Nikon Coolpix L100 is a surprise AA-superzoom looking for its niche

While the Nikon P90 is the most expensive and highly-spec'ed of the eight new Coolpix models announced, the new Coolpix L100 is the most intriguing and surprising model. It's obviously not your typical "fun/travel zoom" of the sub-$300 segment, and it's not the mid-range-type super-zoom either. Perhaps the closest thing to this model are the Fuji S1000fd/S2000hd models.

Main Nikon L100 specifications
+ 10mp 1/2.33" sensor
+ 15X optical zoom (28-420mm eq)
+ sensor-shift VR
+ 3" LCD (fixed)
+ EVF
+ 13fps at 3mp (or less) up to 30 frames
- sadly only scene modes and such (no Tv, AV, manual expo)
+ takes four AA batteries (350 CIPA with alkalines, 900 CIPA with lithium)
+ Japanese release is March 13 for 35,000 yen
+ available for pre-order at Amazon for $280