Coolpix 5000 Is Powerful Enough to Deliver Brilliant Images, Yet Compact Enough To Carry Virtually Anywhere

MELVILLE, NY, September 18, 2001 - Nikon (www.nikonusa.com), the world leader in photography, today added a new dimension to its popular Coolpix® digital camera line with the introduction of the Coolpix 5000, a digital camera featuring a 5.24 megapixel CCD (5.0 effective), 3x Optical Zoom-Nikkor lens and a top shutter speed of 1/4,000 second and shooting speed of up to three frames per second at full resolution. The high-speed Coolpix 5000 is designed for professional and amateur photographers looking for truly spectacular images. The camera is a perfect compliment to any photographer's existing digital or film SLR camera for those times when smaller is better.

The Coolpix 5000 takes the unique Coolpix swivel design to the next level with its 1.8-inch LCD monitor that swivels in virtually any direction for easy subject framing. The Coolpix 5000 also packs a Macro shooting mode to capture images as close as 3/4 inch and a Movie mode that shoots up to 40 seconds of video with audio, into a compact magnesium alloy body weighing a mere 12.6 ounces. Along with feature sets traditionally found only on professional digital cameras, the Coolpix 5000 is one of the most complete, versatile digital cameras on the market today.

"The Nikon Coolpix 5000 is a testament to Nikon's dedication to provide photographers with the ultimate digital experience," said Deborah Sauer, general manager, marketing for Nikon. "This camera appeals to both the professional photographer and photo enthusiast because of its advanced features, unique compact design and greater creative control options. With the introduction of the Coolpix 5000, Nikon now has a digital camera in the Coolpix brand family to meet the needs of every level of photographer."

Ultimate Digital Image Quality
Superior quality images start with superior quality glass and the Coolpix 5000 incorporates a high resolution, wideangle, 3x Optical Zoom-Nikkor lens with a 28-85mm focal length (35mm equivalent). Three aspherical lens elements minimize color blur and distortion, even in extreme close-ups. This lens is combined with a 2/3-inch 5.0 effective megapixel CCD and 12-bit Analog-to-Digital (A/D) converter resulting in sharp images with vivid color and excellent saturation.

The Clear Image mode of the Coolpix 5000 provides highly accurate color, low noise, smooth edges and wide dynamic range images at resolutions of 1280 x 960 and below. The camera also features additional custom mode settings to enhance picture-taking capability by putting the photographer in control.

Built-in Hot Shoe and Advanced Focus Maximize Shooting Capability
For greater flash versatility the Coolpix 5000 comes with a built-in Five-Mode flash, and also has a dedicated hot shoe to add a speedlight, such as the Nikon SB-50DX for maximum creative control and flash coverage.

The Coolpix 5000 comes equipped with Nikon's exclusive Five-Area Multi Autofocus system for quick focus and sharp, accurate image detail, as well as a Macro mode to produce crisp photos from as close as 3/4-inches. To ensure the desired shot is taken, the camera features multiple capture modes including continuous shooting of up to three frames per second in full size (2,560 x 1,920 pixels) and a top shutter speed of 1/4,000 second.

Unique New Features Enhance Creativity
The Coolpix 5000 features a fully articulating 1.8-inch color LCD monitor that tilts and swings to virtually any angle to allow for easier framing of subjects. Additionally, the Coolpix 5000 includes audio with its Movie mode function that captures 40 seconds of QuickTime™ video.

Greater Clarity Through Built-in Controls
Not only glass and pixels ensure an amazing image from the Coolpix 5000, the camera delivers accurate exposures with Nikon's exclusive 256-segment Matrix Metering in a four-mode through-the-lens (TTL) metering system, with center-weighted, spot and spot Autofocus capabilities. Exposure can be further controlled through programs such as Automatic with Flexible, Shutter-Priority Automatic, Aperture-Priority Automatic and Manual. The camera can reach an ISO equivalent of 800.

Simple to Use Right Out of the Box
Even with all of these professional style features, the Coolpix 5000 offers a completely simple out-of-box experience. The camera comes with a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery and charger, and also supports a new optional power pack that uses six 1.5-volt AA batteries and enables easier vertical shooting. Also included is a high-speed USB cable for plug-and-play simplicity and NikonView 4 software to store and enhance photos. A 32MB CompactFlash™ Card is included with the camera, and the Coolpix 5000 is compatible with CompactFlash Card types I and II for enhanced media versatility.

The Coolpix 5000 works with the full range of existing Coolpix lens and accessories as well as a new 19mm wideangle converter lens (35mm equivalent) designed exclusively for the Coolpix 5000.

The Coolpix 5000 will be available November 2001 at an MSRP of $1099.95.

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; 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.
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