Nikon intros Coolpix 885 digital camera

Nikon today introduced the Coolpix 885. It’s a new digital camera, and it features a 3 megapixel CCD and a 3X optical Zoom-Nikkor lens. The Coolpix 885 can also accommodate Nikon Telephoto, Wide-angle and Fisheye Converter Lenses, and even sports a movie mode good for capturing up to 40 seconds of video at 15 frames per second. Look for the new camera to hit store shelves next month.

The camera features automatic operation, and 12 different “Scene” modes that help users take the best shot for various situations. Selected Scene modes include Portrait; Party/Indoor; Night Portrait; Beach/Snow; Landscape; Night Landscape; Sunset; Fireworks; Close Up; Copy; Backlight and the new Museum mode which cancels the flash all together. A Quick Review button enables users to view the image on the built-in LCD screen.

Automatic Noise Reduction mode cleans up images taken at slower shutter speeds. The Coolpix 885 also features various white balance settings and White Balance Bracketing. Five-area multi autofocus and five-mode speedlight are also integrated.

Coolpix 885 buyers get a plethora of software, too. ArcSoft PhotoImpression 2000, VideoImpression, PhotoPrinter Pro 2000, and Panorama Maker 2000 are all included. Mac users also get a special bonus — a trial copy of Canto Cumulus 5.0 and iView Media Pro have also been included, to help users organize and catalog their digital photos.

Designed to support USB, the camera stores its images on CompactFlash media cards. A 16MB card is included with the camera, along with a 2CR5 lithium battery, lens cap, wrist strap, and USB and video cables. The new camera weighs less than 8 ounces sans battery and CompactFlash card.

The Coolpix 885 will be available in September and carries a suggested retail price of US$599.95.