Nikon today updated its compact digital camera lineup with three superzoom compact cameras, a pair of underwater ruggedized cameras, and two fashion compact digital cameras, as well as a 800mm and 18-35mm lenses for its lineup of full-frame DSLRs.
New Pro Lenses Cover Extremes
Both the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR lens and the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5 ED lens are designed for full compatibility with Nikon’s FX-format full-frame sensor DSLRs such as the recently-announced Nikon D600.
The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR (available now for pre-order from Adorama Camera for ) is a supertelephoto lens for professional sports and wildlife photographers. This lens had its first field tests at the London Olympics games, and is said to offer optical handling and performance and vivid color reproduction. It is the first Nikon lens constructed of 20 elements in 13 groups, with two fluorite glass elements, along with two ED glass elements and a Nano Crystal Coat to minimize chromatic aberration and flaring. It has Vibration Reduction that Nikon says adds four stops of shutter speed correction. Nikon also announced a 1.25x matched tele converter that turns the lens into a 1000mm lens with an f/7.2 maximum aperture. Full AF is possible with the Nikon D4, Nikon D800, and Nikon D600 DSLRs.
The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5 ED (available for pre-order now from Adorama Camera for ) is an ultra wide-angle lens that is well-suited for tight interiors, architecture and HD video capture. Nikon says it is optimized for high pixel count DSLRs such as the Nikon D800 and D600, and focuses as close as 11 inches. Made of 12 elements in 8 groups, it weighs 0.85 pounds, relatively light for its class.
Superzoom Compact Trio
Nikon also introduced three superzoom compact digital cameras. The 18MP BSI CMOS-sensor Nikon Coolpix P520 camera offers the longest range, with a 42x 24-1000mm (35mm equivalent) lens. Lens-shift vibration, essential when shooting at longer focal lengths, is included, and the camera offers both full automation and full automatic operation—as well as intermediate levels of control. The camera has a 3.2-inch Vari-Angle LCD monitor as well as an eye-level electronic viewfinder, and can shoot full HD 1080p video with stereo sound. A built-in GPS feature allows users to geotag their photos. While the camera doesn’t have built-in Wi-Fi, the WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter2 is an optional accessory that lets you share images online. Look for the Nikon Coolpix 520 in February at Adorama Camera for approximately $449.95. It is available now for pre-order in Black, Grey, and Red.
The Nikon Coolpix L820 is a more modestly priced, 30x optical zoom camera with a 16MP CMOS sensor, vibration reduction, and a focal range that starts at an unusually wide 22.5mm and ranges to 675mm (35mm equivalents). It is backed by a 3-inch LCD monitor, and has a feature set designed to appeal to basic snapshooters who want to enjoy the long zoom range. Special effects can be applied to images, including Glamour Retouch, Skin Softening, Red Eye Fix, Smart Portrait and more. The camera runs on AA batteries. The Nikon Coolpix L820 will be available from Adorama Camera in February for $297.95 and can be pre-ordered now.
Slim and pocketable despite its 22x 25-550mm (35mm equivalent) lens, the Nikon Coolpix S9500 has an 18MP backside illuminated CMOS sensor that Nikon says is ideal for capturing high-quality images in low light. The camera has Vibration Reduction, 1080p HD video with stereo sound, a 3-inch LED monitor, and numerous special effects including Glamour Retouch and Skin Softening. The S9500 is also the only Nikon superzoom to offer built-in Wi-Fi for wireless image and video sharing via compatible smartphones and tablets. The Nikon Coolpix S9500 will be available from Adorama Camera in February for around $219.95. It can be pre-ordered from Adroama now in Black, Silver, and Red.
Waterproof Action
Nikon added the Nikon Coolpix AW110 to its underwater camera portfolio. In addition to built-in GPS and Wi-Fi that lets users share images via their smart phones or tablets, the AW110 is waterproof (down to 59 feet), shockproof (6.7 feet drops), and freezeproof (to 14 degrees f). Its 16MP BSI CMOS sensor captures up to 1080p full HD video, and it offers a 3-inch LCD monitor with what Nikon describes as an intuitive user interface. Look for it at Adorama in February for $349.95. It will be available in Orange, Black, Blue, or Camouflage.
The Nikon Coolpix S31 is a simple affair designed for casual family snapshots that emphasizes ease of use. It can withstand childrens’ treatment thanks to its waterproof (down to 16.5 feet) dustproof and shockproof (to 3.5 feet) tough design. It is backed by a 2.7-inch LCD monitor and captures HD video with its modest 3x zoom lens. It is a budget-priced camera that will be available in February at Adorama Camera for approximately $119.95. It is available now for pre-order in Blue, White, Pink, Brown, and Yellow
Budget Busters
Finally, Nikon added a pair of low-cost compact digital cameras to its lineup, The Nikon Coolpix S5200 and Nikon Cooplix L28. At the Adorama Camera price of $179.95, the Nikon Coolpix S5200 is one of the least expensive Wi-Fi compatible compact digital cameras so far. Sporting a 16MP CMOS sensor, 26-156mm (35mm equivalent) 6x optical zoom lens, and 3-inch LCD monitor, the S5200 promises ease of use and a variety of retouching effects for people photos. The Nikon Cooplix L28 is expected to cost $119.95 and include a 5x zoom lens, 20MP sensor, and 3x zoom lens. Both cameras will take AA batteries.
