a budget price, with additions like touch screen and high zoom.

The S9100 tops the S-Series line up with 18x optical zoom and a backside illumination CMOS sensor that reduces photo noise during night shots. While the rest of the S-Series (apart from the S2500) can record in HD at 720p, the S9100 is the one model to record in Full-HD.

The S-Series cams weigh up to 214g for the top of its class, while the rest are under 200g. Touch panels make for simple shooting on the S9100, but are downgraded to LCD without touch capability on the rest of the colourful range that includes the S6100 (a revamp of the S6000), S4100, S3100 and S2500.

The S-Series begins at an RRP of $139 for the S2500, coming later this week. The S4100 and S3100 are expected around the beginning of March, while the S6100 will see a mid-March arrival.

A step up is the high performance P-Series, with Full HD recording as well as manual controls for full customising of the photographing experience. Heading up this range is the P500 that features an expansive 36x optical zoom that tops the CoolPix range.

With a highest ISO sensitivity of 3200, the P500 takes high quality images at high zoom with less noise than previous CoolPix models with new image processors to correct image quality alongside the backside illuminated CMOS sensor. Handy functions are thrown in like image-capture during recording and 180 and 360 degree panorama shots.

Following alongside the other major camera brands, the top range like the P-Series offers a smaller megapixel count (12.2 for the P500) but higher quality imaging and better hardware.

The miniature version, the P300 (which sports the fastest lens available, according to Nikon) and the P500 will hit stores in mid-March.

For everyone who sits in the middle, Nikon has updated its L-Series cameras with the successor to the L110, the L120, and the smaller L23.

The L120 features 21x optical zoom on top of 14.1 megapixels, but a zoom button on the side of the lens rather than a lens ring is a downside to this compact version of a typical DSLR. Also, running on AA batteries seems a bit outdated, but does allow for approximately 330 still images or around three hours of HD video recording.

The L23 is the entry-level model in this series offers a basic 10.1 megapixels, 5x optical zoom and an Easy Auto function for the amateur point-and-shooter.

The L120 is out now, but the L23 won’t hit shelves until April.

Full pricing and the exact release dates are yet to be tipped for Australia. Updates on specifics to follow.