Nikon has updated its S range (S for style), bringing a host of new affordable compact cameras to the table. On offer are the Nikon Coolpix S2600, Coolpix S3300 and Coolpix S4300.

All the new models are compact and colourful, offer loads of shooting features and were launched today, when we were able to get our hands on them and have a quick play. We've bundled all the images into the gallery at the bottom of the page, so check the captions to see what's what.

Nikon Coolpix S2600 hands-on

The Nikon Coolpix is an Argos exclusive in the UK, but will be available through other retailers internationally. It's an affordable £69.99 and is already available through the Argos website. 

The slim body measures 93.8 x 58.4 x 19.5mm and although it sits at the bottom of the Coolpix lines, it still feels relatively well made. At 121g, it's light enough and small enough to slip into any pocket or bag.

Controls are simple but it doesn’t throw up any problems in use; 14-megapixel snaps are offered along with 720p HD video capture via the instant record button on the back.

A 5x zoom lens offers a range of 26-130mm (in 35mm terms) and a 2.5-inch display on the back isn't the highest resolution at 230k-dot, but that's to be expected at this price.

It's available in black, red and an interesting patterned purple.

Nikon Coolpix S3300 hands-on 

The Nikon Coolpix S3300 steps up the compact camera range, offering 16-megpixel snaps and 6x zoom lens, giving you 26-156mm (in 35mm terms).

The body is still slim and compact, measuring 94.8 x 57.8 x 19.5mm, and weighing only 128g. The Coolpix S3300 still feels like a good quality camera in the hand and the curves of the edges giving it an attractive design, although there isn't much to grip on to.

It offers 720p HD video capture and a 2.7-inch 230k-dot display, which is a little on the small side, but that can be expected on such a compact camera.

But don't let the price or the features fool you: Nikon tells us that the S3000 was the best-selling camera in Europe in 2010, the S3100 the best-selling in 2011, so maybe you'll be seeing these at every wedding you go to in 2012.

It's reasonably affordable at £129.99 and will be available from 23 February 2012 in (deep breath) black, blue, pink, green, purple, red and silver.

Nikon Coolpix S4300 hands-on

The Nikon Coolpix S4300 is a Jessops exclusive model in the UK, but we're sure you'll be able to get it through other retailers internationally. We don't have an exact price yet, but it will be affordable and hitting stores at the end of February. 

Like the other models in the S range, the Coolpix S4300 is compact and well built, measuring 95.5 x 58.9 x 20.8mm and weighing 139g. You get a 6x zoom lens, offering 26-156mm (in 35mm terms).

It gives you 16-megapixel snaps and 720p HD video, but now you get a 3-inch display around the back, with a higher 460k-dot resolution, so it looks better when taking and viewing photos.

Aside from those small changes, like the other S range cameras it's very much all about point-and-shoot photography and designed for those who just want to take pictures without having to worry about buttons, settings and fiddling around.

The S4300 will be available in black, white, red and silver, although we think the silver looks a little bit gold.