Nokia is bringing its N86 smartphone to the U.S. market, and the high-end handset could be enticing for users who want to take pictures on-the-go.

The company worked closely with lens-maker Carl Zeiss to ensure the device could be a strong alternative to a standalone digital camera. It has an 8-megapixel camera with dual LED flash, auto-focus features, and a mechanical shutter for snapping pictures at quick speeds.

The handset also comes with integrated Wi-Fi, 3G capabilities, and GPS, and all of these can be used with the photos users take. N86 users can wirelessly upload pictures to photo-sharing sites such as Flickr and Facebook, as well as geotag the pictures.

The N86 isn't just a cameraphone though, as it is a full-fledged smartphone powered by Symbian S60. This means it can receive e-mail over the air, send instant messages, multitask, and download new applications from Nokia's Ovi Store.

Nokia's handset will also be a capable multimedia device, as it can play games from the company's N-Gage gaming platform, and play various types of audio and video files. Video files should look good as well because the N86 has a 2.6-inch OLED glass screen.

Like the company's flagship device, the N97, the N86 wasn't picked up by a U.S. carrier and will be sold unlocked for about $588. Users won't have to sign a contract when buying the device, but the high price tag may limit its appeal particularly because consumers can get subsidized 8-megapixel cameraphones from AT&T and T-Mobile for under $200 with a new, two-year contract.

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