Nikon Coolpix S3500 ships this month with 20MP CCD, lens-shift VR for $139

We don't tend to get excited about any CCD sensor-equipped point-and-shoot nowadays, but Nikon's Coolpix S3500 has at least one feature that we don't often see on a camera in this price range: lens-shift optical image stabilization, or Vibration Reduction (VR). Otherwise, this point-and-shoot's specifications are par for the course, and include a 20.1-megapixel CCD sensor, a 7x, f/3.4-6.4 optical zoom lens and a rather-weak QVGA (320 x 240-pixel) LCD. It can shoot 720p video, too, though we wouldn't expect industry-leading IQ. At $139, the S3500 is priced right for casual photographers, and its orange, pink, purple, red and silver color schemes should appease most digicam-hungry tweens. Hop past the break for some talking points from Nikon HQ.

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NIKON'S SLEEK AND STLYISH COOLPIX S3500 OFFERS AN EASY WAY TO CAPTURE STUNNING IMAGES

Conveniently Compact, the COOLPIX S3500 is the Perfect Budget-Friendly Accessory for Capturing Moments worth Remembering

MELVILLE, N.Y. (March 4, 2013) – Today, Nikon Inc. introduced the compact COOLPIX S3500, an affordable yet stylish point-and-shoot ready to help users easily capture high-quality images and HD videos. Compact enough for travel without sacrificing performance, Nikon's newest S-series addition supports the simple capture of beautiful, sharp images in a wide variety of settings, from indoors to out on the town. The COOLPIX S3500 offers an upgraded feature set that includes a new 20.1-megapixel sensor, a 7x optical zoom NIKKOR lens and lens-shift Vibration Reduction (VR) technology to help to ensure vibrant and sharp images.

"Nikon's budget friendly COOLPIX lineup provides the shooting capabilities and feature sets needed to preserve every memory, while also offering convenience and affordability. The new COOLPIX S3500 is the ideal choice for the stylish, on-the-go consumer that never wants to miss a moment," said Bo Kajiwara, Vice President of Marketing, Planning and Customer Experience.

COOLPIX S3500: Carry a Classy and Convenient Camera On-the-Go
The new COOLPIX S3500 sports a slim, compact design, making it the perfect companion for the user that seeks a versatile, convenient and affordable camera without sacrificing excellent performance. This point-and-shoot is equipped with a 20.1-megapixel sensor to ensure precise and detailed images, whether shooting outdoor landscapes or family portraits. A wide-angle 7x optical zoom NIKKOR lens helps users get close to the action with a focal length longer than any other camera within the budget friendly COOLPIX category. Lens-shift Vibration Reduction (VR) helps reduce blur and camera shake while rendering clear and sharp images in a variety of everyday shooting scenarios.

COOLPIX S3500 users can also take advantage of a variety of in-camera image editing functions for fun and fast edits on the fly. Glamour Retouch and Quick Effects enable the retouching of images to create memorable photos with fun and personalized flair. Whether brightening faces, reddening cheeks or softening skin, the S3500 gives users the ability to flatter a subject with every shot.
Pricing and Availability:
The COOLPIX S3500 will be available in March 2013 for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $139.95*and will be available in five colors: Silver, Red, Purple, Orange and Decorated Pink.

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By: Unknown On 7:44 PM

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Nikon Coolpix P330 packs 1/1.7-inch 12.2MP sensor and f/1.8 lens, we go hands-on

Caution Coolpix P310 owners: Nikon's latest point-and-shoot announcement may cause you to weep. The P330, as this year's flavor is to be called, offers a handful of upgrades over its predecessor, which launched in February of 2012. First, there's a new larger sensor on board, with 1/1.7 of an inch to work with, compared to 1/2.3 of an inch on last year's flavor. It'll also snap lower-resolution images, which may sound like a step backwards, but the 12.2-megapixel chip should offer superior image quality, along with a sensitivity range of ISO 80 through 12,800. Also new this year is RAW shooting -- a feature that could help position this mid-range model as a companion shooter for advanced amateurs and pros alike, for those occasions where a full-size rig wouldn't be practical. Finally, there's a 5x, 24-120mm f/1.8-5.6 optic with lens-based VR, a 3-inch TFT LCD, built-in GPS, 1080/30p and 60i video shooting and WiFi connectivity with the optional ($60) WU-1a module.

In an atypical move, Nikon graciously permitted us to photograph the P330 before its official debut, so we have some hands-on pics and impressions to share. The camera itself looks very similar to the P310 -- there's a nifty mode dial up top, along with a zoom toggle, control dial, power button, stereo mics and a pop-up flash. It's a solid-feeling compact, though Sony's RX100 does offer a more premium feel (and shooting experience to boot, but for nearly twice the price). Overall, the P330 is a solid entrant to Nikon's midrange lineup, but at $380, it's a fairly significant investment, too. Expect the camera to hit stores later this month in black and white -- you, dear reader, can thumb through our hands-on gallery for an up-close look today, though.Nikon Coolpix P330 hands-onSee all photoswhen.eng("eng.galleries.init")

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The COOLPIX P330: Big Performance from a Tiny Camera

The COOLPIX P330 offers a useful 5x wide angle to telephoto (24mm-120mm, 35mm equivalent) zoom and cutting-edge features in a sleek, portable design for exceptional images and HD video. The P330 has a 1/1.7-inch, 12.2-megapixel backside illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor that offers users the ability to confidently capture vibrant photos with low noise. Additionally, the super-sharp f/1.8 lens is the fastest in the COOLPIX line, rendering photos and Full HD 1080p video with striking clarity in a variety of lighting conditions. The lens also includes Vibration Reduction image stabilization to further reduce the effects of image blur when shooting handheld. Designed for the user who wants a sophisticated camera with the option of an advanced feature set, the COOLPIX P330 includes manual controls (P,S,A,M) and can now capture NRW/RAW images.

The P330 also enables users to enhance their photography with the inclusion of various Scene Modes, as well as Nikon's Easy Auto Mode for capturing beautiful imagery during scenic vacations, celebrations or everyday moments, all with the convenience of a small, portable size. Additionally, the camera incorporates Full HD Video with stereo sound, engaged with just a simple press of the dedicated video record button.

This high-performance camera also comes with built-in GPS capabilities so photographers can easily log even their most exotic travels by pinpointing the exact latitude and longitude where the image was captured.

Pricing and Availability
The COOLPIX A will be available in March 2013 for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $1099.95* and will be offered in Black and Silver. The DF-CP1 Optical Viewfinder will be available for a suggested retail price of $449.96*, and the UR-E24 Adapter Ring and HN-CP18 Lens Hood will be sold together for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $129.96*; accessories will be available in March 2013. The COOLPIX P330 will also be available in March 2013 for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $379.95* and will be offered in Black and White.

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By: Unknown On 7:21 PM

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Nikon announces DX-format Coolpix A with 16.2MP APS-C sensor, $1,100 MSRP

Not ready to shell out $2,800 for Sony's full-frame RX1 point-and-shoot? Perhaps an APS-C compact is more within your league. Nikon's Coolpix A is the imaging giant's answer to Sony's fixed-lens flavor, sporting an 18.5mm (28mm equivalent) prime lens with a maximum f/2.8 aperture, "quick" autofocus performance, a manual focus ring and, at the center of it all, a 16.2-megapixel DX-format sensor. The idea here is that you'll get DSLR (or mirrorless camera) image quality and depth-of-field in a cam you can tuck away in your pocket. It's a concept we've seen manufacturers deliver on before, and now it's Nikon's turn.

There's a handful of DSLR-like features, such as a full-size hot shoe with i-TTL compatibility, a dedicated mode dial, an adapter ring that accepts a lens hood or 46mm filters, and WU-1a WiFi module compatibility. There's no optical viewfinder in the box, but no matter -- you can add one on for a mere $450. You'll shoot 12- or 14-bit RAW image files at a sensitivity ranging from ISO 100-25,600, and you'll pay dearly for the privilege. $1,100 is the MSRP; black and silver, the color. The Coolpix A is set to to hit stores later this month.

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The COOLPIX A: Nikon's First DX-Format COOLPIX Camera

Unlike any other COOLPIX camera, the new COOLPIX A is equipped with a DX-format CMOS sensor that enables users to achieve superior image quality previously only possible with a Nikon D-SLR. The combination of this 16.2-megapixel DX-format sensor and ultra-sharp prime NIKKOR lens firmly positions the COOLPIX A as the reigning flagship camera in the COOLPIX line.

The all-glass 18.5mm (28mm equivalent) prime lens has an f/2.8 aperture, allowing users to shoot with a shallow depth of field to blur backgrounds for professional-looking photos. Even when the sun goes down, the lens offers the ability to turn a fleeting glance into a flattering moonlit portrait with just a press of the shutter. Always ready for the spontaneous moment, the camera's quick AF performance and 4 frames-per-second (fps) burst help users to consistently capture any moment with outstanding image quality.

For those who want to push their photography skills, the versatile COOLPIX A also offers advanced settings to allow shooters to have complete creative control to master nearly any shooting situation. With multiple Scene Modes, a familiar manual focus ring, full manual exposure controls (P,S,A,M), and the ability to shoot RAW/NEF image files, even a simple snapshot can be transformed into artistic expression.

Additionally, the COOLPIX A offers a variety of accessories to enhance the shooting experience, including the DF-CP1 Optical Viewfinder, the UR-E24 Adapter Ring for attaching lens hoods and filters, and the HN-CP18 metal Lens Hood, which helps protect the surface of the lens and restricts light from passing through without negatively influencing images. The camera also has a full size hot shoe port that makes the camera compatible with various accessories such as Nikon Speedlights.

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By: Unknown On 7:02 PM

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Nikon Coolpix S9500, S9400 and S5200 point-and-shoots debut at CP+ (hands-on video)

Ready to check out some more point-and-shoots? That's great news! We've got a few more to share. The first two, the Coolpix S9500 and S9400, are nearly identical, save for a few key features. Appearance-wise, it's difficult to distinguish between the two, especially when they're powered off. Once you flip them on, however, you'll probably notice the S9500's whopping 22x zoom lens, compared to an 18x optic on the S9400. Both include 18.1-megapixel CMOS sensors and very crisp 3-inch OLED displays, while the higher-end S9500 ($350), which is likely to be the only US-bound model, adds built-in WiFi and GPS. Not to be overlooked, the S5200 includes a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor, a 3-inch VGA LCD, 6x optical zoom lens and WiFi for $180.

We caught up with all three compacts at Nikon's CP+ booth this week, and we were quite impressed with the S9500 in particular. Despite the 22x zoom lens, the camera was very thin and light -- it should be able to tuck into a pocket just fine. It included a premium finish, just like its slightly less capable sibling, the S9400, and performed very well during our hands-on. Both of these shooters have sharp OLED displays, which really looked fantastic, along with dedicated mode dials, though we were disappointed to see that Nikon omitted manual shooting options, in favor of some scene presets. The S5200, which was on display in red and blue, had a similar feel and finish, though it was quite a bit more compact, and lacked the OLED screen and mode dial. All of these models are set to ship later this month, but if you're eager to learn more, you can check 'em out in our hands-on after the break.Nikon S9500, S9400, S5200 and L28 hands-on
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By: Unknown On 8:47 PM

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Hands-on with Nikon's Coolpix P520 and L820 superzooms at CP+ (video)

Nikon introduced a pair of step-up superzoom cameras here at CP+, with the P520 designed to meet the needs of advanced amateur shooters and the L820 best suited for casual photographers looking to get a bit closer to the action. Both models include BSI CMOS sensors, with the $450 P520 snapping 18.1-megapixel stills and the $280 L820 capturing 16 megapixels. That first model includes a 42x (24-1,000mm) optical zoom lens while the latter sports a 30x (22.5-675mm) optic -- both offer lens-based image stabilization. Both options feature lens-mounted zoom toggles, pop-up flashes and dedicated video capture buttons, but only the P520 offers a dedicated mode dial, and if you're planning to make changes on the fly, that's really a necessity.

We caught up with the duo at Nikon's CP+ booth this week -- we were expecting some inconsistency between the two based on price and specs alone, but after trying out both models, the Coolpix P520 is far and above the better option. The VGA-resolution 3.2-inch display was incredibly sharp and bright, and the vari-angle functionality lets you snap overhead and below-eye-level shots with ease. The camera was very responsive and the housing felt quite durable -- you definitely get quite a bit for your 450 bucks. The L820, on the other hand, felt very much like a low-end alternative, so unless you're on a strict budget or in the market for a sub-$300 model, you'll want to spend for the P520. You should be able to check out both cameras in retail stores beginning later this month, or you can take a look today in our hands-on after the break.Nikon P520 and L820 hands-onSee all Sourse

By: Dilusha On 9:41 PM

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Review: Nikon Coolpix S01

The compact camera market is in a state of flux at the moment, thanks to declining sales and the rise of high-spec smartphone cameras that can take photos of equal or even better quality. As such, the big camera manufacturers are pulling out all the stops in trying to find the next big trend to save the market, with Wi-Fi and app-toting cameras now hitting the shelves.

With the Nikon Coolpix S01, Nikon has one-upped the smartphones' boasts of being the ultimate take-anywhere camera.

In a body not much longer than a credit card and about as wide as a padded envelope, the Nikon S01 offers 10 megapixel resolution and 3x optical zoom, weighing only 96g/3.4oz.

Are these the most impressive specs you've seen in a compact camera? No, not by a long shot. But Nikon Coolpix S01 is all about size and portability, the convenience of having a point-and-shoot on you at all times without feeling like you're carrying a camera.

But while its size affords great versatility, the ultimate question is whether its limitation of 7.3GB of internal memory (the Nikon Coolpix S01 doesn't accept memory cards) and internal battery (good for about 190 shots) end up restricting that flexibility.

Its £149.99/AU$189/US$179.95 price puts it in the budget price bracket with the Nikon Coolpix S6300, Sony Cyber-Shot W690, Canon PowerShot A4000 IS and others.

Like a prehistoric stone tool, the Nikon Coolpix S01 is pretty simple in its design. There's a playback button, shutter button and zoom toggle on top and a 2.5-inch LCD on the back. And that's it!

The central nervous system of the Nikon Coolpix S01 is the home screen, which is accessed by a small house-shaped icon on the 230,000-dot LCD screen (you can't miss it; it's the only icon there). Within this menu are Shooting, Play, Movie and Set Up options in the first frame.

But this is slightly confusing. One would think pressing the Shooting tab would bring you to your record options, but instead it takes you straight to record mode.

To set the camera's shooting options, scroll down within this main Home menu and you'll find options to set the self-timer, flash mode, special effects (sepia, high contrast monochrome and high- and low-key), exposure compensation, image size and Touch Shooting.

To make things more confusing, pressing the Play tab - as you'd expect - takes you to a slideshow of your images, which you can scroll through either by swiping your finger or by pressing a small left or right arrow at the edges of your image on display.

To access your other playback mode options you have to again press the Home icon, and once you're back in the familiar home menu, scroll down to find your playback mode options - Delete, Favorites, Filter Effects, Slide Show and Print Order - where your record mode options were previously.

And the same principle applies for setting your Movie and Set Up options. It took us a few rounds to remember this, but essentially you must press the Home button, select your activity, jump into that mode, then press the Home button again to go back and make your settings, then press your activity (such as Shooting, Movie) again to finally get started.

It all seems a bit cumbersome for a camera with such a minimalist design and spec sheet, which is aimed at people who want a small point-and-shoot handy for taking photos quickly.

That said, the build quality is fantastic. The glossy, stainless steel body feels durable, while looking chic and modern.

It does seem an oversight not to include a tripod mount, since you might occasionally want to secure the Coolpix S01 to a Gorillapod, but for a simple camera that lacks even a choice of metering modes, we're not about to complain.

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By: Dilusha On 12:41 AM

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