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Nikon's Coolpix L2 digital camera. Courtesy of Nikon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Nikon: Three new L-series digicams
By Michael R. Tomkins, The Imaging Resource
(Tuesday, February 21, 2006 - 02:00 EST)

Nikon USA has today revealed three new digital cameras in its Coolpix L-series in the runup to this year's Photo Marketing Association tradeshow.

The three cameras, all closely related, share a number of features including Nikon's in-camera red-eye fix and D-Lighting (under-exposure correction) technologies, plus a 3x optical zoom lens and 2" LCD display. There's also a wide range of exposure modes offering approachability for beginners, and a QuickTime movie mode at VGA resolution (with sound in the Coolpix L3 and L2, but silent in the L4). The L4 offers a sensor resolution of four megapixels, the L3 takes the middle ground at five megapixels, and the L2 tops the line with a resolution of six megapixels. 32MB of internal memory in the L2 and L3, or 16MB in the L4, coupled with the pervasive Secure Digital card slot, caters for storage. Power comes from AA batteries, and both USB and video connectivity options are offered.

The Nikon Coolpix L2 and L3 will ship later this month priced at $249.95 and $199.95 respectively. The Coolpix L4 will follow in March priced at $149.95.

Nikon Coolpix L4
Nikon's Coolpix L4 digital camera. Courtesy of Nikon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera Type Compact
Manufacturer Nikon
Model Number L4
Dimensions 3.4 x 2.4 x 1.4"
86.5 x 60.5 x 34.5mm
Weight 115.0 g
4.0 oz
Planned Price $149.95
Planned Availability Mar 2006
Image Capture
Sensor Type 1/2.5" CCD
4.23 megapixels (total)
4.00 megapixels (effective)
Image Dimensions 4.0 megapixels
Image Preview / Review
Viewfinder No
LCD 2.0", 115,000 pixels
Lens
Lens Type Nikkor
3x optical zoom
Image Stabilization No
Focal Length 6.3 - 19.2mm (actual)
38 - 114mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Range f/2.8 (wide) / f/4.9 (tele) - ???
Focusing System Includes Face Priority AF
Focusing Range Normal: 12" - infinity (30 cm - infinity)
Macro: 1.6" - infinity (4.0 cm - infinity)
Exposure
Metering Modes 256-segment matrix
Internal Flash Modes: Auto, Auto with Red-eye Reduction (In-Camera Red-Eye Fix), Flash Cancel, Anytime Flash, Slow sync.
Range: Wide: 1 ft. 4 in. - 9 ft.10 in./0.4-3.0m; Tele: 1 ft. 4 in. - 5 ft. 7 in./0.4-1.7m
Creative
Scene Modes Portrait, Landscape, Sports, Night Portrait, Party/Indoor, Panorama assist, Beach/Snow, Sunset, Dusk/Dawn, Night Landscape, Close Up Museum, Fireworks Show, Copy, Back Light, Panorama Assist
Digital Zoom 4x
Self Timer Yes, 10 seconds
Time Lapse No
Movie Format 640 and 160
Max. frame-rate: 15 frames per second
Storage
Recording Medium SD/MMC, Built-in
Connectivity
Video Yes
Computer USB 1.1
Other DC In
Power
Battery Type Alkaline / Lithium disposable, NiMH rechargeable
Battery Form Factor 2 x AA or 2 x EN-MH1
Product Bundle
Software PictureProject
Battery / Charger 2 x AA Alkaline disposable battery
Flash Memory 10.0MB built-in memory
Other
PictBridge Compliant Yes
Internal Microphone No
More Photos
Nikon's Coolpix L4 digital camera. Courtesy of Nikon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Nikon's Coolpix L4 digital camera. Courtesy of Nikon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Nikon's Coolpix L4 digital camera. Courtesy of Nikon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Nikon's Coolpix L4 digital camera. Courtesy of Nikon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Nikon's Coolpix L4 digital camera. Courtesy of Nikon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Nikon's Coolpix L4 digital camera. Courtesy of Nikon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Nikon's Coolpix L4 digital camera. Courtesy of Nikon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Nikon's Coolpix L4 digital camera. Courtesy of Nikon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
 

Nikon Coolpix L3
Nikon's Coolpix L3 digital camera. Courtesy of Nikon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera Type Compact
Manufacturer Nikon
Model Number L3
Dimensions 3.6 x 2.4 x 1.0"
91.0 x 60.5 x 26.0mm
Weight 120.0 g
4.2 oz
Planned Price $199.95
Planned Availability Feb 2006
Image Capture
Sensor Type 1/2.5" CCD
5.25 megapixels (total)
5.10 megapixels (effective)
Image Dimensions 2592 x 5
Capture Speed Continuous: 1.7 frames per second
Image Preview / Review
Viewfinder No
LCD 2.0", 86,000 pixels
Lens
Lens Type Nikkor
3x optical zoom
Image Stabilization No
Focal Length 6.3 - 19.2mm (actual)
38 - 116mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Range f/3.2 (wide) / f/5.3 (tele) - ???
Focusing System Includes Face Priority AF
Focusing Range Normal: 12" - infinity (30 cm - infinity)
Macro: 4.1" - infinity (10.0 cm - infinity)
Exposure
Metering Modes 256-segment matrix
Internal Flash Modes: Auto, Auto with Red-eye Reduction (In-Camera Red-Eye Fix), Flash Cancel, Anytime Flash, Slow sync.
Range: Wide: 1 ft. 4 in. - 9 ft.10 in./0.4-3.0m; Tele: 1 ft. 4 in. - 5 ft. 7 in./0.4-1.7m
Creative
Scene Modes Portrait, Landscape, Sports, Night Portrait, Party/Indoor, Panorama assist, Beach/Snow, Sunset, Dusk/Dawn, Night Landscape, Close Up Museum, Fireworks Show, Copy, Back Light, Panorama Assist
Digital Zoom 4x
Self Timer Yes, 10 seconds
Time Lapse No
Movie Format 640 and 160
Max. frame-rate: 30 frames per second
Storage
Recording Medium SD/MMC, Built-in
Connectivity
Video Yes
Computer USB 1.1
Other DC In
Power
Battery Type Alkaline / Lithium disposable, NiMH rechargeable
Battery Form Factor 2 x AA or 2 x EN-MH1
Product Bundle
Software PictureProject
Battery / Charger 2 x AA Alkaline disposable battery
Flash Memory 32.0MB built-in memory
Other
PictBridge Compliant Yes
Internal Microphone Yes
More Photos
Nikon's Coolpix L3 digital camera. Courtesy of Nikon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Nikon's Coolpix L3 digital camera. Courtesy of Nikon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Nikon's Coolpix L3 digital camera. Courtesy of Nikon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Nikon's Coolpix L3 digital camera. Courtesy of Nikon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Nikon's Coolpix L3 digital camera. Courtesy of Nikon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Nikon's Coolpix L3 digital camera. Courtesy of Nikon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Nikon's Coolpix L3 digital camera. Courtesy of Nikon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Nikon's Coolpix L3 digital camera. Courtesy of Nikon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Nikon's Coolpix L3 digital camera. Courtesy of Nikon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Nikon's Coolpix L3 digital camera. Courtesy of Nikon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Nikon's Coolpix L3 digital camera. Courtesy of Nikon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
 

Nikon Coolpix L2
Nikon's Coolpix L2 digital camera. Courtesy of Nikon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera Type Compact
Manufacturer Nikon
Model Number L2
Dimensions 3.6 x 2.4 x 1.0"
91.0 x 60.5 x 26.0mm
Weight 120.0 g
4.2 oz
Planned Price $249.95
Planned Availability Feb 2006
Image Capture
Sensor Type 1/2.5" CCD
6.18 megapixels (total)
6.00 megapixels (effective)
Image Dimensions 6.0 megapixels
Capture Speed Continuous: 1.7 frames per second
Image Preview / Review
Viewfinder No
LCD 2.0", 86,000 pixels
Lens
Lens Type Nikkor
3x optical zoom
Image Stabilization No
Focal Length 6.3 - 19.2mm (actual)
38 - 116mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Range f/3.2 (wide) / f/5.3 (tele) - ???
Focusing System Includes Face Priority AF
Focusing Range Normal: 12" - infinity (30 cm - infinity)
Macro: 4.1" - infinity (10.0 cm - infinity)
Exposure
Metering Modes 256-segment matrix
Internal Flash Modes: Auto, Auto with Red-eye Reduction (In-Camera Red-Eye Fix), Flash Cancel, Anytime Flash, Slow sync.
Range: Wide: 1 ft. 4 in. - 9 ft.10 in./0.4-3.0m; Tele: 1 ft. 4 in. - 5 ft. 7 in./0.4-1.7m
Creative
Scene Modes Portrait, Landscape, Sports, Night Portrait, Party/Indoor, Panorama assist, Beach/Snow, Sunset, Dusk/Dawn, Night Landscape, Close Up Museum, Fireworks Show, Copy, Back Light, Panorama Assist
Digital Zoom 4x
Self Timer Yes, 10 seconds
Time Lapse No
Movie Format 640 and 160
Max. frame-rate: 30 frames per second
Storage
Recording Medium SD/MMC, Built-in
Connectivity
Video Yes
Computer USB 1.1
Other DC In
Power
Battery Type Alkaline / Lithium disposable, NiMH rechargeable
Battery Form Factor 2 x AA or 2 x EN-MH1
Product Bundle
Software PictureProject
Battery / Charger 2 x AA Alkaline disposable battery
Flash Memory 32.0MB built-in memory
Other
PictBridge Compliant Yes
Internal Microphone Yes
More Photos
Nikon's Coolpix L2 digital camera. Courtesy of Nikon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Nikon's Coolpix L2 digital camera. Courtesy of Nikon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Nikon's Coolpix L2 digital camera. Courtesy of Nikon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Nikon's Coolpix L2 digital camera. Courtesy of Nikon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Nikon's Coolpix L2 digital camera. Courtesy of Nikon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Nikon's Coolpix L2 digital camera. Courtesy of Nikon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Nikon's Coolpix L2 digital camera. Courtesy of Nikon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Nikon's Coolpix L2 digital camera. Courtesy of Nikon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Nikon's Coolpix L2 digital camera. Courtesy of Nikon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Nikon's Coolpix L2 digital camera. Courtesy of Nikon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
 

Original Source Press Release:

MEMORIES MADE EASY AND AFFORDABLE WITH NIKON’S NEW COOLPIX LIFE SERIES DIGITAL CAMERAS

User Friendly Cameras with High-Quality Components

MELVILLE, NY (February 21, 2006)—The Nikon COOLPIX family of digital cameras is pleased to announce the addition of three new cameras in its L, or Life, series. The Nikon COOLPIX L2, L3 and L4 combine high-quality design and construction with easy to use features available at affordable prices. All three cameras boast a sharp 3x optical Zoom-Nikkor lens, a big, bright 2.0-inch LCD and lightweight, compact body style (slimmest in it’s class with AA-type batteries) while offering high resolution of 6.0 effective megapixels for the COOLPIX L2, 5.1 effective megapixels for the COOLPIX L3 and 4.0 effective megapixels for the COOLPIX L4.

“ The COOLPIX L-series cameras are ideal for entry-level to intermediate users who are looking for easy to use, beautifully designed cameras,” says Bill Giordano, General Manager of Consumer Product Marketing for Nikon, Inc. “Each of these cameras feature Nikon’s Exclusive Feature System, which helps users improve their images in-camera. With these attractive price points and easy operability, anyone can take better pictures right out of the box.”

Nikon has developed the L Series with the snapshot consumer in mind and created well-featured cameras that can easily turn those snapshots into lasting memories. Unique to COOLPIX digital cameras, and now for the first time available throughout the line-up, is Nikon’s Exclusive Feature System, which gives users the power to automatically improve recorded images in-camera. This combination of in-camera features provides a quick, easy and seamless answer to dark pictures, blurry or out-of-focus shots and red eyes. The system includes:

  • In-Camera Red-Eye Fix™: automatically detects and corrects red eye, a common condition that occurs in flash photography. You may never see red eye again.
  • Face-Priority AF*: automatically finds and focuses on a persons face within the frame, providing sharp focus to produce clear, crisp portraits wherever the subject is positioned in the frame.
  • D-Lighting: selects and creates a copy of images with excessive backlight or insufficient flash illumination, adding light and detail where necessary.
  • Blur Warning: alerts the user that a shot has resulted in a blurry picture allowing for it to be retaken before leaving the scene.
  • Best Shot Selector (BSS): automatically identifies and saves the sharpest shot from ten sequential shots.

Additionally, the L Series cameras include handy features such as, TV Quality Move Mode** function (recording movies at up to 30fps with sound on the L2 and L3), Single and Continuous AF, Choice of White Balance and Noise Reduction to ensure better color reproduction in darker lighting conditions.

The COOLPIX L2, L3 and L4 all have a streamlined, easy to carry design that features a smooth, stylish finish and a curved grip that contributes to both design elegance and shooting stability. Adding to the cameras’ convenient portability, all of L-series models are AA-size battery and SD memory card compatible, with 32 MB of internal memory for the L2 and L3 and 16MB for the L4. If the user is unsure of which camera setting to use, the on-camera Help button can be pressed to display simple explanations for functions in the main menu. Each camera is packaged with a complimentary copy of Nikon’s PictureProject Software.

The big, bright, easy-to-view 2.0-inch LCD features new icons, function selection and color scheme and a choice of 15 Scene Modes – including four with Scene Assist, which displays useful framing guides in the monitor helping the user to compose the shot with optimal results – providing users with the ability to achieve crisp, clear images in a variety of situations such as Beach/Snow, Fireworks, Museum, Party/Indoor and more.

The COOLPIX L2 and L3 will be available in late February 2006 with MSRP’s of $199.95 for the L3 and $249.95 for the L2. The COOLPIX L4 will be available in March 2006 with an MSRP of $149.95. For more information about the L-series cameras and other COOLPIX cameras, please visit www.nikondigital.com.

*Face-recognition capability may be limited in some shooting conditions.
** COOLPIX L4 does not record sound in the Movie Mode.

About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the Image™. Nikon Inc. 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 Inc. distributes the Nikon Total Imaging System of 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 Feature System, making it easy for anyone to take amazing digital pictures. Through the Nikon Spirit Initiative™, the company, plays an active role in supporting aspiring and advanced photographers through a variety of philanthropic organizations, educational programs, events and workshops. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the web's most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.

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