Nikon has introduced a series of new, consumer-friendly Coolpix digital cameras meeting the needs of everyone from point-and-shoot shutterbugs to advanced photographers with more demanding needs—plus a new high-end DSLR camera for the truly serious photo crowd.
Each of Nikon’s new Coolpix cameras utilize the company’s Expeed image processing, and are available in a variety of fashion-friendly colors. “We understand that consumer electronics are now becoming fashion accessories so we are excited to offer the new Coolpix cameras in exciting and ultra-cool colors,” says Nikon general manager for marketing Bill Giordano, in a statement. “Not only do these cameras offer superior styling and elegant design, they also offer the extraordinary imaging abilities that are hallmarks of Nikon products.”
First up, the Coolpix L18 offers an 8 megapixel resolution, a 3×zoom lens, a 30inch LCD display, and anti-shake technology that automatically adjusts exposure and ISO settings to ensure a blur-free image. The camera also features a “carefree” Easy Auto Mode, which lets users snap pictures without having to wory about settings or controls. Expect to see the L18 n March for about $139.99; it’ll come in Ruby Red and Navy blue.
Next, the Coolpix S210, S520, S550, and S600 offer a super-slim option to the Coolpix line. The S210 offers an 8 megapixel resolution, 3× zoom, electronic vibration reduction, and should carry a suggested price of $179.99. The S520 is similar in specs to the S210, but adds a “Food Mode” to its scene selections for capturing close-ups of food at high ISO settings when flash photography isn’t appropriate. Expect to see the S520 for about $229.95. The S550 boosts the specs to 10 megapixels and a 5×zoom lens, and adds a Smile mode (which triggers the shutter when a subject smiles) and displays a Blink Warning when it thinks a subject blinked while their picture was being taken. The S550 will be available in black, blue, and plum, and should also be priced at $229.95. Last but not least, the S600 offers a 10 megapixel resolution, a 4× wide-angle 28-112mm lends, optical image stabilization, and (according to Nikon) the fastest startup time of any camera in its class. The S600 also sports an Active Child mode among its 14 scene selections. The S600 should run around $299.95.
All the S-series Coolpix cameras should be available in March.
The Coolpix P60 appeals to advanced photographers, offering an 8.1 megapixel resolution, a 5× optical zoom, vibration reduction technology, sensitivity to ISO 2000, an an electronic viewfinder for users who like to go old-school and compose their shots by holding the camera close to their eyes. The P60 also features a DSLR-like handgrip, and offers both programmed and manual modes for full creative control over images. Expect to see the P60 in March for $229.95.
Finally, Nikon has also announced its D60 DSLR camera, which shares a form factor with Nikon’s well-regarded D40 DSLR but is also the company’s smallest DSLR to date. The D60 offers a 10.2 megapixel resolution, a super-fast startup time, a 2.5-inch LCD, and a number of in-camera editing and retouching options including red-eye correction, D-lighting (which adjusts shadow and highlight detail). The D60 also features a sensor cleaning system, and an airflow design that channels particles away from the sensor with every shutter click. The D60 should be available in the U.S. in February, although Nikon hasn’t released pricing information yet; the D60 will ship with a 3× zoom AF-S DX Nikkor ƒ3.5-5.6 VR lens.
