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Nikon's Coolpix P5100 digital camera. Courtesy of Nikon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Nikon adds to the Coolpix P-series (UPDATED)
By
(Thursday, August 30, 2007 - 00:01 EDT)

Continuing its announcements for the day, Nikon has unveiled two new P-series Coolpix digital cameras.

The Nikon Coolpix P5100 is the higher spec model of the pair, with a sensor resolution of twelve megapixels coupled to a Nikkor-branded 3.5x optical zoom lens with optical image stabilization. The Nikon 5100 offers up a 2.5" LCD display with a higher than average 230,000 pixel resolution, as well as an optical viewfinder - an increasingly rare option these days, and one that's useful in difficult lighting conditions or when you need to economize on battery life. Other features of the Coolpix P5100 include a built-in flash and external flash hotshoe, power from a Lithium Ion battery, and an SD / MMC card slot plus 52MB of built-in memory.

The Coolpix P50 meanwhile has a sensor resolution of eight megapixels coupled to a Nikkor-branded 3.6x optical zoom lens, although due to the more economical price it forgoes image stabilization. The Nikon 5100 includes a 2.4" LCD display with a pretty average 115,000 pixel resolution, but despite the lower pricetag it does still include an optical viewfinder. Other features of the Coolpix P5100 includes a built-in flash (but no hotshoe), power from two AA batteries, and an SD / MMC card slot plus 52MB of built-in memory.

The Nikon Coolpix P5100 will be first to ship this September, priced at about $400. The Nikon Coolpix P50 will follow from October, with a $230 pricetag.

Nikon Coolpix P5100
Nikon's Coolpix P5100 digital camera. Courtesy of Nikon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera TypeCompact
ManufacturerNikon
Model NumberP5100
Dimensions3.9 x 2.5 x 1.6"
98.0 x 64.5 x 41.0mm
Weight200.0 g
7.0 oz
Planned Price$399.95
Planned Availability 2007
Image Capture
Sensor Type1/1.72" CCD
12.43 megapixels (total)
12.10 megapixels (effective)
Aspect Ratio4:3, 16:9
Image Dimensions4000 x 3000 (12.0 megapixels)
3984 x 2656 (10.6 megapixels)
2992 x 2992 (9.0 megapixels)
3968 x 2232 (8.9 megapixels)
3264 x 2448 (8.0 megapixels)
2592 x 1944 (5.0 megapixels)
2048 x 1536 (3.1 megapixels)
1600 x 1200 (1.9 megapixels)
1280 x 960 (1.2 megapixels)
1024 x 768 (0.8 megapixels)
640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
Image Preview / Review
ViewfinderYes, Optical
LCD2.5", 230,000 pixels
Lens
Lens TypeNikkor lens
3.5x optical zoom
Image StabilizationYes
Focal Length7.5 - 26.3mm (actual)
35 - 123mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Rangef/2.7 (wide) / f/5.3 (tele) - ???
Focusing RangeNormal: 12" - infinity (30 cm - infinity)
Macro: 1.6" - infinity (4.0 cm - infinity)
Exposure
ISO SensitivityAuto (64 - 1000), 64, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 2000, 3200
Creative
Digital ZoomUp to 4x
Storage
Recording MediumSD/MMC, Buil t-in
Connectivity
VideoYes
ComputerUSB 1.1
OtherDC In
Power
Battery TypeLithium Ion rechargeable
Battery Form Factor1 x proprietary EN-EL5
Product Bundle
Battery / Charger1 x Proprietary EN-EL5 Lithium Ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory52.0MB built-in memory
Other
Tripod MountYes
Remote ControlNo
More Photos
Nikon's Coolpix P5100 digital camera. Courtesy of Nikon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Nikon's Coolpix P5100 digital camera. Courtesy of Nikon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
 

Nikon Coolpix P50
Nikon's Coolpix P50 digital camera. Courtesy of Nikon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera TypeCompact
ManufacturerNikon
Model NumberP50
Dimensions3.7 x 2.6 x 1.7"
94.5 x 66.0 x 44.0mm
Weight160.0 g
5.6 oz
Planned Price$229.95
Planned AvailabilityOct 2007
Image Capture
Sensor Type1/2.5" CCD
8.29 megapixels (total)
8.10 megapixels (effective)
Aspect Ratio4:3, 16:9
Image Dimensions3264 x 2448 (8.0 megapixels)
3200 x 1800 (5.8 megapixels)
2592 x 1944 (5.0 megapixels)
2048 x 1536 (3.1 megapixels)
1600 x 1200 (1.9 megapixels)
1280 x 960 (1.2 megapixels)
1024 x 768 (0.8 megapixels)
640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
Image Preview / Review
ViewfinderYes, Optical
LCD2.4", 115,000 pixels
Lens
Lens TypeNikkor lens
3.6x optical zoom
Image StabilizationNo
Focal Length4.7 - 17.0mm (actual)
28 - 102mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Rangef/2.8 (wide) / f/5.6 (tele) - ???
Focusing RangeNormal: 20" - infinity (50 cm - infinity)
Macro: 2.0" - infinity (5.0 cm - infinity)
Exposure
ISO SensitivityAuto (64 - 1000), 64, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 2000
Creative
Digital ZoomUp to 4x
Storage
Recording MediumSD/MMC, Built-in
Connectivity
VideoYes
ComputerUSB 1.1
OtherDC In
Power
Battery TypeAlkaline or Lithium disposable, NiMH rechargeable
Battery Form Factor2 x AA
Product Bundle
Battery / Charger2 x AA alkaline disposable battery
Flash Memory52.0MB built-in memory
Other
Tripod MountYes
Remote ControlNo
More Photos
Nikon's Coolpix P50 digital camera. Courtesy of Nikon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Nikon's Coolpix P50 digital camera. Courtesy of Nikon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
 

2007-08-30 03:59ET: Further details added to this item.

Original Source Press Release:

Nikon's New P-series Cameras Blend Top-level Peformance With Durable Camera Design

COOLPIX P5100 and P50 Digital Cameras Are Ideal Companions For Photo Enthusiasts

MELVILLE, NY (August 30, 2007) – Nikon introduced today two new additions to its COOLPIX Performance Series of digital cameras: the COOLPIX P5100 and the COOLPIX P50. Both cameras offer versatility, advanced functions, upgraded features, great picture quality, and ease of use. Additionally, the P5100 and the P50 incorporate Nikon’s new EXPEEDTM advanced image processing system and high sensitivity capabilities that will help create incredible pictures in nearly any setting.

"The COOLPIX P5100 and the COOLPIX P50 were designed for the passionate photographer who enjoys advanced camera performance and outstanding picture quality," says Bill Giordano, General Manager Marketing, COOLPIX for Nikon Inc. "The P5100 and the P50 are the ideal partners for photography enthusiasts who are looking for a compact camera, with a broad range of creative control options, to use alongside their Nikon D-SLR camera.”

The COOLPIX P5100
Designed for the consumers looking for more creative control in a compact camera, the 12.1 megapixel COOLPIX P5100 has the ability to capture every last detail, while also providing creative freedom to crop and edit. It features a 3.5x optical Zoom-Nikkor lens, Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) image stabilization, as well as an optimized image menu for producing high-quality images that look stunning in any size.

The P5100 offers program, shutter, aperture and manual exposure modes that allow photographers increased creative control over their photos. Adding to the camera’s versatility is its compatibility with add-on system components, such as Nikon’s telephoto and wide angle lens converters.

The COOLPIX P5100 features a quality-crafted body that feels immediately familiar in the hand. Made of solid magnesium alloy, the body features a quality finish, a comfortable grip covered in grid-pattern rubber, as well as an optical viewfinder to aid composition in any light condition. The built-in accessory shoe adds support for Nikon Speedlights and advanced i-TTL flash control.

To ensure sharp and steady images, this camera boasts an anti-shake mode that combines the benefits of Optical VR image stabilization and Nikon’s exclusive Best Shot Selector, (BSS) that snaps multiple frames and automatically selects the best one. The P5100 has an optical viewfinder and an incredibly bright, high resolution 2.5-inch LCD monitor. The P5100 is powered by a Li-ion rechargeable battery.

The COOLPIX P50
The COOLPIX P50 combines classic design with contemporary performance. Engineered for the photo enthusiast, the P50 delivers easy handling and comfortable ergonomics. The P50 features an 8.1 effective megapixel resolution, a 3.6x wide-angle Zoom-Nikkor lens, and a large 2.4-inch LCD monitor. The P50 boasts an optical viewfinder and Electronic Vibration Reduction to compensate for camera shake at slow shutter speeds. Program and manual exposure modes come standard with the P50, so users have creative freedom when capturing images. The P50 is powered by two AA-batteries adding to the convenience and portability of this camera.

New EXPEED Image Processing System
Top-of-the-line performance and stunning image quality are staples of the COOLPIX P5100 and the COOLPIX P50. Both sport the new EXPEEDTM image processing system combined with enhanced high sensitivity capabilities to ensure the best picture quality. The EXPEEDTM image processing system enhances noise reduction and improves the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio that preserves image quality even when shooting at higher ISO settings. The P50 extends the light sensitivity range to ISO 2000, while the P5100 extends it to ISO 3200, which makes it easier to capture fast moving subjects, even in lower light conditions.

Simple Yet Advanced Functionality
P5100 and P50 users can also take advantage of the new mode dial which provides quick access to a selection of 15 different scene-optimized modes, movie modes, and macro mode. The new graphical user interface has enhanced the pop-up design, and allows for more precise menu navigation and interaction. Nikon has incorporated its user-friendly Imaging Innovations into the new line of COOLPIX cameras, designed to make the photo-taking process easier and more intuitive. These technologies, referred to as “Nikon In-Camera Innovations” include In-Camera Red-Eye FixTM, D-Lighting, and Face Priority AF. In-Camera Red-Eye FixTM automatically detects and corrects red eye, a common condition that occurs in flash photography. In playback mode, D-Lighting compensates for excessive back-light or insufficient flash in images. The P5100 and the P50 have PictBridge support and are compatible with SD/SDHC cards.

Nikon’s enhanced Face-Priority AF automatically finds and focuses on one person’s face or up to 12 people’s faces within one frame. Face-Priority AF provides faster speed and sharper focus to produce clear, crisp portraits wherever the subjects are positioned in the frame.

The COOLPIX P5100 will be available nationwide beginning September 2007, and the COOLPIX P50 will be available beginning October 2007. The P5100 has an MSRP of $399.95, and the P50 has an MSRP of $229.95. For more information about these and other COOLPIX cameras, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

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 are 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-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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