Nikon has revealed three new Coolpix cameras, including its first with a DX-format CMOS sensor. Digital photography has transcended the realm of megapixels and pays more attention to the sensor. Sensor sizes and placement play significant roles in photo qualities. Bringing the DX technology into the Coolpix line, is an adventurous concept that invites a wider band of possible users.
The Coolpix A aims to offer customers the image quality found in a DSLR but inside a compact camera. The Coolpix P330 expands on the groundwork done by this year’s P310 and the new Coolpix S3500 provides an upgraded feature set to the Coolpix S line, including lens-shift vibration reduction. The Coolpix A is the trend setter of this line, offering a DX-format in a compact that previously was only available in Nikon’s DX DSLR camera line. The introduction of the Coolpix A is an event that adds excitement to Nikon’s point-and-shoot offerings as an appealing invitation to more serious photographers.
The COOLPIX A is equipped with a new wide-angle 18.5mm, f/2.8 (equivalent to a 28mm angle of view in 35mm [135] format) fixed focal length NIKKOR lens designed exclusively for the COOLPIX A and a DX-format CMOS sensor for the ease and portability of a compact digital camera with the superior rendering capabilities of a digital SLR camera.
The fixed focal length NIKKOR lens designed exclusively for, and built into, the COOLPIX A maximizes the capabilities of the large DX-format CMOS sensor while also making the most of the superior resolution and rendering characteristics of the NIKKOR lens. The extremely practical wide-angle lens that covers a wide variety of shooting scenes is designed with optics that maximizes lens performance while making the most of the portability of the compact digital camera. Various types of aberrations are effectively reduced for superior rendering performance throughout the entire frame at all aperture settings. In addition, adoption of a seven-blade iris diaphragm allows users to enjoy beautiful and natural blur characteristics.
The COOLPIX A measures approximately 110.0 mm wide, 64.3 mm high and 40.3 mm deep, and weighs approximately 299 g*2. Despite its compact size, the camera’s DX-format CMOS sensor with an effective pixel count of 16.2-million pixels, image-processing engine, and NIKKOR lens enable the same superior image quality, rich tone expression, and color reproduction as digital SLR cameras for high resolutions and sharp rendering. What’s more, in response to users who demand extremely sharp images, the compact body of the COOLPIX A has not been equipped with an optical low-pass filter.
In addition to support for recording of 14-bit compressed NEF (RAW) images, the COOLPIX A is equipped with a number of functions that will make users want to use the camera more often, including a manual focus ring that can be used to achieve creative intent, and a function for recording 1920 x 1080/30p full-HD movies. One major feature of the camera is the metallic look and feel of its design. An extremely durable magnesium alloy has been adopted for the top cover. A leather accent on the grip and dials cut from metal ensure an elegant finish with attention to detail, and a dignified body with a sense of authenticity that will be a source of pride to users.
The COOLPIX A offers a variety of dedicated accessories that enable complete system expansion, including the Optical Viewfinder DF-CP1, the Adapter Ring UR-E24, which enables attachment of lens hoods and filters, the metal Lens Hood HN-CP18, which restricts light passing through the lens without negatively influencing images and also helps to protect the surface of the lens. The COOLPIX A also supports accessories for Nikon digital SLR cameras such as Nikon Speedlights, the GPS Unit GP-1, which enables recording of information such as locating latitude, longitude, altitude, and date and time with image data, and the Wireless Mobile Adapter WU-1a, which can be used to easily share still images and movies recorded with the camera with a smart device (all accessories available separately).
The new COOLPIX S3500 extends the popular Coolpix S series of compact point-&-shoot cameras. Available in a choice of colors, the S3500 sports a slim, compact design, making it the perfect companion for the user that seeks a versatile, convenient and affordable camera without sacrificing excellent performance.
This point-and-shoot is equipped with a 20.1-megapixel sensor to ensure precise and detailed images, whether shooting outdoor landscapes or family portraits. A wide-angle 7x optical zoom NIKKOR lens helps users get close to the action with a focal length longer than any other camera within the budget friendly COOLPIX category. Lens-shift Vibration Reduction (VR) helps reduce blur and camera shake while rendering clear and sharp images in a variety of everyday shooting scenarios.
COOLPIX S3500 users can also take advantage of a variety of in-camera image editing functions for fun and fast edits on the fly. Glamour Retouch and Quick Effects enable the retouching of images to create memorable photos with fun and personalized flair. Whether brightening faces, reddening cheeks or softening skin, the S3500 gives users the ability to flatter a subject with every shot.
Can you judge this camera by how it appears? Proving that appearances can be deceiving, the streamlined COOLPIX P330 offers the outstanding image quality, low-light capabilities and cutting-edge technology of a COOLPIX Advanced Performance camera in a highly portable design. Comfortably bring it everywhere and create photos and videos you’ll cherish for a lifetime. Make your friends and family look great against softly blurred backgrounds. Reveal the warm ambience of a low-light scene around the dinner table. Capture a fleeting moment as a dazzling Full HD 1080p video. You can even share your wonderful shots immediately–and take pictures remotely–with Nikon’s optional Wi-Fi accessory and a compatible smartphone or tablet. For those seeking exceptional performance in a sleek, small camera, the COOLPIX P330 delivers.
What we are seeing in 2013, as we survey brand offerings, is a convergence that offers simplicity along with professional-grade performance in compact camera lines. Digital camera technology is maturing. Manufacturers are honing cameras to reach a wider portion of users. These new cameras aim for the mid-to-high customer who realizes that these cameras offer much better photo performance than what you’d get with a smartphone or tablet. Overall, anyone can now make great pictures and videos. The offerings from Nikon, Canon, Sony, Panasonic and others help you choose how you define great and get those results.
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