Friday, April 11, 2008
Nikon Releases P80, 18x Optical Zoom Camera, and WiFi S52C
Posted by Jason Dunn in "Digital Home Hardware & Accessories" @ 01:30 AM
Wow - 18x zoom? Nice! 1 CM macro focusing is equally slick, and with ISO all the way up to 6400 (albeit limited to 3 MP images), this camera looks like a strong performer. It has a "Sport Continuous" mode that allows for up to 13 fps (!!), although certainly at a lower resolution - I think also 3 MP. No real mention of video features though, which I find to be quite a shame - it's 2008, and with many camera makers now offering 720p video, the bar has been raised. Strangely, both Nikon and Canon are lagging behind in this area. More details about this camera here.
On the other end of the spectrum, we have the much smaller and lighter S52C. 3x optical zoom, 9 megapixels, and WiFi for sharing of pictures and uploading. ISO 2000 to boot (though I wouldn't expect much from that). More details about this camera here.
The complete press release is available after the break.
"Nikon Canada Announces Three New COOLPIX Models
COOLPIX P80
“Zooms” in on performance with 18x optical zoom and in-camera VR image stabilization
COOLPIX S52 and S52C with Wi-Fi
Stylishly designed compact digital cameras with advanced functionality and innovative picture-sharing technologies
Mississauga, ON, April 10, 2008 - Nikon Canada today introduced three digital cameras to its popular COOLPIX line-up.
“Nikon Canada is thrilled to announce the new additions to the COOLPIX family. The COOLPIX P80, S52 and S52c all offer something unique to consumers,” said Gregory Flasch, Nikon Canada’s Manager of Advertising and Communications. “The COOLPIX P80 has an 18x optical zoom, which fills the consumer need for an ultra-zoom compact digital camera partnered with Nikon’s unrivalled performance and clarity. The COOLPIX S52 and S52C are new additions to Nikon’s COOLPIX ‘Style’
series and feature the trademark sleek, yet elegant design, incredible portability and advanced imaging capabilities. The S52C features built-in Wi-Fi for additional picture-sharing ease.”
The new COOLPIX models are in addition to seven models announced by Nikon Canada at the end of January this year and round-out the current offering of COOLPIX models.
I. Performance (P) Series
COOLPIX P80
Packing the power of 10.1 megapixels and integrating Nikon’s innovative EXPEED™ digital imaging system technologies, the COOLPIX P80 captures fine details and offers the creative freedom to crop and edit camera images. Legendary Nikon optics in an 18x Zoom-NIKKOR lens covers focal lengths from 27-486mm (35mm format equivalent) and when combined with the in-camera VR image stabilization, steady shots are ensured while utilizing the camera’s versatile zoom capabilities.
The P80 lets users tap into the creativity of digital SLR functions while maintaining the simplicity of COOLPIX models by offering Programmed Auto [P], Shutter-priority Auto [S], Aperture-priority Auto [A] and Manual [M] modes. An all-new Sport Continuous Mode allows users to shoot as many as 30 consecutive pictures at four, six or a rapid 13 frames per second.¹
With light sensitivity ranges up to ISO 6400², it is easier to capture more natural-looking photos with minimal light, or fast-moving subjects with stunning clarity. Composing and reviewing photos is easier too, on the large, 2.7-inch LCD monitor with anti-reflection coating, wide-viewing angle and 230,000 dots of high resolution. A new graphical user interface has an enhanced pop-up design that allows for more precise menu navigation and interaction. An eye-level electronic viewfinder is also available for quick and easy viewing in challenging lighting conditions.
Nikon’s trademark In-Camera Innovations: In-Camera Red-Eye Fix™, D-Lighting and enhanced Face-Priority AF are incorporated into the P80 to make picture-taking easier and the results more desirable. There is a quick access to a selection of 15 different scene-optimized and Movie modes and the ability to shoot pictures in both black-and-white and colour simultaneously.
Nikon COOLPIX P80 Feature Highlights
Exposure modes offering greater shooting control Four exposure modes accessed via the Mode Dial provide greater control over camera operation. Programmed Auto [P] mode automatically selects shutter speed and aperture for optimal exposure. Shutter-priority Auto [S] lets the user select shutter speed while the camera sets the optimal aperture. Aperture-priority Auto [A] offers a 10-step manual control over the aperture setting to let the user decide depth of field. Manual [M] exposure mode provides full control over both shutter speed and aperture settings.
VR image stabilization for sharper results VR image stabilization compensates for the effects of camera shake to realize sharper results without worrying about slight hand movements.
This is particularly helpful when taking advantage of the 18x zoom lens'
super-telephoto focal lengths, or when shooting in lower lighting conditions.
ISO 6400 capability provides extended shooting range Light sensitivity range up to ISO 6400* with manual control, along with auto control (ISO 64-800) and High ISO (ISO 64-1600) settings, creates new opportunities to take sharper, more natural-looking photos in lower light conditions, or to capture fast-moving subjects with clarity. Fixed range auto is also available with the option to limit sensitivity from ISO 64 to 100, 200 or 400.
*ISO 3200 and 6400 are available only for image sizes of 3M (2048 x
1536) or smaller.
Sport Continuous Mode
High-speed continuous shooting settings help keep you ahead of most action scenes. The COOLPIX P80 can shoot as many as 30 consecutive
pictures* at 13 fps in Sport Continuous Mode, or choose the 6 or 4 fps options.
*Feature available only for image sizes of 3M (2048 x 1536) or smaller.
Large 2.7-inch LCD monitor and electronic viewfinder High-quality 2.7-inch LCD monitor with anti-reflection coating, 230k-dots of high resolution, and wide-viewing angle. The P80 with electronic viewfinder offers greater compositional freedom and accuracy under all lighting conditions.
Nikon COOLPIX P80 Additional Features
* Three Unique Nikon Image Innovations:
Improved Face-Priority AF™, In-Camera Red-Eye Fix and D-Lighting
* 15 handy scene modes for optimized shooting in various settings
* Optimize image (including monochrome filter effect)
* Distortion control corrects for barrel distortion
* Macro shooting from as close as 1cm
* Five Movie modes with sound, plus time-lapse Movie mode
* Time zone function for easy setting of multiple locations
* SDHC card compatibility
* Approx. 50 MB of internal memory
* USB connectivity
¹At 3MP and smaller resolution.
²At 5MP or smaller resolution
II. Style (S) Series
COOLPIX S52 and S52C
Combining Nikon's sleek wave-surface camera design with advanced features, the COOLPIX S52 and S52C are stylish cameras that produce incredible pictures with ease. Built on a custom application of Nikon's innovative EXPEED™ digital imaging system technologies and featuring 9.0 effective megapixels, 3x 38-114mm Zoom-NIKKOR lens, optical VR image stabilization and manual sensitivity settings as high as ISO 3200, the COOLPIX S52 and S52C are for consumers seeking an easy-to-use, yet stylish camera.
Designed to capture fine detail with vivid colours, the COOLPIX S52 and S52C with 3x Zoom-NIKKOR lens features Nikon’s optical VR image stabilization technology, which compensates for camera shake and offer high ISO capabilities up to 3200. Users will have more opportunities to capture fast-moving subjects and greater flexibility and clarity when shooting in low-light settings. Both cameras also boast an AUTO ISO control that can automatically select the optimal sensitivity across a range between ISO 100 and ISO 800 and up to ISO 2000 in High-Sensitivity mode.
As with all models in the COOLPIX line-up, the S52 and S52C include Nikon's unique Image Innovations, including enhanced Face-Priority AF™, In-Camera Red-Eye Fix and D-Lighting to make picture-taking easier and the results more desirable. Both feature Nikon’s Pictmotion function, which allows users to easily create an in-camera slide show with music using favourite pictures and movies.
The Wi-Fi enabled S52C can connect wirelessly to Wi-Fi compatible devices for easy uploading and sharing of pictures.
The S52 will be available in black and red. The S52C will be available in silver.
Nikon COOLPIX S52/S52c Feature Highlights
Optical Lens Shift VR image stabilization The COOLPIX S52 and S52c both feature a compact built-in “right-angle” optical VR 3x Zoom-NIKKOR lens. The 38-114mm range (35mm format equivalent) delivers compositional freedom while overcoming the effects of camera shake to produce clearer, sharper images.
ISO 3200 capability for extended shooting range Extended light sensitivity range up to more than ISO 3200 allows users to capture fast-moving subjects or shots in lower lighting conditions with impressive clarity. Also available is AUTO ISO control, which automatically selects the optimal sensitivity for the shot across a range between ISO 100 and 800, and up to ISO 2000 in High-Sensitivity mode.
Huge 3.0-inch LCD monitor
The high-contrast 3.0-inch LCD monitor offers excellent shooting and viewing, even in daylight. The monitor features 230k-dots of high resolution, a wide vertical and horizontal viewing angle of 170 degrees, anti-reflection coating with sophisticated finishing technology and an acrylic panel to prevent scratches and fingerprints.
Nikon COOLPIX S52/S52c Additional Features
* Three Unique Nikon Image Innovations:
Face-Priority AF, In-Camera Red-Eye Fix™ and D-Lighting
* Lightweight with highly compact dimensions
* Macro shooting from as close as 4cm
* Improved menu interface, available in a choice of 23 languages
* Time zone function for easy setting of multiple locations
* Approx. 38 MB of internal memory
* SDHC card compatibility
* USB connectivity
* PictBridge compatibility
Availability
The COOLPIX P80, S52 and S52C will be available from Nikon Canada Authorized Dealers in early to mid May 2008.
EXPEED™ - The New State-of-the-Art Image-Processing System technologies, only from Nikon Built on Nikon’s innovative EXPEED™ advanced digital image processing system technologies and incorporating the precision optics of a NIKKOR lens, the latest Nikon cameras continue the longstanding tradition of industry-leading photographic performance, superior image quality, advanced functionality and ease-of-use.
All in the Box
The new COOLPIX P80, S52 and S52C are ready to go right out of the box, including essential accessories, such as batteries, A/V and USB cables and Nikon’s software suite for transferring and organizing photos.
Exclusive Canadian Warranty
Nikon Canada offers an exclusive two-year warranty with in-Canada service for all COOLPIX digital cameras purchased from a Nikon Canada authorized dealer.
About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the ImageTM, is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment.
Nikon Canada distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and System Accessories; Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras; COOLSCAN® digital film scanners; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics. At the heart of every Nikon camera is Nikon's Exclusive EXPEED™ advanced digital image processing system technologies. All Nikon Canada products are sold through a network of Nikon Canada Authorized Dealers.
For more information on Nikon Canada and its products and services or to find a Nikon Authorized Dealer, visit www.nikon.ca.
**Photos are available upon request
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