Back in 2002 Nikon launched one of its most successful models, the Coolpix 4500, a powerful high quality 4-megapixel, 4x zoom camera that became a workhorse for all types of specialist photography, thanks mainly to its 28mm filter thread which allowed it to be attached to telescopes, microscopes, spotting scopes and a wide range of other optical devices. Based on earlier swivel-body Nikon cameras dating back to the Coolpix 900 of 1998, the 4500 enjoyed a production run of four years, as testament to its excellent design and superb image quality.