Nikon announces two new Coolpix compacts
By
Michael R. Tomkins, The Imaging Resource
(Tuesday, February 18, 2003 - 00:01 EST)
Nikon USA has today announced two new digital cameras bringing new capabilities to its Coolpix digital camera line.
The Coolpix 2100 and 3100 are similar models overall, and both share an interesting new "Framing Assist" mode that promised to help beginners take better photographs. (Mor advanced users will probably equally appreciate the ability to quickly set up the camera for a snapshot, for those times when you don't need total control over every parameter of the camera).
"Framing Assist" mode groups available are Portrait, Landscape, Sports, and Night Portrait, and in these modes there are a number of preset situations (for example in Portrait, you can opt for a single person in the left or right of the photo, a central close-up, a portrait of a couple, or a portrait of a figure from the waist up). When you select the particular framing assist mode you want, an outline is drawn on the screen to guide you in framing the picture, and the camera bases its exposure and focusing decisions on the position of the subject in the frame. Simple, elegant, and likely to go a long way to ensuring photos come out right the first time - if you take the time to choose the correct Framing mode.
Other features of the Coolpix 3100 include a 3.34 megapixel CCD, 3x optical zoom lens, 1.5" LCD display, USB 2.0 connectivity and Type-I CompactFlash storage. The Coolpix 3200 opts for a slightly larger 1.6" LCD display, 2.0 megapixel resolution and a slightly more telephoto 3x optical zoom lens. Both cameras will ship next month, with the E3100 costing $349.95, and the E2100 costing $249.95. Full specifications follow:
Nikon Coolpix 3100 / 2100
|
|
|
Type |
E3100 / E2100 Digital Cameras |
Effective Pixels |
3.2 million (E3100) / 2.0 (E2100) |
CCD |
1/2.7" high-density CCD; total pixels: 3.34 million (E3100) |
Image Size (pixels) |
2,048 x 1,536 (2048) (E3100 only) |
1,600 x 1,200 (1600) |
1,024 x 768 (1024) |
640 x 480 (640) |
|
Lens |
3x Zoom Nikkor |
Focal Length |
E3100: F = 4.7 - 14.1mm (35mm [135] camera-format equivalent: 38 - 115mm) |
E2100: F = 5.8 - 17.4mm (35mm [135] camera-format equivalent: 38 - 114mm) |
|
F/-number |
E3100: f/2.7 - f/4.9 |
E2100: f/2.6 - f/4.7 |
|
Construction |
Seven elements in six groups |
Digital Zoom |
4x (35mm [135] camera-format equivalent: 460mm) |
Autofocus (AF) |
Contrast-detect through-the-lens (TTL) AF |
Focus Range |
30cm (1') - infinity; macro mode 4cm / 1.6" (W) - infinity |
Focus-Area Selection |
Center with five-area selection in frame assist mode |
Viewfinder |
Real-image zoom viewfinder with LED indication |
Magnification |
0.34 - 1.27 x |
Frame Coverage |
Approximately 82% |
Monitor |
E3100: 1.5" 110,000-dot, low temperature polysilicon TFT LCD monitor with five-level brightness adjustment |
E2100: 1.6" LCD |
|
Frame Coverage (Shooting mode) |
Approximately 97% horizontal and 97% vertical |
Storage Media |
Type-I CompactFlash (CF) cards |
File System |
Compliant with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF), Exif 2.2, and Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) |
File Formats |
Compressed: JPEG-baseline-compliant |
Movies: QuickTime |
|
Exposure Metering |
256-segment matrix metering linked to AF area |
Exposure Control |
Programmed auto exposure with exposure compensation (-2.0 - +2.0EV in steps of 1/3EV) |
Range (ISO 100 equivalent) |
W: 4 ~ 17.5EV |
T: 5.5 ~ 17EV |
|
Shutter |
Mechanical and charge-coupled electronic shutter |
Speed |
4 - 1/3000 second |
Aperture |
Electronically-controlled preset aperture |
Range |
E3100: Two steps (f/2.8 and f/5.6 [W]) |
Sensitivity |
Approximately equivalent to ISO 50 (auto gain to ISO 800 equivalent) |
Self-timer |
Ten-second duration |
Built-In Speedlight
Range (approx.) |
0.4 - 3.0m / 1'4" - 9'10" (W) |
0.4 - 1.7m / 1'4" - 5'7" (T) |
|
Flash Control |
Sensor flash system |
Interface |
USB |
Video Output |
Can be selected from NTSC and PAL |
I/O Terminals |
DC in; video out / digital I/O |
Power Sources |
Two rechargeable Nikon EN-MH1 NiMH batteries |
One CRV3 lithium battery |
Two LR6 (AA) nickel manganese, NiMH, or NiCad batteries |
EH-61 AC adapter |
|
Approximate Battery Life |
80min (EN-MH1) / 150min (CRV3). Measured at standard temperature (20°C / 68°F) with fully-charged batteries under standard Nikon test conditions: zoom adjusted with each shot, flash used in approximately one third of shots, image type set to Normal |
Dimensions (W x H x D) |
87.5 x 65 x 38mm (3.44" x 2.46" x 1.50") |
Approximate Weight |
150g (5.4oz) without battery or memory card |
Operating Temperature |
0 - 40°C (32 - 104°F) |
Operating Humidity |
Less than 85% (no condensation) |
More Photos
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
.
|
|
Original Source Press Release:
NEW NIKON® COOLPIX® 3100 - NIKON'S SMALLEST DIGITAL CAMERA EVER - RAISES THE BAR FOR DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
New Breakthrough "Scene Assist" And "One Touch Red-Eye Fix™" Features 'Change the Face' Of Digital Pictures
MELVILLE, NY, February 18, 2003 - Have you ever wished you had a camera that could actually help you take better pictures? Balanced composition, proper exposure and best of all, no hassle! Nikon has answered this challenge with the new Nikon Coolpix 3100 (www.nikoncoolpix.com), Nikon's smallest and among the fastest Coolpix digital camera ever and the first to offer the exclusive new Scene Assist function to help almost anyone become a better photographer. About the size of a deck of playing cards, this 3.2 effective Megapixel digital camera with a 3x Optical Zoom-Nikkor lens minimizes shutter lag and combines groundbreaking features to help almost anyone produce crisp, clear prints at sizes of up to 11x14-inches.
The Nikon Coolpix 3100 and NikonView 6.0 software solve common photo mistakes such as out-of-focus portraits, crooked landscapes and typical red-eye situations with two digital photography firsts. The camera utilizes enhanced Scene Modes with Nikon's new Scene Assist to make picture-taking faster and easier for beginning digital photographers and the exclusive One-Touch Red-Eye Fix™ found on NikonView 6.0 to make correcting red-eye in most digital photos easier than ever.
"The Nikon Coolpix 3100 introduces truly breakthrough technology that is designed for the first time digital buyer," said Jerry Grossman, vice president, marketing, Consumer Digital Products and Compact Cameras, Nikon Inc. "Our unique combination of legendary Nikon quality and 'new and exclusive' features in a new ultra-compact design take digital photography to an entirely new level."
On-Board Photography Expert - 14 Scene Modes and All New Scene Assist
Nikon's new Scene Assist takes 4 of the most popular Scene Modes to another dimension using transparent technology to guide the photographer toward the ideal composition, focus area and exposure for each and every shot. Scene Assist acts as a photography expert built right into the camera and ready upon command. For example, when taking an off-center portrait using Scene Assist, a graphical overlay visible on the LCD helps the photographer compose the shot, and then adjusts focus and exposure automatically. "It helps beginners solve the most common photography problems, such as out of focus subjects, which are frustrating for most novice photographers," said Grossman.
Nikon's 14 Scene Modes and groundbreaking Scene Assist make it easy for almost anyone to capture amazing pictures. With a turn of the dial, 4 of the most popular Scene Modes - Portrait, Landscape, Sports and Night Portrait - are easily accessible and each feature Scene Assist.
10 additional Scene Modes are menu accessible and make capturing a great exposure of that perfect moment as easy as "point and shoot." Scene Modes range from Beach/Snow, Sunset, Dawn/Dusk, Night Landscape, Party, Museum, Fireworks, Close-Up, Copy and Backlight.
In addition to Scene Modes, the Nikon Coolpix 3100 can imprint the date and time on its digital images and prints, which make it simple to catalog and remember important events. With the Nikon Coolpix 3100, digital images can also be viewed as a slide show while still in the camera. Friendly design and a new GUI (Graphical User Interface) means that these cool features are never more than a click or two away - one function, one button.
Nikkor Optics - It All Starts With the Lens
The lens on a digital camera plays a vital role in making quality photos. The Nikon Coolpix 3100 employs a 3x Optical Zoom-Nikkor lens with a zoom range of 38-115mm (35mm equivalent) for incredibly sharp, vivid images. More professionals choose Nikkor lenses than all other brands combined and that same quality is built into the Nikkor lens of every Nikon Coolpix digital camera, including the Nikon Coolpix 3100.
Get the Red Out! - NikonView 6.0 and Nikon's Exclusive One-Touch Red-Eye Fix™ Software
No more red-eyes and no more work! Anyone who has ever taken a photograph has experienced the dreaded red-eye. Now, all Nikon Coolpix 3100 digital cameras will feature the latest version of NikonView 6.0, complete with Nikon's new and exclusive One-Touch Red-Eye Fix software, which instantly fixes red-eye with the touch of a button from most typical red-eye digital photos without having to box in or highlight the eyes. Best of all, the One-Touch Red-Eye Fix software only fixes the red eyes without affecting any other red items throughout the photo. Nikon is the only photo manufacturer offering this powerful One-Touch red-eye removal tool, which will revolutionize digital photography for Nikon digital camera users.
Nikon Coolpix 3100 Shooting Options - It's Your Choice
Whatever your shooting pleasure, the Nikon Coolpix 3100 is equipped with the tools to accommodate your needs. Frame the shot within the Optical viewfinder or use the 1.5-inch LCD display�choose what works best for you! For those who like to get close to their subjects, the camera's Macro Shooting Mode can take crystal clear pictures from as close as 1.6 inches. See an incredible picture within the picture? The Nikon Coolpix 3100 also offers In-Camera Cropping to quickly zoom in, crop the image you see in the LCD and save a new image copy directly to the memory card without affecting the original.
Special effects such as a halo effect, black and white and sepia tones can be instantly added to images in the camera and then saved or easily emailed to friends and family.
The Nikon Coolpix 3100's enhanced Movie Mode can record up to 40 seconds of QuickTime™ video (at 15 frames per second) in Movie (320x240) Mode and 20 seconds in TV Movie (640x480) format. Movies can be shot in color, black and white and sepia tone (at 5 frames per second) opening the door for new creative ideas.
A Personal Photo Studio Right Out Of The Box
While framing and snapping photos is half of the fun, the real adventure of digital photography revolves around editing, sharing and enjoying the pictures. The Nikon Coolpix 3100 digital camera incorporates Nikon's simple, built-in One-Touch Upload™ system to quickly and easily move photos to the desktop or an online album on NikonNet (www.nikonnet.com).
The Nikon Coolpix 3100 comes with the new NikonView 6.0 photo management software to easily transfer, browse, edit, save and print photos. NikonView 6.0 includes Nikon's One-Touch Red-Eye Fix software, easier emailing capabilities and a feature to create your own online photo templates in HTML.
The Nikon Coolpix 3100 continues to offer Nikon's product-specific "Let's Get Started" Video CDs to get the user started right after opening the box. After the CD is loaded, a program host takes users through the camera operation and common questions including: How do I load software, How do I transfer pictures, How do I use the camera functions and teaches in a progressive manner so users can learn as they go. Users can also visit www.Coolpix101.com for lessons and tips on how to get the most out of their Nikon Coolpix digital camera.
The Nikon Coolpix 3100 also includes a host of exciting programs from ArcSoft® including PhotoImpression™, a fun manipulation package that allows users to edit, retouch or apply special effect to their photos; VideoImpression™ to edit and share QuickTime™ movies taken with the camera and Panorama Maker™, which lets users easily stitch together a number of images to create beautiful panoramic photos. The camera also comes with PhotoBase™, which actually allows photos and slide shows to be displayed on the screen of a PDA.
The Coolpix 3100 provides users with all the equipment they need to get started and shoot great photos right out of the box including the new NikonView 6.0 software CD-ROM, wrist strap, USB cable, video cable, a Lexar 16 MB "Speed Rated" Starter Memory Card and a CR-V3 lithium battery. A Coolpix rechargeable NI-MH (Nickel Metal Hydride) battery and Quick Charger kit are also available separately.
The Nikon Coolpix 3100 will be available in March 2003 at an MSRP of $349.95.
About Nikon
Nikon Inc., the world leader in precision optics, 35mm and digital imaging technology, is recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance in consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes the Nikon Total Imaging System of consumer and professional 35mm film and digital SLR cameras, Nikkor optics, Speedlights and System Accessories; Advanced Photo System cameras; 35mm compact cameras; Nikon Coolpix® compact digital cameras; Coolscan® digital film scanners; Nikonos® underwater photographic systems; and Nikon sports and recreational optics. The company plays an active role in supporting aspiring and advanced photographers through a variety of organizations, educational programs, events and workshops. For product information, contact Nikon at (800) NIKON-UX or visit www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the web's most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.
# # #
NEW NIKON® COOLPIX® 2100 - NIKON'S SMALLEST DIGITAL CAMERA EVER - RAISES THE BAR FOR DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
New Breakthrough "Scene Assist" and "One Touch Red-Eye Fix™" Features 'Change the Face' Of Digital Pictures For Beginning Digital Camera Users
MELVILLE, NY, February 18, 2003 - Have you ever wished you had a camera that could actually help you take better pictures? Balanced composition, proper exposure and best of all, no hassle! Nikon has answered this challenge with the new Nikon Coolpix 2100 (www.nikoncoolpix.com), Nikon's smallest, and among the fastest, Coolpix digital cameras ever and the first to offer the exclusive new Scene Assist function to help almost anyone become a better photographer. About the size of a deck of playing cards, this 2.0 effective Megapixel digital camera with a 3x Optical Zoom-Nikkor lens minimizes shutter lag and combines groundbreaking features to help almost anyone produce crisp, clear prints at sizes of up to 8x10-inches.
The Nikon Coolpix 2100 and NikonView 6.0 software solve common photo mistakes such as out-of-focus portraits, crooked landscapes and typical red-eye situations with two digital photography firsts. The camera utilizes enhanced Scene Modes with Nikon's new Scene Assist to make picture-taking faster and easier for beginning digital photographers and the exclusive One-Touch Red-Eye Fix™ found on NikonView 6.0 to make correcting red-eye in most digital photos easier than ever.
"The Nikon Coolpix 2100 introduces truly breakthrough technology that is designed for the first time digital buyer," said Jerry Grossman, vice president, marketing, Consumer Digital Products and Compact Cameras, Nikon Inc. "Our unique combination of legendary Nikon quality and 'new and exclusive' features in a new ultra-compact design take digital photography to an entirely new level, enabling photographers to forget about the hassle of fumbling with settings and just have fun taking great pictures anywhere they go."
On-Board Photography Expert - 14 Scene Modes and All New Scene Assist
Nikon's new Scene Assist takes 4 of the most popular Scene Modes to another dimension using transparent technology to guide the photographer toward the ideal composition, focus area and exposure for each and every shot. Scene Assist acts as a photography expert built right into the camera and ready upon command. For example, when taking an off-center portrait, the Scene Assist mode helps the photographer compose the shot, and then adjusts focus and exposure automatically. "It helps beginners solve the most common photography problems, such as out of focus subjects, which are frustrating for most novice photographers," said Grossman.
Nikon's 14 Scene Modes and groundbreaking Scene Assist make it easy for almost anyone to capture amazing pictures. With a turn of the dial, 4 of the most popular Scene Modes - Portrait, Landscape, Sports and Night Portrait - are easily accessible and each feature Scene Assist.
10 additional Scene Modes are menu accessible and make capturing a great exposure of that perfect moment as easy as "point and shoot." Scene Modes range from Beach/Snow, Sunset, Dawn/Dusk, Night Landscape, Party, Museum, Fireworks, Close-Up, Copy and Backlight.
In addition to Scene Modes, the Nikon Coolpix 2100 can imprint the date and time on its digital images and prints, which make it simple to catalog and remember important events. With the Nikon Coolpix 2100, digital images can also be viewed as a slide show while still in the camera. Friendly design and a new GUI (Graphical User Interface) means that these cool features are never more than a click or two away - one function, one button.
Nikkor Optics - It All Starts With the Lens
The lens on a digital camera plays a vital role in making quality photos. The Nikon Coolpix 2100 employs a 3x Optical Zoom-Nikkor lens with a zoom range of 36-108mm (35mm equivalent) for incredibly sharp, vivid images. More professionals choose Nikkor lenses than all other brands combined and that same quality is built into the Nikkor lens of every Nikon Coolpix digital camera, including the Nikon Coolpix 2100.
Get the Red Out! - NikonView 6.0 and Nikon's Exclusive One-Touch Red-Eye Fix™ Software
No more red-eyes and no more work! Anyone who has ever taken a photograph has experienced the dreaded red-eye. Now, all Nikon Coolpix 2100 digital cameras will feature the latest version of NikonView 6.0, complete with Nikon's new and exclusive One-Touch Red-Eye Fix software, which instantly fixes red-eye with the touch of a button from most typical red-eye digital photos without having to box in or highlight the eyes. Best of all, the One-Touch Red-Eye Fix software only fixes the red eyes without affecting any other red items throughout the photo. Nikon is the only photo manufacturer offering this powerful One-Touch red-eye removal tool, which will revolutionize digital photography for Nikon digital camera users.
Nikon Coolpix 2100 Shooting Options - It's Your Choice
Whatever your shooting pleasure, the Nikon Coolpix 2100 is equipped with the tools to accommodate your needs. Frame the shot within the Optical viewfinder or use the 1.6-inch LCD display�choose what works best for you! For those who like to get close to their subjects, the camera's Macro Shooting Mode can take crystal clear pictures from as close as 1.6 inches. See an incredible picture within the picture? The Nikon Coolpix 2100 also offers In-Camera Cropping to quickly zoom in, crop the image you see in the LCD and save a new image copy directly to the memory card without affecting the original.
Special effects such as a halo effect, black and white and sepia tones can be instantly added to images in the camera and then saved or easily emailed to friends and family.
The Nikon Coolpix 2100's enhanced Movie Mode can record up to 15 seconds of QuickTime™ video (at 15 frames per second) in Movie (320x240) Mode and 7 seconds TV Movie (640x480) format. Movies can be shot in color, black and white and sepia tone (at 5 frames per second) opening the door for new creative ideas.
A Personal Photo Studio Right Out Of The Box
While framing and snapping photos is half of the fun, the real adventure of digital photography revolves around editing, sharing and enjoying the pictures. The Nikon Coolpix 2100 digital camera incorporates Nikon's simple, built-in One-Touch Upload™ system to quickly and easily move photos to the desktop or an online album on NikonNet (www.nikonnet.com).
The Nikon Coolpix 2100 comes with the new NikonView 6.0 photo management software to easily transfer, browse, edit, save and print photos. NikonView 6.0 includes Nikon's One-Touch Red-Eye Fix software, easier emailing capabilities and a feature to create your own online photo templates in HTML.
The Nikon Coolpix 2100 continues to offer Nikon's product-specific "Let's Get Started" Video CDs to get the user started right after opening the box. After the CD is loaded, a program host takes users through the camera operation and common questions including: How do I load software, How do I transfer pictures, How do I use the camera functions and teaches in a progressive manner so users can learn as they go. Users can also visit www.Coolpix101.com for lessons and tips on how to get the most out of their Nikon Coolpix digital camera.
The Nikon Coolpix 2100 also includes a host of exciting programs from ArcSoft® including PhotoImpression™, a fun manipulation package that allows users to edit, retouch or apply special effect to their photos; VideoImpression™ to edit and share QuickTime™ movies taken with the camera and Panorama Maker™, which lets users easily stitch together a number of images to create beautiful panoramic photos. The camera also comes with PhotoBase™, which actually allows photos and slide shows to be displayed on the screen of a PDA.
The Coolpix 2100 provides users with all the equipment they need to get started and shoot great photos right out of the box including the new NikonView 6.0 software CD-ROM, wrist strap, USB cable, video cable, a Lexar 16 MB "Speed Rated" Starter Memory Card and a CR-V3 lithium battery. A Coolpix rechargeable NI-MH (Nickel Metal Hydride) battery and Quick Charger kit are also available separately.
The Nikon Coolpix 2100 will be available in March 2003 at an MSRP of $249.95.
About Nikon
Nikon Inc., the world leader in precision optics, 35mm and digital imaging technology, is recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance in consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes the Nikon Total Imaging System of consumer and professional 35mm film and digital SLR cameras, Nikkor optics, Speedlights and System Accessories; Advanced Photo System cameras; 35mm compact cameras; Nikon Coolpix® compact digital cameras; Coolscan® digital film scanners; Nikonos® underwater photographic systems; and Nikon sports and recreational optics. The company plays an active role in supporting aspiring and advanced photographers through a variety of organizations, educational programs, events and workshops. For product information, contact Nikon at (800) NIKON-UX or visit www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the web's most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.
# # #
|
Powered by
Coranto
|