PMA 2005: CNET covers the show

Alongside its new D2Hs digital SLR, Nikon announced a spate of point-and-shoot digital cameras at this year's PMA show. In keeping with Nikon's numerical nomenclature, the Coolpix 4600, 5600, and 7600 come with 4-, 5.1-, and 7.1-megapixel resolutions, respectively. All three consumer cameras have 1.8-inch LCD screens, as well as in-camera red-eye removal and Nikon's D-lighting technology for correcting over- and underexposed shots. Diving enthusiasts will like the 4600's and 5600's compatibility with an optional underwater housing. The slightly higher-end 5.1-megapixel Coolpix 5900 and 7.1-megapixel 7900 have larger 2-inch LCD screens, as well as improved autofocus performance in Portrait mode. The 5900 and 7900 have the same onboard red-eye reduction and D-lighting features as their X600-series cohorts.

Model	Price & availability	Specifications	Special features
Nikon Coolpix 4600	US$200 (S$499) March 2005	4-megapixel (effective) CCD sensor; F2.9-to-F4.9, 34mm-to-102mm (35mm-camera equivalent) 3x zoom lens; SD/MMC media	The 4600 offers in-camera red-eye removal, Nikon's D-lighting feature that corrects unbalanced exposures, and an underwater mode for use with an optional waterproof housing.
Nikon Coolpix 5600	US$280 (S$549) March 2005	5.1-megapixel (effective) CCD sensor; F2.9-to-F4.9, 35mm-to-105mm (35mm-camera equivalent) 3x zoom lens; SD/MMC media	The Coolpix 4600 plus a megapixel.
Nikon Coolpix 5900	US$350 (S$699) March 2005	5.1-megapixel (effective) CCD sensor; F2.8-to-F4.9, 38mm-to-114mm (35mm-camera equivalent) 3x zoom lens; SD/MMC media	The 5900 bests the 5600 with a 2-inch LCD, Face-Priority Auto Focus in Portrait mode, and VGA (640x480) movie capture with sound at 30fps.
Nikon Coolpix 7600	US$350 (S$699) March 2005	7.1-megapixel (effective) CCD sensor; F2.8-to-F4.9, 38mm-to-114mm (35mm-camera equivalent) 3x zoom lens; SD/MMC media	The Coolpix 5600 plus 2 megapixels.
Nikon Coolpix 7900	US$450 (S$849) April 2005	7.1-megapixel (effective) CCD sensor; F2.8-to-F4.9, 38mm-to-114mm (35mm-camera equivalent) 3x zoom lens; SD/MMC media	The Coolpix 5900 plus 2 megapixels.
Nikon D2Hs	US$3,500 (S$6500) (body only) March 2005	4.1-megapixel (effective) JFET LBCAST sensor; compatible with AF-Nikkor and D-mount lenses; CompactFlash media	Updating the D2H, this pro SLR offers an even longer drive mode; improved metering, focus, and color controls; and compatibility with a wireless transmitter and GPS devices.

PMA 2005: what to expect at the show