Nikon: Three new L-series digicams By
Mike Tomkins
(Monday, February 19, 2007 - 23:00 EST)
As the Spring 2007 Photo Marketing Association tradeshow fast approaches, Nikon has revealed three new digital cameras for its Coolpix L-series, where the "L" stands for "Life".
The five megapixel Nikon Coolpix L10, six megapixel Coolpix L11, and seven megapixel Coolpix L12 all feature Nikkor-branded 3x optical zoom lenses. The Coolpix L12 couples this with the company's lens-shift VR (Vibration Reduction) technology as well, something not found on the other two cameras. All three models feature similarly designed - but not quite identical - bodies which to our eyes are understated, stylish and relatively compact. Another feature that varies between the three cameras is the LCD display - a 2.0" display with 153,000 pixels on the Nikon L10, where the Coolpix L11 upgrades to a larger but lower-res 2.4" 115kpixel display, and the top-of-the-group Coolpix L12 has an almost indiscernably larger 2.5" display with the same 115,000 pixel resolution as the L11. The Nikon Coolpix L12's lens is just a little wider than those on the other two cameras, at 35 - 105mm equivalent, versus 38 - 113mm equivalent on the Nikon L11 and L10. The Coolpix L12 also offers a wider sensitivity range despite the fact it has the highest resolution imager of the three cameras, with ISO sensitivity ranging from 50 - 1600 on the L12 where the L10 and L11 offer a narrower ISO 64 - 800 range. One final difference of note is that the Nikon L10 and L11 both feature 7MB of built-in memory; the Nikon L12 bumps this to 21MB built-in. All three cameras also feature Secure Digital / MultiMediaCard slots, as well as USB and NTSC / PAL video connectivity. They draw power from two standard AA batteries, with alkaline disposables in the product bundles of all three cameras. The Nikon Coolpix L10, Coolpix L11, and Coolpix L12 all ship in the USA from March 2007, priced at $120, $150 and $200 respectively. Nikon Coolpix L10 | | General | Camera Type | Ultra Compact | Manufacturer | Nikon | Model Number | L10 | Dimensions | 3.5 x 2.4 x 1.0" 89.5 x 60.5 x 26.0mm | Weight | 115.0 g 4.0 oz | Planned Price | $119.95 | Planned Availability | March 2007 | Image Capture | Sensor Type | 1/2.5" CCD 5.05 megapixels (total) 5.00 megapixels (effective) | Image Dimensions | 2560 x 1920 (4.9 megapixels) 2048 x 1536 (3.1 megapixels) 1024 x 768 (0.8 megapixels) 640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
| Image Quality | 2 levels | Image Preview / Review | Viewfinder | No | LCD | 2.0", 153,000 pixels | Lens | Lens Type | Zoom-Nikkor 3x optical zoom | Image Stabilization | No | Focal Length | 6.2 - 18.6mm (actual) 38 - 113mm (35mm equivalent) | Aperture Range | f/2.8 (wide) / f/5.2 (tele) - ??? | Focusing System | Contrast Detect, includes Face Priority AF with AF assist lamp | Focusing Range | Normal: 16" - infinity (40 cm - infinity) Macro: 6.1" - infinity (15.0 cm - infinity) | Exposure | ISO Sensitivity | Auto, 64-800 | White Balance | Image Sensor | Internal Flash | Modes: Auto, Auto with red-eye reduction (In-Camera Red-Eye Fix), Anytime flash, Flash cancel, and Slow sync Range: 1 ft. 4 in.�9 ft. 10 in. / 0.4-3.0m (W), 1 ft. 4 in.�8 ft. 2 in. / 0.4-2.5m (T) | Creative | Scene Modes | Portrait, Night Portrait, Sports, Landscape, Party, Beach/Snow, Sunset, Dusk/Dawn, Night Landscape, Museum, Fireworks Show, Close Up, Copy, Back Light, Panorama Assist | Digital Zoom | up to 4x | Self Timer | Yes, 10 seconds | Movie Format | QuickTime with audio | Storage | Recording Medium | SD/MMC, Built-in | File System | Complies with Design Rule for Camera File System ( DCF) | File Format | JPEG (EXIF 2.2) | Connectivity | Video | Yes, NTSC / PAL switchable | Computer | USB 1.1 | Power | Battery Type | Alkaline, Lithium disposables; NiMH rechargeables | Battery Form Factor | 2 x AA | Product Bundle | Software | PictureProject | Battery / Charger | 2 x AA Alkaline disposables battery | Flash Memory | 7.0MB Internal | Other | Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliant | Yes | PictBridge Compliant | Yes | Internal Microphone | Yes | Internal Speaker | Yes | | Nikon Coolpix L11 | | General | Camera Type | Ultra Compact | Manufacturer | Nikon | Model Number | L11 | Dimensions | 3.5 x 2.4 x 1.1" 89.5 x 60.5 x 27.0mm | Weight | 125.0 g 4.4 oz | Planned Price | $149.95 | Planned Availability | March 2007 | Image Capture | Sensor Type | 1/2.5" CCD 5.05 megapixels (total) 5.00 megapixels (effective) | Image Dimensions | 2816 x 2112 (5.9 megapixels) 2048 x 1535 (3.1 megapixels) 1024 x 768 (0.8 megapixels) 640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
| Image Quality | 2 levels | Image Preview / Review | LCD | 2.4", 115,000 pixels | Lens | Lens Type | Zoom-Nikkor 3x optical zoom | Image Stabilization | No | Focal Length | 6.2 - 18.6mm (actual) 38 - 113mm (35mm equivalent) | Aperture Range | f/2.8 (wide) / f/5.2 (tele) - ??? | Focusing System | Contrast Detect, includes Face Priority AF with AF assist lamp | Focusing Range | Normal: 16" - infinity (40 cm - infinity) Macro: 6.1" - infinity (15.0 cm - infinity) | Exposure | ISO Sensitivity | Auto, 64-800 | White Balance | Image Sensor | Internal Flash | Modes: Auto, Auto with red-eye reduction (In-Camera Red-Eye Fix), Anytime flash, Flash cancel, and Slow sync Range: 1 ft. 4 in.�9 ft. 10 in. / 0.4-3.0m (W), 1 ft. 4 in.�8 ft. 2 in. / 0.4-2.5m (T) | Creative | Scene Modes | Portrait, Night Portrait, Sports, Landscape, Party, Beach/Snow, Sunset, Dusk/Dawn, Night Landscape, Museum, Fireworks Show, Close Up, Copy, Back Light, Panorama Assist | Digital Zoom | up to 4x | Self Timer | Yes, 10 seconds | Movie Format | QuickTime with audio | Storage | Recording Medium | SD/MMC, Built-in | File System | Complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF) | File Format | JPEG (EXIF 2.2) | Connectivity | Video | Yes, NTSC / PAL switchable | Computer | USB 1.1 | Power | Battery Type | Alkaline, Lithium disposables; NiMH rechargeables | Battery Form Factor | 2 x AA | Product Bundle | Software | PictureProject | Battery / Charger | 2 x AA Alkaline disposables battery | Flash Memory | 7.0MB Internal | Other | Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliant | Yes | PictBridge Compliant | Yes | Internal Microphone | Yes | Internal Speaker | Yes | |
Nikon Coolpix L12 | | General | Camera Type | Ultra Compact | Manufacturer | Nikon | Model Number | L12 | Dimensions | 3.6 x 2.4 x 1.0" 91.0 x 61.0 x 26.0mm | Weight | 125.0 g 4.4 oz | Planned Price | $199.95 | Planned Availability | March 2007 | Image Capture | Sensor Type | 1/2.5" CCD 7.41 megapixels (total) 7.10 megapixels (effective) | Image Dimensions | 3072 x 2304 (7.1 megapixels) 2048 x 1536 (3.1 megapixels) 1024 x 768 (0.8 megapixels) 640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
| Image Quality | 2 levels | Image Preview / Review | Viewfinder | No | LCD | 2.5", 115,000 pixels | Lens | Lens Type | Zoom-Nikkor 3x optical zoom | Image Stabilization | Yes | Focal Length | 5.7 - 17.1mm (actual) 35 - 105mm (35mm equivalent) | Aperture Range | f/2.8 (wide) / f/4.7 (tele) - ??? | Focusing System | Contrast Detect, includes Face Priority AF with AF assist lamp | Focusing Range | Normal: 20" - infinity (50 cm - infinity) Macro: 2.0" - infinity (5.0 cm - infinity) | Exposure | ISO Sensitivity | Auto, 50-1600 | White Balance | Image Sensor | Internal Flash | Modes: Auto, Auto with red-eye reduction (In-Camera Red-Eye Fix), Anytime flash, Flash cancel, and Slow sync Range: 1 ft. 8 in. � 26 ft. 3 in. / 0.5 - 8.0m (W), 1 ft. 8 in. � 14 ft. 9 in. / 0.5 - 4.5m (T) | Creative | Scene Modes | Portrait, Landscape, Sports, Night Portrait, Party/indoor, Beach/Snow, Sunset, Dusk/Dawn, Night Landscape, Close up, Museum, Fireworks show, Copy, Back Light, Panorama Assist | Digital Zoom | up to 4x | Self Timer | Yes, 10 seconds | Movie Format | QuickTime with audio | Storage | Recording Medium | SD/MMC, Built-in | File System | Complies with Design Rul e for Camera File System (DCF) | File Format | JPEG (EXIF 2.2) | Connectivity | Video | Yes, NTSC / PAL switchable | Computer | USB 1.1 | Power | Battery Type | Alkaline, Lithium disposables; NiMH rechargeables | Battery Form Factor | 2 x AA | Product Bundle | Software | PictureProject | Battery / Charger | 2 x AA Alkaline disposables battery | Flash Memory | 21.0MB Internal | Other | Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliant | Yes | PictBridge Compliant | Yes | Internal Microphone | Yes | Internal Speaker | Yes | |
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Original Source Press Release:
NIKON'S NEW L SERIES CAMERAS: MEMORIES MADE EASY & AFFORDABLE Quality Compact Digital Cameras Combine Excellent Performance with Easy-to-Use Features. MELVILLE, NY (February 19, 2007) — Nikon is pleased to introduce three new L or “Life” Series cameras to the award winning COOLPIX family. Designed with the casual snap-shooter in mind, the Nikon COOLPIX L10, L11 and L12 combine high-quality design and construction with user-friendly features at affordable prices. All three cameras sport a sharp 3x optical Zoom-Nikkor glass lens, a big, bright LCD and a lightweight, ultra-portable body style. Additionally, each of the new L series cameras boast impressive battery life, and a higher light sensitivity, which makes it easy to produce better pictures in low light situations. “ Nikon's new L-series cameras represent an exceptional value to the consumer, as they are full-featured, easy-to-use and affordable," says Bill Giordano, General Manager Marketing, COOLPIX for Nikon Inc. "With the introduction of these L-Series cameras, Nikon is making it extremely easy for consumers, who might be new to digital photography, to capture great pictures easily, right out of the box." COOLPIX L10 & L11 Designed for the entry-level digital photographer, the L10 and L11 boast 5.0 megapixels and 6.0 megapixels respectively, allowing the consumer to generate high-quality prints in a variety of sizes. Each camera features a sharp 3x Zoom- Nikkor glass lens, ensuring creative freedom and a high light sensitivity up to ISO 800, which makes it easy to produce better pictures in low light situations. Both cameras feature large LCD monitors which facilitate the composition and sharing of images; the L10's LCD measures 2.0 inches across while the L11 has a 2.4-inch LCD, ample dimensions for easily viewing and sharing images with friends and family. COOLPIX L12 In addition to 7.1 megapixels, a 3x optical Zoom-Nikkor glass lens, and a 2.5-inch LCD, the COOLPIX L12 also features Optical VR Image Stabilization, which overcomes camera shake to produce clearer, sharper images. This camera also has ISO capabilities up to 1600, which enables the consumer to take sharper pictures in low light situations and facilitates a faster shutter speed, essential for capturing images of fast-moving subjects. Adding to this camera's ease of use is a new Anti-Shake button, which simultaneously activates VR, High ISO and Best Shot Selector, assuring that pictures will be steady, sharp, and stunning. Memories Made Easy In addition to the camera-specific features listed above, Nikon has incorporated user-friendly Imaging Innovations into the entire line of COOLPIX cameras, designed to ease the picture-taking process for the consumer. On the L12, these features are activated by pressing the convenient One-Touch portrait button on top of the camera and can be easily located in the menu systems of the L10 and L11. These technologies, dubbed “Nikon In-Camera Innovations” include: - In-Camera Red-Eye Fix™: automatically detects and corrects red eye, a common condition that occurs in flash photography.
- 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: in playback mode, the user selects and creates a copy of images with excessive backlight or insufficient flash illumination, adding light and detail where necessary.
Additionally, the L Series cameras include handy features such as scene modes, which set the camera for optimum performance in a variety of shooting locations, and a TV Quality Movie Mode for recording video with sound. The COOLPIX L10, L11 and L12 feature a sleek, 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 SDHC memory card compatible, with 7MB of internal memory for the L10 and L11 and 21MB for the L12. Each camera is packaged with a complimentary copy of Nikon’s PictureProject Software, which makes it a snap to transfer, organize, edit, and share photos with family and friends. The COOLPIX L10, L11 and L12 will be available beginning March 2007 at an MSRP of $119.95, $149.95, and $199.95, respectively. 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. 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 In-camera Innovations, 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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