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| Click photo to see more views of Nikon's new Coolpix lineup, including the S600, shown here. |
In the lead-up to the PMA trade show in Las Vegas, NV, Nikon has added six new models to its Coolpix line of point-and-shoots. Here's a look at their resolution, lens, and viewfinder specs:
L18: 8 megapixels; f/2.8-4.7, 35-105mm 3x zoom lens; 230,000-dot, 3-inch LCD
P60: 8.1 megapixels; f/3.6-4.5, 36-180mm 5x zoom lens; 153,000-dot, 2.5-inch LCD; 201,000-dot, 0.2-inch EVF
S210: 8 megapixels; f/3.1-5.9, 38-114mm 3x zoom lens; 230,000-dot, 2.5-inch LCD
S520: 8 megapixels; f/2.8-4.7, 35-105mm 3x zoom lens; 153,000-dot, 2.5-inch LCD
S550: 10 megapixels; f/3.5-5.6, 36-180mm 5x zoom lens; 230,000-dot, 2.5-inch LCD
S600: 10 megapixels; f/2.7-5.8, 28-112mm 4x zoom lens; 230,000-dot, 2.7-inch LCD
The P60 and S520 offer optical image stabilization, and the S210, S550, and S600 provide Nikon's electronic image stabilization, which uses a motion-tracking system to calculate the optimal exposure settings for a sharp shot. The L18 is the sole model of the bunch that provides only a digital "Anti-Shake AE" system, which boosts ISO and shutter speed settings to control blur. The S600, S550, and S210 LCDs provide a wider viewing angle (170 degrees) than the other cameras' (according to Nikon), and the S-series screens have an anti-reflective coating that the P60 and L18 LCDs lack. Nikon claims that the S600 distinguishes itself by offering an exceptionally fast start-up time of 0.7 second. Unlike the ultracompact S-series cameras, which have lithium-ion cells, the bulkier P60 and L18 run on AAs.
Among the notable features that all of the new cameras share are face-detection, redeye correction, Nikon's D-Lighting function for opening up shadow areas, and the company's Best Shot Selector, which takes a series of shots and saves the sharpest one. Every model except for the P60 offers a Face Zoom-in function in review mode for quickly magnifying faces as you scroll through images. The P60, which is designed for more advanced photographers, is the only model to offer a histogram display and Nikon's Optimize Image menu for selecting color and monochrome filter effects. The S600 provides a new Pastel mode for applying watercolor effects to images. All of the new models offer a top light-sensitivity setting of ISO 2000, with the exception of the S600, which goes up to ISO3200, and the L18, which hits its limit at ISO 1600. Unlike some point-and-shoots from other manufacturers, the Coolpix cameras can shoot at full resolution all the way up to their top ISO settings.
All of the new Coolpix cameras offer Nikon's standard 14 scene modes in addition to plain automatic shooting. The P60 is the only one to offer a manual exposure mode. Several of the models make new additions to Nikon's array of automatic shooting modes: The S600 has an Active Child autofocus tracking mode; the P60, S550, S520, and S210 include a Fireworks Show mode; the S520 offers a Food mode; and the S550 provides a Smile Mode that releases the shutter automatically when someone in front of the camera smiles. Its on-screen Smile Indicator gauges the degree to which your subjects are smiling on a five-point scale, and the Smile Mode can be set to fire at any of the points. The S550 also includes a Blink Warning feature that alerts you if someone blinks during a shot. All of the new cameras except for the S600 feature a Panorama Assist mode, and the S520 has a 1:1 image format mode for shooting square photos. The S520 also has a Favorite Scene function that lets you make your three favorite scene modes quickly accessible. In addition to the 30fps VGA video capture that all of the cameras are capable of, the S550, S520, and S210 can shoot timelapse movies.
All of the new Coolpix cameras will be available in March 2008 with the following color finish options and retail prices:
L18: $139.95; Ruby Red, Navy
P60: $229.95; Matte Black
S210: $179.95; Plum, Graphite Black, Cool Blue, Brushed Bronze
S520: $229.95; Plum, Graphite Black
S550: $229.95; Plum, Graphite Black, Cool Blue
S600: $299.95; Slate Black
Nikon has also announced the Nikon D60, an upgrade of the popular D40x DSLR, and several new lenses.
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