Tech Shout!

Nikon has introduced eight new consumer cameras in its Life, Style and Performance range of cameras. The three cameras in the Life series (L10, L11 and L12) are aimed at general consumers and have a 3X optical zoom and 5.0 to 7.1 megapixel resolution. The slim S50 and S50c models in the Style line have 7.2 megapixel resolution and have optical image stabilization. And lastly, the P5000 in the Performance line is aimed at prosumers who want a small camera, but still want to attach pro-level external flashes.

In addition, the sleek and wavy S50c ‘Style’ camera will have in-built wireless that can beam pictures to other computers and even to well-known web-based photo sharing sites. Nikon’s “Optical VR” image stabilization, the company’s version of shake reduction, is included on the L12, S50, S50c and the P5000.

“The COOLPIX S50 and S50c combine technologies that are Nikon hallmarks: exquisite design coupled with superior optics and high resolution with advanced picture taking functions that allow anyone to take great pictures, ” says Bill Giordano, General Manager Marketing, COOLPIX for Nikon Inc.

Nikon is also announcing the S200 and S500 which shoot at 7.1 megapixels and sport a 3X optical zoom thanks to Nikoor glass. Both of these cameras also have VR Image Stabilization.

Out of all the new cameras launched, the P5000 is the most capable one and can shoot pictures at 10 megapixels. It also has a 3.5X optical zoom and a 2.5-inch LCD screen. Wide-angle and telephoto lens converters can be attached and you can even become a semi-pro by attaching Nikon’s SB-400, 600 or 800 Speedlight external flashes to the hot shoe.

The COOLPIX L10 to L12 models will be the cheapest of the bunch and will start selling in March for $120 to $200. The COOLPIX S200 and the COOLPIX S500 will be available in March 2007 for $250 and $300 respectively. The S50 and S50c will sell in April for $300 and $350 respectively, while the P5000 will hit the stores in March for $400.

Features of Nikon L10 Camera:

Precision 37.5 to 112.5mm (35mm equivalent) 3x optical Zoom-Nikkor lens

2.0-inch 153,000-dot LCD monitor with brightness adjustment

Slim, compact design optimized for ease of operation and maximum enjoyment

High light sensitivity up to ISO 800 equivalent enables faster shutter speeds and better exposure in lower light

Compatible with widely available AA-size batteries

Face-priority AF can detect a human face to provide sharp focus automatically

In-Camera Red-Eye Fix detects, then corrects for the red-eye effect sometimes caused by flash

D-Lighting corrects images compromised by insufficient flash or excessive back light

BSS (Best Shot Selector) automatically selects the best shot from a series of consecutive images

Direct printing to PictBridge-compatible printers

Features of Nikon L11 Camera:

Precision 37.5 to 112.5mm (35mm equivalent) 3x optical Zoom-Nikkor lens

Large 2.4-inch 115,000-dot LCD monitor with brightness adjustment

Slim, compact design optimized for ease of operation and maximum enjoyment

High light sensitivity up to ISO 800 equivalent enables faster shutter speeds and better exposure in lower light

Compatible with widely available AA-size batteries

Face-priority AF can detect a human face to provide sharp focus automatically

In-Camera Red-Eye Fix detects, then corrects for the red-eye effect sometimes caused by flash

D-Lighting corrects images compromised by insufficient flash or excessive back light

BSS (Best Shot Selector) automatically selects the best shot from a series of consecutive images

Direct printing to PictBridge-compatible printers

Features of Nikon L12 Camera:

Precision 35 to 105mm (35mm equivalent) 3x optical Zoom-Nikkor lens

Large 2.5-inch 115,000-dot LCD monitor with anti-reflection coating and brightness adjustment

ISO 1600 capability enables faster shutter speeds and better exposure in lower light

Compatible with widely available AA-size batteries

One-touch portrait button offers easy access to innovative features for in-camera image improvement

Face-priority AF can detect a human face to provide sharp focus automatically

In-Camera Red-Eye Fix detects, then corrects for the red-eye effect sometimes caused by flash

D-Lighting corrects images compromised by insufficient flash or excessive back light

BSS (Best Shot Selector) automatically selects the best shot from a series of consecutive images

Direct printing to PictBridge-compatible printers

Features of Nikon S50 Camera:

Precision 38 to 114mm (35mm equivalent) 3x optical Zoom-Nikkor lens

Large, bright 3.0-inch 230,000-dot LCD monitor with wide viewing angle

Optical lens shift VR image stabilization for clearer, sharper results

Stylish wave-surface design

ISO 1600 capability enables faster shutter speeds and better exposure in lower light

Rotary multi selector facilitates easier operation and playback

Pictmotion with VGA quality, blends images, music and visual styles for all-new in-camera entertainment

One-touch portrait button offers easy access to a selection of three innovative functions, Face-priority AF, In-Camera Red-Eye Fix and D-Lighting which provide the ability to actually improve the quality of images within the camera

Features of Nikon S50c Camera:

Precision 38 to 114mm (35mm equivalent) 3x optical Zoom-Nikkor lens

Large, bright 3.0-inch 230,000-dot LCD monitor with wide viewing angle

Optical lens shift VR image stabilization for clearer, sharper results

Stylish wave-surface design

Built-in Wi-Fi support enables wireless transfer

COOLPIX CONNECT wirelessly sends images from the camera for viewing on a computer anywhere

ISO 1600 capability enables faster shutter speeds and better exposure in lower light

Pictmotion with VGA quality, blends images, music and visual styles for all-new in-camera entertainment

One-touch portrait button offers easy access to a selection of three innovative functions, Face-priority AF, In-Camera Red-Eye Fix and D-Lighting which provide the ability to actually improve the quality of images within the camera

Features of Nikon P5000 Camera:

10.0 effective megapixel CCD image sensor

3.5x optical Zoom-Nikkor lens offering 36-126mm (35mm equivalent) range

Large, bright 2.5-inch 230,000-dot LCD monitor with wide viewing angle

Optical lens shift VR image stabilization for clearer, sharper results

ISO 3200 ( available only for image sizes of 5M (2592 x 1944) or smaller) capability enables faster shutter speeds and better exposure in lower light

Aperture-priority Auto and other advanced shooting modes for greater personal control (P, S, A, M modes controlled with Mode dial)

External flash and converter lens options for greater system expandability

Optical viewfinder

Magnesium alloy front panel

A selection of three innovative functions, Face-priority AF, In-Camera Red-Eye Fix and D-Lighting provide the ability to actually improve the quality of images within the camera

16 scene-optimized modes, seven movie modes, Anti-Shake mode and High-Sensitivity mode

Features of Nikon S200 Camera:

Precision 38 to 114mm (35mm equivalent) 3x optical Zoom-Nikkor lens

Large, bright 2.5-inch LCD monitor with wide viewing angle

Electronic VR image stabilization for clearer, sharper results

Ultra-slim aluminum body

ISO 1000 capability enables faster shutter speeds and better exposure in lower light

Face-priority AF can detect a human face to provide sharp focus automatically

In-Camera Red-Eye Fix detects, then corrects for the red-eye effect sometimes caused by flash

D-Lighting corrects images compromised by insufficient flash or excessive back light

Features of Nikon S500 Camera:

Precision 35 to 105mm (35mm equivalent) 3x optical Zoom-Nikkor lens

Large, bright 2.5-inch 230,000-dot LCD monitor with wide viewing angle

Slim optical lens shift VR image stabilization for clearer, sharper results

High-quality, ultra-compact stainless steel body

ISO 2000 capability enables faster shutter speeds and better exposure in lower light

Anti-Shake mode activates VR and BSS and sets optimal ISO to overcome blur

Power-up within 0.6 seconds; shutter releases in less than 0.005 seconds when “response priority” is set

Rotary multi selector facilitates easier operation and playback

One-touch portrait button offers easy access to innovative features for in-camera image improvement

Face-priority AF can detect a human face to provide sharp focus automatically

In-Camera Red-Eye Fix detects, then corrects for the red-eye effect sometimes caused by flash

D-Lighting corrects images compromised by insufficient flash or excessive back light