Nikon's Coolpix series gets a refresh
Nikon Coolpix 9300. (Credit: Nikon)
And the updates are as exciting as my headline.
Not that the cameras themselves are boring, just that Nikon didn't do much to separate the new models from the old. For example, the S9300 is the new flagship compact megazoom, but it's still basically 2011's S9100, but with built-in GPS and a resolution bump from 12 to 16 megapixels.
Nikon also updated three other cameras in its S series. The 10x ultracompact S6300 is essentially the S6200, but with a 16-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor, which is good, but hopefully Nikon improved the autofocus some, too. Then there are the S4300 and S3300, two, 16-megapixel ultracompacts (CCD sensors) with 6x 26-156mm lenses. The difference is in their screens: the S4300 has a 3-inch 460K-dot-resolution touch-screen LCD, while the S330 has a 2.3-inch 230K-dot-resolution LCD.
The Coolpix S9300 will be available for US$349.95 in black, red, and silver, while the Coolpix S6300 will be available for US$199.95 in red, black, silver, and blue. The Coolpix S4300 will sell for US$169.95 in plum, black, silver, white, and red, while the Coolpix S3300 will be available for US$139.95 in silver, black, pink, purple, and red. All of them hit US stores in February.
The Nikon Coolpix L810. (Credit: Nikon)
If you're a fan of inexpensive cameras that run on AA-size batteries, you'll want to keep reading.
The Coolpix L810 is the refresh of the L120, getting a 16-megapixel CCD sensor (up from 14) and more zoom. Its lens starts at an ultra-wide-angle 22.5mm and extends to 585mm, or 26x. Other things stay the same, like the 3-inch high-res LCD, and 720p HD movie capture.
I liked the L120 for its higher-end features at a reasonable price, and the L810 offers more (or at least higher numbers) for the same US$279.95 price.
What I wasn't a fan of was the predecessor of the new L26. The 14-megapixel L24 was just a cheap camera in every sense and offered less than competing models for its US$119.95 price. For the same price, Nikon gave the new 16-megapixel L26 a wide-angle 5x zoom lens and HD movie capture, which is much better. The build quality was pretty poor on the L24, so with any luck, Nikon improved that, too.
To go along with these is the entirely new US$119.95 Coolpix S30. It's just a simple 10-megapixel point-and-shoot with a 3x 29-87mm zoom lens and a 2.7-inch LCD. The highlight being that its rugged: shockproof up to 0.8m and waterproof to 3m. And it, like the L810 and L26, is powered by AA batteries.
Look for all three to show up in US stores in February.
The Nikon Coolpix P510. (Credit: Nikon)
For those after the absolute longest lens on a compact camera, meet the new Nikon Coolpix P510.
At roughly the same size as its 36x 22.5-810mm predecessor, the P500, the P510 packs a 42x 24-1,000mm lens.
The P510 also gets a 16-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor and built-in GPS for geotagging photos. Everything else looks to be the same as the P500, but I'm sure there's probably one or two new shooting options. And here's hoping Nikon used one hell of an image stabilization system, too.
In other news, Nikon's fast-lens compact, the P300, gets a minor update, too. The P310 gets the same 16-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor in the P510, but otherwise looks to be the same as the P300, including its f1.8 ultra-wide-angle lens. There is at least one new shooting feature, though. Nikon added a Zoom Memory function that lets you select popular prime lens focal lengths during shooting.
Both cameras will be in US stores in February with the P510 selling for US$429.95 and the P310 for US$329.95.
Do note that pricing and availability in Asia would be confirmed at a later date.
Via CNET ( Nikon Coolpix S9300, Nikon Coolpix L810, Nikon Coolpix P510.)
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