Nikon announces new 4mpix digicam (UPDATED)
By
Mike Tomkins
(Thursday, August 29, 2002 - 18:06 EDT)
A day ahead of schedule, Nikon Europe has taken the wraps off a new four megapixel digital camera, the Coolpix 4300.
Based on the existing three megapixel Coolpix 885 model but with a higher resolution CCD imager, the Coolpix 4300 is similar in most other respects to its predecessor. Nikon USA has yet to announce plans for this model, but in the United Kingdom it will cost £449.99(price conversions removed; see update). UK stores should be receiving the camera in October, with a software bundle including FotoStation Easy, Nikon View, Panorama Maker and Photoshop Elements. To coincide with the announcement, we have a "Quick Review" of the Coolpix 4300 digital camera online now. Stay tuned for further news as to plans for this camera outside Europe, and read on for full specifications courtesy of Nikon: | Nikon Coolpix 4300 | | | | Type | E4300 digital camera | | Effective Pixels | 4.0 million | | CCD | 1/1.8-inch high-density CCD; total pixels: 4.13 million | | Image Size (Pixels) | - 2272 x 1704
- 2048 x 1536
- 1600 x 1200
| - 1280 x 960
- 1024 x 768
- 640 x 480
| | Four Small Picture sizes selectable (640 x 480, 320 x 240, 160 x 120 or 96 x 72 pixels) | | | Lens | 3x Zoom Nikkor | | Focal Length | F = 8 - 24mm (35mm [135] camera format equivalent: 38 - 114mm) | | f/-number | f/2.8 - f/4.9 | | Lens Construction | Nine elements in eight groups | | Digital Zoom | 4.0x | | Autofocus (AF) | Contrast-detect through-the-lens (TTL) AF | | Focus Range Measured From Lens | - 30 cm (1 ft.) - infinity at widest angle (W), 60 cm (2 ft.) - infinity at telephoto (T)
- Macro mode (Autofocus): 4 cm (1.6 in.) - infinity at widest angle (W), 30 cm (1 ft.) - infinity at telephoto (T)
| | Focus-Area Selection | Five-area multi AF and spot AF available | | Viewfinder | Real-image zoom optical viewfinder with LED indication | | Viewfinder Frame Coverage | Approximately 80% | | Monitor | 1.5-inch 110,000-dot, low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD with brightness adjustment | | LCD Frame Coverage | Approximately 97% vertical and 97% horizontal | | Storage Media | Type I CompactFlash (CF) cards | | File System | Compliant with Design rule for Camera File systems (DCF), Exif 2.2, Digital Print-Order Format (DPOF) | | File Format | | Compressed: JPEG-baseline-compliant; (FINE-, NORMAL-, and BASIC-quality images) | | Uncompressed: TIFF-RGB (HI-quality images) | | Movies: Quicktime | | | Exposure Metering | Four-mode through-the-lens (TTL) metering | | Exposure Control | Programmed auto, manual, exposure compensation (-2.0 - +2.0 EV in steps of 1/3 EV), autoexposure bracketing, AE lock | | Range (ISO equivalent) | - W: EV -3 to +15
- T: EV -1.4 to +16.6
| | Shutter | Mechanical and charge-coupled electronic shutter | | Shutter Speed | 8 - 1/1000 sec; Bulb (up to 60 sec. in M mode) | | Aperture | Electronically controlled preset aperture | | Aperture Range | Two steps (f/2.8 and f/7.6 [W]) | | Sensitivity | ISO equivalent approximately 100, 200, 400 or Auto | | Self-timer | Ten- or three-second duration | | Built-in Speedlight | Equipped with automatic pop-up | | Speedlight Range | | W: 0.4 to 3.7 m (1.3 to 12.1 ft.) | | T: 0.4 to 2.3 m (1.3 to 7.5 ft.) | | | Speedlight Sync Method | Automatic sync control | | Interface | USB | | Video output | User can choose from NTSC and PAL | | I/O Terminals | - DC Input
- Data output (USB)
| | Power Sources | - Rechargeable Nikon EN-EL1 lithium-ion battery (supplied) or six-volt 2CR5 (DL245) lithium battery (available separately)
- EH-21 AC adapter/battery charger (available separately)
- EH-53 AC adapter (available separately)
| | Battery Life (EN-EL1) | Approximately 90 minutes (as measured at room temperature [20°C / 68°F] under standard Nikon test conditions: zoom adjusted with each shot, flash used in approximately one third of photographs, image quality set to NORMAL, image size 2272 x 1704) | | Tripod socket | 1/4 (ISO 1222) | | Dimensions (W x H x D) | 95 x 69 x 52 mm (3.7 x 2.7 x 2.0 in.) | | Weight | Approximately 225 g (7.9 oz.) without battery and memory card | | Operating Temperature | 0 - 40°C (32 - 104°F) | | Operating Humidity | Under 85% (no condensation) | | More Photos | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | . | The Nikon Europe press release follows below. Remember, you can find our review of the Coolpix 4300 online now for more insights into this latest announcement from Nikon.
UPDATED 2002-08-30 00:00ET: The official US announcement has now been made, and we've added the press release complete with US pricing info to this item. Without further ado, the camera will go on sale in September at a price of $499.95 (€507 / ¥59,000 ignoring exchange rate fluctuations, taxes and duties)!
We've now removed the previous price conversions, which were based on the UK price. Further info can be found in the press release, below.
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Original Source Press Release:
| New addition to Nikon's Coolpix range - the Coolpix 4300 The Coolpix 4300 is the latest digital camera to join the Coolpix range. Styled on the Coolpix 885, which continues in the range, the Coolpix 4300 offers improved resolution with 4.0 effective megapixels and 3x optical zoom with a focal range from 38-114mm (35mm equivalent).
This new Coolpix is compact and lightweight, designed with contours that as well as giving the camera a stylish, modern look, ensure comfortable handling. A well designed, clear layout, makes all buttons and controls easily accessible.
In keeping with the Coolpix 885, the Coolpix 4300 offers a sophisticated feature set to satisfy keen photographers, whilst the 12 programme scene modes, which include portrait, landscape, sunset and museum settings, make the camera simple and easy enough for a beginner to use. For more experienced photographers, a manual mode gives control over exposure value and various other settings.
As with other Coolpix cameras, a Quick Review feature makes it easy to see the last image captured, without having to scroll through the menu. The one touch upload button allows simple transfer of images from camera to computer, and the Small picture function reduces the file to the correct size for email.
The Coolpix 4300 boasts 4 metering modes, TTL white balance with 5 mode manual, preset and white balance bracketing, the Macro mode allows shooting as close as 4cm, the versatile built-in flash has 5 mode and there's a wide shutter speed range from 8sec to 1/1000. The Noise Reduction mode ensures for clear, sharp images - even with long shutter lags.
Optional lenses, usable with the UR-E4 step-down ring, include 3x and 2x teleconverters, wide angle and fisheye lenses, making the Coolpix 4300 a versatile camera for ideal for beginners and enthusiasts alike.
Bundled software includes FotoStation Easy, Nikon View, Panorama maker, Photoshop elements.
The Coolpix 4300 will be available from October at the recommended retail price of �449.99.
NIKON'S NEW 4-MEGAPIXEL COOLPIX® 4300: GET READY FOR HIGH QUALITY DIGITAL TO GO
MELVILLE, NY, August 30, 2002 - Nikon® (www.nikonusa.com), the world leader in photography, today introduced the cool new Nikon Coolpix 4300, which is built on the award-winning design of the Nikon Coolpix 885, and is the latest digital camera in the Nikon Coolpix line, featuring a 4.0 effective Megapixel CCD and 3x Optical Zoom-Nikkor lens. The Coolpix 4300 has a compact, sleek intelligent design, which makes taking great digital pictures comfortable, intuitive and, most importantly, fun for photographers who rely on superior image quality.
The Coolpix 4300 brings the highest-quality digital photos to all photographers with Nikon's convenient, built-in One-Touch Upload™ feature making online photo albums, creative effects and emailing photos to friends and family as easy as the push of a button, with no additional accessories to purchase.
"With the Nikon Coolpix 4300, we have developed the ideal camera for photographers who depend on unparalleled image quality, portability and ease-of-use, but who also want a product that's cool and exciting," said Jerry Grossman, vice president, marketing, Consumer Digital Products and Compact Cameras, Nikon Inc. "The Coolpix 4300 truly delivers everything the amateur photographer is looking for in a digital camera, from its compact size, sleek silver design and its full range of automatic features to easily capture great pictures.
Add 4.0 million effective Megapixels, a 3x Optical Zoom-Nikkor lens and brilliant color reproduction and the Coolpix 4300 will satisfy everyone from the knowledgeable beginner to the more serious on-the-go photographer."
Pixel Power: Superior Image Quality
The Nikon Coolpix 4300 packs a serious punch with a 4.0 effective Megapixel CCD and a 3x Optical Zoom-Nikkor lens with a zoom range of 38-114mm (35mm equivalent), all in a sleek, stylish and compact package. The Coolpix 4300 houses Nikon's legendary enhanced image-processing technology for incredibly sharp, vivid images with no hassle. Weighing in at only 7.9 ounces without battery and CompactFlash card, the camera is pocket-sized and ready to go.
Endless Creative Possibilities
The Nikon Coolpix 4300 takes the pressure off the photographer by insuring an excellent exposure setting in virtually any shooting situation. The camera has exposure control settings to accommodate the beginner to the most advanced photographers, with a fully Automatic Mode and 12-programmed Scene modes including: Portrait, Party/Indoor, Night Portrait, Beach/Snow, Landscape, Sunset, Night Landscape, Museum, Fireworks Show, Close-Up, Copy, and Back Light.
For those who like to get close to their subjects, the camera's Macro Shooting Mode allows users to take crystal clear pictures from as close as 1.6 inches.
Advanced Image Control
While the Nikon Coolpix 4300 can take great pictures automatically, more advanced users may choose the camera's manual mode to take control and program their own settings with metering, focus, noise suppression, white balance, and flash and shutter speeds ranging from 1/1000 to 8 seconds.
The camera also features Nikon's exclusive Matrix Metering system, which produces optimal exposures in challenging light conditions using a five-mode built-in flash. Best Shot Selector (BSS) will automatically choose the sharpest among multiple images within the camera's buffer. Only the sharpest image is saved to the card. For creative users looking to take their photos to new levels, the Coolpix 4300 is compatible with optional Nikon Telephoto, Wide-angle and Fisheye Converter Lenses and Slide Copy Adaptor (all used with optional Step Down Ring Lens Adaptor UR-E4).
Digital Photo Fun: Transfer, Print and Share Images
Half the fun of digital photography is sharing and enjoying the pictures. The Nikon Coolpix 4300 digital camera incorporates Nikon's simple built-in One-Touch Upload™ system where users quickly and easily connect the camera to the computer via the included USB cable, press the "Transfer" button on the back of the camera, and photos can be automatically moved to the desktop or uploaded to an online album on NikonNet (www.nikonnet.com). Each camera also includes the latest version of NikonView 5 photo management software which, when easily installed on any PC or Macintosh computer, places the power in the hands of the user, giving them complete control of editing, storing and sharing images.
Nikon also includes a host of exciting and easy-to-use programs from ArcSoft®. PhotoImpression™ is 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 automatically create beautiful panoramic photos. The camera also comes with PhotoBase™, which actually allows photos to be displayed on the screen of a PDA.
The Coolpix 4300 provides users with all the equipment they need to get started and shoot great photos right out of the box, including NikonView 5 software CD-ROM, lens cap, neck strap, USB cable, video cable, Nikon Starter Memory card, rechargeable Li-ion battery, and battery charger.
The Nikon Coolpix 4300 will be available September 2002 at an MSRP of $499.95.
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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