Besides the recently unveiled D810A full-frame DSLR for astrophotography, Nikon is showcasing several new Coolpix models at the 2015 CP+ camera show in Japan. From budget to advanced, the cameras are mainly evolutionary models of existing ones, with slight upgrades here and there. Here are the ones that will show up in the U.S. market.
Budget friendly
In the budget category, Nikon is introducing the Coolpix L32, S3700, and S33 pocket cameras.
The L32 and S3700 are as basic as it gets. You’re probably better off using your smartphone, but for kids or anyone who prefers a standalone, easy-to-use point-and-shoot camera, these should do the trick. Both use a 20.1-megapixel CCD sensor, so they’ll only shoot videos up to 720p. The S3700 is the stronger model, and comes with Wi-Fi/NFC (Nikon is also using a new name to describe its wireless connectivity feature, called Snapbridge) and 8x optical zoom lens with image stabilization and Nikon’s Dynamic Fine Zoom (DFZ) that digitally pushes the zoom to 16x. The camera also has Subject Tracking.
The L32 has a 5x optical zoom lens, a 3-inch LCD, and is powered by AA batteries. Both cameras feature special effects and scene modes. The S3700, available in silver, red, and pink, will sellf for $140. The L32 sells for $120, and will come only in red. The cameras are available this month.
The S33 is the successor to the S32, a budget rugged camera. The S33 uses a 13.2-megapixel CMOS sensor and a 3x zoom. It can record Full HD movies, and has 16 creative effects, like videos with a miniature effect and underwater face detection. The camera is waterproof down to 33 feet, shockproof from 5 feet, and freezeproof down to 14-degrees Fahrenheit. Available in March, in white and blue, the S33 will sell for $150.
More rugged
Nikon is also introducing an updated rugged compact in its AW-series, the AW130. This camera has significantly stronger features than the budget S33. It uses a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor, and is waterproof down to 100 feet, shockproof from 7 feet, and freezeproof down to 14-degrees Fahrenheit. It also comes with Wi-Fi/NFC, as well as GPS for geotagging photos and used with the built-in compass, map, and point-of-interest functions. The AW130 has a 5x optical zoom with 10x DFZ. Compared to the previous AW120, the AW130’s improvements are in the rugged attributes.
Megazooms
In the long-zoom bridge category, Nikon has the new P610 and L840.
Successor to the P600, the P610 is essentially the same camera, featuring a 16.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, 60x optical zoom lens, and 3-inch vari-angle LCD. Instead of an optional Wi-Fi dongle, the P610 has Wi-Fi and NFC built in. There’s also GPS, and movie capture has improved to Full HD 1080/60p. We didn’t find the P600 impressive, although it’s a decent mega-zoom with a really long zoom; we don’t think the new features of the P610 are going to improve the performance, but we always reserve judgment.
A less expensive megazoom is the L840. The 16-megapixel CMOS camera has a longer zoom (38x) than its predecessor, the L830’s 34x. Also new is Wi-Fi/NFC, which its predecessor lacked. Otherwise, the two cameras are fairly similar, but the L840 is an improvement.
The P610 will come in black and red, and cost $500. The L840 will also come in black and red, and cost $300.
Advanced compacts
Nikon is introducing three new advanced compacts at 2015 CP+: the S9900, S7000, and S6900.
The S9900 (successor to the S9700; we’re not sure where the S9800 went) is a 16-megapixel compact with a long 30x optical zoom. Features and specs are similar, except Wi-Fi implementation is better (there’s a direct button, too) and there’s NFC. The S9900 will come in black and silver, and cost $350, available in March. If you don’t need Wi-Fi, the S9700 is still available, most likely with a reduced price.
The S7000 has the claim of “world’s lightest design” within its category. The 16-megapixel CMOS camera has a highly compact design that squeezes in a 20x optical zoom lens. The camera has Wi-Fi/NFC, as well as a target-finding autofocus system that lets the user better-track moving subjects. The 3-inch display isn’t as high-res as the S9900’s (460K versus 921K). There is a new creative video function for shooting time-lapse, and 18 scene modes. Available in March, the S7000 will cost $280.
Finally, there’s the S6900. It’s also a 16-megapixel CMOS camera, but it has a shorter 12x optical zoom. There’s Wi-Fi and NFC, and 20 scene modes. The S6900 will also debut in stores in March, for $230. It comes in black and pink (don’t knock the color, it’s surprisingly a best-seller).
