Nikon on Tuesday introduced its 2006 Coolpix digital camera line. The company’s Coolpix cameras are point-and-shoot models aimed at consumers. The seven new cameras range in price from $149.95 to $449.95 depending on features.
All of the new cameras feature Nikon’s in-camera red eye fix, “Face-Priority” autofocus, D-Lighting, which can compensate for excessive backlight and insufficient flash, blur warning and Best Shot Selector, which can automatically identify and save the sharpest of ten sequential shots.
All the new cameras feature “TV Quality Movie Mode” — movie recording at up to 30 frames per second with sound, noise reduction to improve shots made in low light conditions, help button and choice of white balance selection.
L Series
The Coolpix L Series cameras are new low end cameras aimed at beginning digital camera users. The L2, L3 and L4 cost $249.95, $199.95 and $149.95 respectively, and are coming in February and March. The cameras use 3x optical zoom lenses, 2.0-inch LCD viewfinders and are less than one inch thick. They’re powered by AA batteries and use SD memory cards.
The L2 has a 6.0 megapixel sensor; the L3 has a 5.1 megapixel sensor and the L4 has a 4.0 megapixel sensor. They also feature 15 scene modes, single and continuous auto focus and other features.
S Series
The new Coolpix S5 and S6 feature 6.0 megapixel sensors and 3x optical zoom ED glass lens. They also feature “Pictmotion,” which combines images and music (Windows users can upload their own digital music; Mac users are left out of this capability, apparently).
The S5 touts a 2.5-inch LCD and the S6 a 3.0-inch LCD. They also have “Rotary Multi Selectors” that let you scroll through a new menu system; a standalone one-touch portrait button and more. The S6 also features built-in WiFi connectivity, which you can use to transfer files to a computer or to a PictBridge-compatible printer.
Both cameras are coming in March. The S5 will cost $349.95, the S6 $449.95.
P Series
The Coolpix P3 and P4 cameras have 8.1 megapixel sensors and incorporate vibration reduction technology originally developed for Nikon’s Single Lens Reflex (SLR) lenses. Two modes help compensate for normal movements associated with handheld moving, or more pronounced movements associated with moving vehicles.
Both cameras include 11 wide-area autofocus and broader exposure control settings, 16 shooting modes, including nine advanced scene modes, continuous shooting at up to 1.8 frames per second with a five-shot buffer and more. The P3 features WiFi, as well.
The P3 and P4 are coming in March 2006 for $449.95 and $399.95 respectively.