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Posts Tagged ‘Coolpix’

Nikon Coolpix P1000 sample gallery

22 Sep

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There’s no mistaking the Nikon Coolpix P1000 – with a 24-3000mm equivalent zoom, it really is in a class of its own. It’s a conspicuous-looking superzoom with one main job: getting you really close to far away subjects. We’ve put together a gallery showing the kind of results you can expect from it.

See our Nikon Coolpix P1000 gallery

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Nikon Coolpix P1000: what you need to know

11 Jul

Nikon Coolpix P1000: what you need to know

Nikon’s new Coolpix P1000 boasts an extraordinary zoom range and a suite of powerful stills and video features in a (relatively) compact body. We loved the original P900 for its sharp lens and effective stabilization, but its unimpressive EVF and lack of Raw capture mode made it less fun to use than it could have been.

The P1000 addresses both issues and greatly expands the zoom range, which now caps out at 3000mm (equivalent). Take a look through this slideshow for a detailed overview of this powerful compact’s key features.

All images supplied by Nikon and used with permission.

125X optical zoom (24-3000mm equivalent)

The headline feature of the P1000 is undoubtedly its zoom lens, which covers an astonishing (but no longer incredible) range of 24-3000mm (equiv). That’s wide enough to capture landscapes or interiors at the wide end, and closeup shots of the moon at the telephoto setting.

Notice we said closeups of the moon. The shot above (supplied by Nikon) was taken at ~2600mm (equiv) and as you can see, the moon almost fills the frame, even before the zoom is racked in to its maximum extent. Just to really hammer the point home, Nikon has even included a dedicated ‘moon mode’ on the main exposure mode dial.

125X optical zoom (24-3000mm equivalent)

Optical construction of this complex zoom is composed of 17 elements in 12 groups (including five ED lens elements and one super ED lens element) but there are tradeoffs. A decidedly slow maximum aperture of F8 at the long end is the most obvious one, and we’d also expect diffraction to take a significant bite out of sharpness towards the long end of the zoom (alongside heat haze and the effects of atmospheric pollutants when shooting distant objects).

Still though – the moon. That’s pretty cool.

The lens can be zoomed with a conventional W-T rocker switch surrounding the shutter release, or with a video camera-style switch on the lens housing itself (not visible in this image). This shot shots off the P1000’s generously-sized grip – a near-necessity for a camera with such a long zoom. At full extension, the P1000’s lens almost doubles the total length of the camera.

1cm macro focus

As well as the ability to shoot celestial bodies, the P1000 offers a 1cm minimum focus distance for macro shots. Such a short minimum distance is of limited use in most situations (the shadow of the lens becomes an issue at very close distances) but such a close focusing range should open up some fun creative possibilities for closeups.

Dual Detect Optical VR

You can’t really have a 24-3000mm equivalent zoom without stabilization, and the P1000 boasts a claimed 5 stops of stabilization thanks to its Dual Detect Optical VR (Vibration Reduction) system, inherited from the P900. Dual Detect Optical VR uses accelerometers and corrective elements in the lens and analyzes the scene recorded by the camera’s sensor to reduce the effect of camera shake.

16-megapixel BSI-CMOS 1/2.3″ sensor

Like the P900, the Coolpix P1000 uses a small, 1/2.3″-type BSI-CMOS sensor. We don’t expect miracles from sensors this small (1/2.3″ used to be the standard format for pocket and travel-zoom compact cameras) but image quality from the P900 wasn’t bad, and aside from the possibly issues caused by an even longer lens, we’d expect the P1000 to be capable of delivering decent images in favorable conditions.

The addition of Raw mode (using the .NRW format) to the P1000 is very welcome, but it remains to be seen just how much extra resolution it’s possible to eke out of the camera’s Raw files. It’s likely that all of that glass – especially diffraction and haze-related issues at the long end of the zoom – will place a hard limit on absolute sharpness.

4K UHD video

The P1000 can shoot video as well as stills, at a maximum resolution of 4K UHD (3840 x 2160 pixels) at 30p. A stereo microphone is built in, and there’s a socket for an accessory mic if you need better sound.

Video can be recorded in clips up to 4GB in size or 29 minutes in length – whichever comes first. If a clip exceeds 4GB, another will be created, allowing uninterrupted filming (up to a total of 29 minutes), though Nikon warns there’s a possibility the camera may overheat before that 29 minute limit is reached.

EVF and LCD

The Nikon Coolpix P1000 is a DSLR-style compact, of the kind that we used to call ‘bridge cameras’ (since they represented a ‘bridge’ between conventional compact cameras and SLRs). As such, it features a 2.3 million-dot OLED electronic viewfinder in addition to a rear-mounted, 3.2″ 921k-dot LCD.

The EVF is a significant upgrade compared to the 921k-dot viewfinder of the older P900, but the P1000’s rear screen is unchanged compared to its predecessor. It’s fully articulated, which should prove very handy for all those macro and astro shots you’ll be taking, but it is not touch-sensitive. Also visible in this shot is the P1000’s conventional cluster of rear controls, and the shoulder-mounted rear control dial.

Size, weight and battery life

Despite its tiny sensor, the Coolpix P1000 is a big camera, even alongside its predecessor (shown here on the right). Weighing in at 1,415g (3 lb, 2 oz) it’s pretty weighty, too, tipping the scales at about nearly half a kilo (~one pound) heavier than the older P900 (and around $ 400 pricier at launch). That’s reassuring in a way (clearly there’s a lot of expensive and heavy glass inside that massive lens!) but it could make the P1000 a less enjoyable travel companion unless you really need its extraordinary zoom range.

A CIPA rating of 250 shots per charge is about what we’d expect from a camera of this type, and USB charging is always a welcome feature.

We’re looking forward to getting hold of a reviewable P1000 in the coming weeks, and in the meantime we’d be interested in hearing your thoughts – let us know what you think in the comments.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Nikon Coolpix P1000 shoots for the moon with 3000mm equiv. zoom

10 Jul

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If the 24-2000mm equivalent lens on the Nikon Coolpix P900 wasn’t enough for you, then we bring good news: Nikon has announced its Coolpix P1000, which brings the telephoto end up to a once unthinkable 3000mm equiv. The lens has a maximum aperture of F2.8-8, compared to F2.8-6.5 on the P900, and has both ED and Super ED elements. This monster of a lens accepts 77mm filters and has two zoom speeds.

The P1000 has dedicated moon and bird positions on the mode dial

If you use Nikon’s ‘Dynamic Fine Zoom’ feature, the equivalent focal length rises to 6000mm (with some loss in image quality). Still not enough? If, for some reason, you need 12000mm of reach and don’t mind a substantial loss in image quality, you can use the camera’s 4X digital zoom. If you’re wondering just how large this camera is, it’s roughly 360mm / 14″ long with the lens extended and weighs in at a whopping 1.4kg / 3.1lbs.

As with its predecessor, the P1000 has a 16MP, 1/2.3″ sensor that offers an ISO range of 100-6400, along with Raw support, which wasn’t found on the P900 and represents a welcome addition. It can shoot continuously at 7 fps, but only for 7 shots. In a nod to its potential use cases, the P1000 has dedicated moon and bird positions on the mode dial. Photos and movies can be compared on a fully articulating LCD (which is not touch-enabled) or an 2.36M-dot OLED viewfinder.

The P1000 can also capture 4K/UHD video at 30p or 25p as well as 1080p from 60 fps down to 25 fps. The camera has a external mic input and offers manual exposure controls and clean HDMI output.

Wireless features include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and the camera can be controlled via your smartphone, the new ML-L7 Bluetooth remote or the MC-DC2 wired shutter release. Battery life is rated at 250 shots per charge.

The Nikon Coolpix P1000 will be available in September for $ 999.

Official samples

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Press Release

THE SUPERZOOM COOLPIX P1000 OFFERS AN ASTOUNDING 125X ZOOM TO CAPTURE YOUR WORLD AND BEYOND

With its Impressive NIKKOR 24-3000mm Equivalent Optical Zoom Lens and Advanced Shooting Controls, the New COOLPIX P1000 Brings Creative Possibilities Closer Than Ever

MELVILLE, NY (JULY 10, 2018 AT 12:01 A.M. EDT) – Today, Nikon Inc. announced the COOLPIX P1000, the new undisputed powerhouse of superzooms. With an incredible 125X optical zoom (24-3000mm equivalent) powered by high performance NIKKOR optics; the P1000 is the ideal companion camera for birding, sports, wildlife and celestial-photographers seeking superior performance from extreme distances. Beyond its incredible zoom range, the versatile 16-megapixel COOLPIX P1000 captures 4K UHD video and offers a myriad of manual controls, as well as user-friendly functions including built-in Wi-Fi1 and Bluetooth2 connectivity, letting photographers of all levels explore and share their creativity.

“The COOLPIX P1000 is the first of its kind for a compact digital camera,” said Jay Vannatter, Executive Vice President, Nikon Inc. “It raises the bar for superzoom cameras and is a testament to our commitment to delivering innovative tools that offer creative freedom to capture and allow users to share their unique visions of the world.”

Powerful Optics go the Distance

The COOLPIX P1000 incorporates state-of-the-art NIKKOR technology, designed with ED and Super ED lens elements, boasts the world’s most powerful3 125X optical zoom lens (24-3000mm f/2.8-8) and 250X Dynamic Fine Zoom4, equivalent to a staggering 6000mm from macro to extreme distances. This powerful zoom range gives the P1000 the versatility to chronicle an adventure filled vacation, capture a favorite ballplayer from the top tier of a stadium or fill the frame with celestial objects like the moon, that normally only a telescope could reach.

To handle such extreme distances, the camera is equipped with the latest Nikon EXPEED image processing system and Dual Detect Optical VR technology for 5-stops5 of camera shake compensation that help capture sharp images and reduce blur. Featuring a 16-megapixel back-side illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor and expanded ISO range up to 6400, the P1000 affords users the versatility to capture superior image quality even under challenging lighting conditions. The COOLPIX P1000 also boasts a variety of high-speed features including a quick start-up and fast Autofocus (AF) system, making it an ideal choice for capturing action from the sidelines of your kid’s soccer game or from an adventure-packed safari. Additionally, whether capturing a ballplayer sliding into home plate or photographing a bird in flight from afar, users will feel confident finding, tracking and capturing these far-away subjects using the camera’s snap-back zoom feature which temporarily expands the field of view for super-telephoto shots.

Versatility Ignites Creativity

The COOLPIX P1000 makes it easier than ever for photographers to express their personal creativity. Through its host of manual functions and RAW (NRW) image output, the P1000 is great for advanced users seeking precise control from point of capture to post-production. The COOLPIX P1000 offers an innovative control layout complete with a function button, command dial and mode dial to bring frequently used functions to a photographer’s fingertips.

Additionally, the camera includes a focus mode selector that can be used to change the focus mode and a control ring that allows for the adjustment of settings such as the white balance and manual focus. Photographers will find the camera’s built-in 2.3-million dot OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF) helpful when composing their shot, while the Vari-Angle 3.2-inch 921K-dot TFT LCD display is ideal for capturing challenging angles like framing a performer on a concert stage.

The COOLPIX P1000 offers numerous picture controls, creative modes and filter effects to help photographers bring their creative vision to life. Whether capturing the night sky or a bird perched on a tree branch, users can take advantage of the camera’s designated scene modes, such as Moon Mode and Bird Watching Mode, to automatically adjust settings to deliver brilliant results in a variety of environments. While amazing for extreme zoom, the COOLPIX P1000 also supports versatile shooting scenarios like capturing macro images from as close as 1 cm away. Beyond mastering still photography from both near and far, the P1000 is also capable of incredible 4K UHD video with stereo audio recording and time-lapse effects to further expand artistic expression. Lastly, with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, images will transfer automatically to a photographer’s compatible mobile device so family and friends can view stunning vacation moments or epic shots of the night sky in real time.

New Accessory: Bluetooth Connected Remote

The new COOLPIX P1000 is equipped with an accessory terminal and an accessory shoe that supports a wide variety of compatible devices, including external Nikon Speedlights. To bring more capabilities and creative control to photographers, Nikon also announced the new ML-L7 Bluetooth connected remote as another optional accessory available for the COOLPIX P1000. The ML-L7 Bluetooth connected remote control expands the shooting possibilities of the P1000 by enabling users to trigger various camera functions, including video start and smooth zoom control, remotely.

Price and Availability

The COOLPIX P1000 will have a suggested retail price (SRP) of $ 999.95* and will be available in September 2018. The new ML-L7 Bluetooth connected remote control will also be available in September 2018 for a SRP of $ 49.95*. For more information on COOLPIX P1000 and other Nikon products, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

1. This camera’s built-in Wi-Fi® capability can only be used with a compatible iPhone®, iPad®, and/or iPod touch® or smart devices running on the Android™ operating system. The Nikon SnapBridge application must be installed on the device before it can be used with this camera.

2. The camera’s built-in Bluetooth® capability can only be used to connect the camera to a compatible smart device running the SnapBridge app, and to take advantage of SnapBridge features. The Nikon SnapBridge application must be installed on the device before it can be used with this camera.

Using the SnapBridge App System Requirements:

  • Android 5.0 or later or 6.0.1 or later
  • A device with Bluetooth 4.0 or later (i.e., a device that supports Bluetooth Smart Ready/Low Energy) is required.
  • The SnapBridge app is available for compatible iPhone®, iPad® and/or iPod touch®, and for smart devices running the AndroidTM operating system. The app can be downloaded free of charge from Apple’s App Store® and GooglePlayTM. Nikon SnapBridge can be used only with compatible cameras.

3. Among compact digital cameras available as of July 10, 2018. Statement based on Nikon research.

4. At the maximum image size. The maximum zoom ratio varies by image size. The zoom ratio indicated for Dynamic Fine Zoom is the combined ratio of optical zoom from the maximum wide-angle position and digital zoom.

5. Measured in accordance with CIPA standards at approx. 350mm (equivalent focal length in 35mm [135] format).

*SRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

**Specifications, equipment and release dates are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.

Nikon Coolpix P1000 specifications

Price
MSRP $ 999
Body type
Body type SLR-like (bridge)
Sensor
Max resolution 4608 x 3456
Image ratio w:h 4:3
Effective pixels 16 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors 17 megapixels
Sensor size 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm)
Sensor type BSI-CMOS
Processor Nikon Expeed
Color space sRGB
Color filter array Primary color filter
Image
ISO Auto, 100-6400
White balance presets 5
Custom white balance Yes
Image stabilization Optical
CIPA image stabilization rating 5 stop(s)
Uncompressed format RAW
File format
  • JPEG (Exif v2.31)
  • Raw (NRW)
Optics & Focus
Focal length (equiv.) 24–3000 mm
Optical zoom 125×
Maximum aperture F2.8–8
Autofocus
  • Contrast Detect (sensor)
  • Multi-area
  • Center
  • Selective single-point
  • Tracking
  • Single
  • Continuous
  • Face Detection
  • Live View
Autofocus assist lamp Yes
Digital zoom Yes (4X)
Manual focus Yes
Normal focus range 30 cm (11.81″)
Macro focus range 1 cm (0.39″)
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCD Fully articulated
Screen size 3.2″
Screen dots 921,000
Touch screen No
Screen type TFT LCD
Live view Yes
Viewfinder type Electronic
Viewfinder coverage 99%
Viewfinder resolution 2,359,000
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed 60 sec
Maximum shutter speed 1/4000 sec
Exposure modes
  • Program
  • Aperture priority
  • Shutter priority
  • Manual
Scene modes
  • Backlighting
  • Beach
  • Close-up
  • Dusk/Dawn
  • Easy Panorama
  • Fireworks Show
  • Food
  • Landscape
  • Multiple Exposure Lighten
  • Night Landscape
  • Night Portrait
  • Party/Indoor
  • Pet Portrait
  • Portrait
  • Scene Auto Selector
  • Selective Color
  • Snow
  • Soft
  • Sports
  • Sunset
  • Superlapse Movie
  • Time-lapse Movie
Built-in flash Yes
Flash range 12.00 m (at Auto ISO)
External flash Yes (via hot shoe)
Drive modes
  • Single shot
  • Continuous H
  • Continuous H 60
  • Continuous H 120
  • Continuous L
  • Interval timer
  • Pre-shooting cache
  • Bulb/time
Continuous drive 7.0 fps
Self-timer Yes (2 or 10 secs)
Metering modes
  • Multi
  • Center-weighted
  • Spot
Exposure compensation ±2 (at 1/3 EV steps)
AE Bracketing ±2 (3 frames at 1/3 EV steps)
WB Bracketing No
Videography features
Format MPEG-4, H.264
Modes
  • 3840 x 2160 @ 30p, MP4, H.264, AAC
  • 3840 x 2160 @ 25p, MP4, H.264, AAC
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 60p, MP4, H.264, AAC
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 50p, MP4, H.264, AAC
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 30p, MP4, H.264, AAC
  • 1920 x 1080 @ 25p, MP4, H.264, AAC
Microphone Stereo
Speaker Mono
Storage
Storage types SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I support)
Connectivity
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
USB charging Yes
HDMI Yes (micro HDMI)
Microphone port Yes
Headphone port No
Wireless Built-In
Wireless notes 802.11b/g/n + Bluetooth 4.1 LE
Remote control Yes (via smartphone, Bluetooth remote, wired remote)
Physical
Battery Battery Pack
Battery description EN-EL20a lithium-ion battery and charger
Battery Life (CIPA) 250
Weight (inc. batteries) 1415 g (3.12 lb / 49.91 oz)
Dimensions 146 x 119 x 181 mm (5.75 x 4.69 x 7.13″)
Other features
Orientation sensor Yes
Timelapse recording Yes
GPS None

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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The Olympus TG-5 and Nikon Coolpix W300 go to Puerto Rico

16 Dec

José Francisco Salgado is an astronomer, science photographer, and visual artist. His series of Science & Symphony films that have been presented in more than 200 concerts in 15 countries. He is a native of Puerto Rico.

Editor’s note: The events described in this article took place several weeks prior to the arrival of Hurricane Maria, which caused catastrophic damage to Puerto Rico and other islands in the Caribbean.

Last summer I traveled to Puerto Rico to do some night photography for a new Science & Symphony film I’m producing. I was planning to photograph the Milky Way and the ocean at the same time, though it’s difficult to visit tropical beaches and limit yourself to work.

I shoot my time-lapse sequences with Nikon DSLRs, but decided to bring along two ‘rugged’ cameras, the Nikon Coolpix W300 and Olympus TG-5, for casual shooting. These point-and-shoot cameras are shockproof (rated to resist drops from at least 2.1m / 7ft) and waterproof (to depths of at least 15.2m / 50ft), so my motivation was to use them while snorkeling with my fiancée, Paula.

She was more than happy to try these cameras, and since she’s not a professional photographer I thought it would be good to get her impressions of them as well. I wanted to find out how intuitive the controls were myself, so I decided to consult the manuals only when needed.

Olympus TG-5 sample gallery

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One big difference between the cameras that’s worth calling out is Raw support: the TG-5 allows you to capture Raw images, but the W300 shoots only in JPEG. I found myself processing the images from both cameras quite a bit in Adobe Lightroom to get pleasing results, though with the Nikon I was limited to editing out-of-camera JPEGs.

I really like the fact that both cameras have built-in GPS for geotagging photos. (You can read the metadata in the sample galleries if you want to know exactly where these photos were taken.) Unfortunately, after returning from the trip I noticed that the cameras, especially the TG-5, didn’t geotag consistently.

Nikon W300 sample gallery

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Since the W300 doesn’t save Raw files, I’ve included both out-of-camera JPEGs and my edited JPEGs in this sample gallery.

After landing in San Juan, we headed eastward toward our base in Playa Azul in Luquillo. Playa Azul, aka the Costa Azul, is a beach with golden sand and turquoise water. We took some photos along the surf and started to familiarize ourselves with the cameras. Paula noticed how much easier it was to operate the zoom lever on the TG-5, which is sideways and closer to the shutter, than on the W300, which moves up and down. Nevertheless, the optical zoom itself worked well in both cameras. Paula also preferred the grip on the TG-5.

We then headed to Cabo Rojo in the southwest corner of the island to photograph the disk of our Galaxy setting in the Caribbean Sea in the context of the rugged coastline and promontory of Los Morrillos. We returned to the site during the day with our point-and-shoot cameras to photograph the coastline and the popular stone bridge.

Puerto Rico’s Playa Azul has golden sand and turquoise water.
Olympus TG-5
ISO 100 | 1/400 sec. | F8
Photo by Paula Bressman

After Cabo Rojo, we spent a night at the Punta Tuna Wetlands Nature Reserve in Maunabo in order to photograph The Milky Way and the Punta Tuna Lighthouse. We did some scouting around the wetland and Playa Larga, where we appreciated the advantage of shooting in Raw on the TG-5. In the split-screen image below, you can see how much more information I was able to extract by processing the Raw file in Lightroom.

Olympus TG-5 (SOOC) Olympus TG-5 (Processed in Lightroom)

Our next site was Culebra, an island-municipality east of Puerto Rico, which is quickly reached by plane. During the 15-minute flight, Paula captured a nice photo of a young boy transfixed by the view from the small plane using the W300. I was able to pull a bit more shadow detail from the JPEG file, but decided not to so the viewer could focus on the boy’s attentive face.

Then it was finally time to take the cameras underwater, so we took them to a couple of beaches in Culebra, Playa Melones and Playa Tamarindo. (We preferred Playa Melones due to its abundance of coral reefs and marine life.)

To use the cameras underwater all you need to do is secure a lock (or two, in the case of the TG-5) and enjoy! Considering that these cameras don’t float, I recommend using the included straps to avoid accidental loss in deep water. Regardless of how much underwater photography you’re interested in doing, it’s good to know that you can bring these cameras into the water instead of leaving them unattended on the beach.

My fiancée, Paula, captured this photo during our flight to Culebra.
Nikon W300
ISO 400 | 1/1000 sec. | F2.8
Photo by Paula Bressman

The color rendition on the TG-5’s underwater photos was much better, so I decided to shoot more with it while snorkeling. Underwater, colors change based on lighting conditions, depth, water transparency, and amount of sunlight, so I was also intrigued to see how the TG-5’s flash would perform underwater. I found that many of the images came out overexposed or washed out, so I stuck to using the best natural light possible (read waiting for passing clouds).

The TG-5 has an Underwater Mode that, according to the manual, is optimized for underwater photography using natural light, so I decided to use it. According to the manual it should automatically set the ISO sensitivity with a priority on image quality. That is, the camera starts with a low ISO value and sets the corresponding exposure parameters (speed and aperture), then increases the ISO value as needed.

Snorkeling near Playa Tamarindo.
Olympus TG-5
ISO 100 | 1/320 sec. | F2.8
Photo by Jose Francisco Salgado

As sunlight started to diminish, it surprised me that the TG-5 would lower the speed all the way down to 1/60 second while maintaining ISO 100 instead of increasing the ISO! I understand that auto-ISO increases the ISO as a last recourse, but I was shooting in Underwater Mode. This mode should consider that sea currents are moving the photographer, who is often trying to capture moving fish or other animals. A speed of 1/60 second won’t cut it.

I decided to manually change the ISO to a higher value, but alas, it was impossible to figure out how to change this setting without reading the manual, and therein lies my frustration. I can deal with a program mode not giving the results that I expect, however I do expect to be able to look at the buttons and quickly figure out how to change the parameters that I need to change. The problem wasn’t pressing small buttons underwater, but not having an intuitive way to change values. As a result, some of the sea creatures I photographed are motion-blurred. Nevertheless, I’m content the photos I got of the carey de concha (Hawksbill sea turtle).

Throughout a day of snorkeling I got the impression that battery life on the W300 was underwhelming compared to the TG-5.

Shooting underwater with the Olympus TG-5.

On our last day in Culebra, stormy weather moved into the Caribbean. Conditions were windy, but safe, so we hopped into our rented golf cart and ventured out to enjoy two beaches which have been rated among the most beautiful in the world, Playa Flamenco and Playa Zoní.

Upon arrival at the Playa Zoní, it took us sixty seconds to make new friends, Magdamarys, Michelle, and Javier. Michelle, an awesome salsa dance instructor, proceeded to teach Paula how to salsa as seen in the video below, shot with the W300. It was the perfect way to end our stay in Culebra.

I captured this salsa dancing at Playa Zoní, considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, using the Nikon W300.

Back on the main island, we used the cameras one last time in El Yunque Rainforest, where Paula enjoyed the cool and refreshing water of the Juan Diego Waterfall.

Video of the Juan Diego Waterfall in El Yunque Rainforest, captured by the Olympus TG-5.

Final Thoughts

Although we didn’t drop or mishandle these cameras, they appear to be very rugged. They’re definitely waterproof, and it was easy to operate them underwater, however the user interfaces could be much simpler. I have apps on my iPhone than can control the camera in a simpler and more intuitive way than either of these cameras. Then there’s image quality. Lack of Raw support on the W300, and the poor image quality of the resulting JPEG files, disqualifies the camera for me.

Although I appreciated having more processing latitude with the TG-5’s Raw files, that doesn’t mean I’m very impressed with the image quality either. Nevertheless, it’s definitely superior to the image quality produced by the W300, even when comparing out-of-camera JPEGs. When processing images from the TG-5 be ready to correct for chromatic aberration, because it can be severe (this wasn’t an issue with the W300).

Although I appreciated having more processing latitude with the TG-5’s Raw files, that doesn’t mean I’m very impressed with the image quality either.

The TG-5 also failed to focus several times under normal indoor lighting conditions, including once outside right after sunset. I didn’t encounter any focusing issues with the W300. I was also happy to see that the TG-5 has a panorama feature, but it completely failed several times and produced horribly stitched images.

These cameras are a great option for you if you’re looking for a rugged point-and-shoot camera that works underwater, which is their main strength. If you’re just looking for a camera that’s more compact than a DSLR, or that has a better zoom range than your smartphone, they’ll work for that as well. However, considering the prices, you might also want to consider other compact cameras or even stick with your smartphone.

Readers wishing to contribute to ongoing hurricane relief efforts in Puerto Rico are encouraged to visit United for Puerto Rico.

José Francisco Salgado, PhD is an Emmy-nominated astronomer, science photographer, visual artist, and public speaker who creates multimedia works that communicate science in engaging ways. His Science & Symphony films with KV 265 have been presented in more than 200 concerts and lectures in 15 countries.

José Francisco is a seasoned night sky and aurora photographer and filmmaker. If you would like to view, photograph, and learn about the Northern Lights then you can inquire about his Borealis Science & Photo Tours in Yellowknife, Canada.

You can follow him on: Flickr, Instagram, 500px, Facebook, and Twitter

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Throwback Thursday: doing the twist with the Nikon Coolpix 950

03 Feb

Few cameras in the early days of consumer digital photography are as legendary as the Nikon Coolpix 950. This graphic pulled from the DPReview archives says it all:

In case you’re wondering, the answer was ‘yes’. It earned a ‘Highly Recommended’ award, with site founder Phil Askey calling it an ‘important camera at an important time for digital photography.’

The thing about the Coolpix 950 that grabbed the most attention was, of course, its rotating lens (or was it the body that rotated?). It wasn’t Nikon’s first camera to use that design: the original Coolpix 900 has that honor. 

The lens was reasonably fast (F2.6-F4), though its equivalent focal length of 38-115mm didn’t make it a great choice for wide-angle shooters (and forget about selfies which, thankfully, didn’t become a fad for another 15 years or so.) Nikon did offer accessory lenses for the 950: a telephoto adapter that doubled the focal length, a wide-angle adapter that dropped it to 24-72mm and a fisheye adapter with a 183° field-of-view.

The CP950 had a whopping 1/2″, 2.1 Megapixel CCD, which saved those 1600 x 1200 images to a CompactFlash card. Nikon made a lot of noise about the camera’s autofocus system, boasting that it had 4,746 steps, allowing it to be ‘unerringly accurate.’ The CP950 could shoot continuously at a speedy 1.5 fps and featured Best Shot Selector, a feature which Nikon cameras offered for many years, which took three shots in a row and picked the sharpest one. Another feature that was a big deal then was automatic file numbering.

The Coolpix 950 had a magnesium-alloy frame and feels as solid as a modern-era enthusiast camera.  As you can see, it had a built-in flash. What you can’t see is that it also had a flash sync terminal, and Nikon sold a flash bracket for off-camera Speedlights.

As with most cameras those days, it had an optical viewfinder along with a 2″, 130k-dot LCD that doesn’t look very good in 2017. The physical controls and menus may have been competitive then, but they’re baffling now.

The CP950 was priced at $ 899 back in 1999, which is just under $ 1300 in 2017. That would make this Coolpix one of the most expensive fixed-lens cameras on the market. While it’s hard to imaging paying that now, back in ’99 the Coolpix 950 was definitely worth the price.

Read DPReview’s Coolpix 950 review

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Nikon introduces Coolpix W100 waterproof compact with Snapbridge

02 Aug

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Nikon has announced the Coolpix W100, a waterproof compact with SnapBridge connectivity, in select Asian and European markets. The W100 appears to be a variation of the Coolpix S33 announced last February for North America, providing the same smartphone-size 13.2MP sensor, 3X optical zoom lens (30-90mm equiv.) and durability – the W100 is waterproof to 32ft/10m, shockproof to 5.9ft/1.8m and freezeproof to +14F/-10C. Full 1080p HD video is also included.

Touted for its kid-friendly ergonomics, the W100 adds connectivity to the mix in the form of its Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.1 LE SnapBridge system. Other additions include the ability to add cartoon effects and stamps to images, as well as an ‘add Light Trails’ mode that uses multiple exposures to capture light trails.

Press release:

Reliable, easy-to-use weatherproof camera with a specially designed menu and additional creative options for every member of the family

TOKYO – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the release of the COOLPIX W100, a tough waterproof and shockproof compact digital camera that offers reliable, worry-free use with leisure activities.

The COOLPIX W100 combines reliable image quality with a simple, easy-to-use, animated menu option of Variety Menu, and an ergonomic design for everyone in the family to enjoy fun moments effortlessly. Its compact rounded design, large buttons and intelligent features such as Underwater Face Framing, enable users to capture high quality images and full HD*1 videos easily at the press of a button. New creative options including the Add Cartoon Effects and the Stamp function also aid in cultivating an interest amongst younger users. What’s more, the COOLPIX W100 supports SnapBridge, which establishes a connection between the camera and a smart device, allowing users to easily share the photos they have taken via SNSs and the like, without removing and reinserting the SD memory card.

*1 “Full-HD” indicates recording capability in the 1920 x 1080 format.

COOLPIX W100 primary features

  1. Worry-free performance for use by every member of the family 
    The camera is dustproof, waterproof to 10 m, shockproof to withstand falls from as high as 1.8 m, and freezeproof to -10°C. It has a tough body that allows it to be used with a wide variety of leisure activities, whether at the pool or the park sandbox, the beach or the ski slopes.
  2. Functions and a level of performance that make capturing beautiful photos easy
    The camera has an effective pixel count of 13.2 megapixels*1, and is equipped with a 3x optical zoom NIKKOR lens. It is also equipped with Dynamic Fine Zoom*2, that can be used to achieve approximately 6x zoom with which resolution is preserved in the digital zoom range. In addition, the camera offers a number of functions that make capturing beautiful photos easy, including Underwater Face Framing, which detects and automatically photographs human faces when the camera is in the water, and Target Finding AF*3, with which the camera detects and focuses on the primary subject. What’s more, the camera is equipped with a new Add Light Trails (Multiple Exp. Lighten) mode for photo recording that enables beautiful recording of once difficult light trails made by stars or airplanes.

    *1 May be reduced with image processing.
    *2 The zoom ratio indicated for Dynamic Fine Zoom is the combined ratio of optical zoom from the maximum wide-angle position and digital zoom.
    *3 With shooting in point and shoot mode.

  3. Support for SnapBridge, which expands the ways in which photos are enjoyed
    The camera supports SnapBridge, which uses Bluetooth® low energy (BLE) technology to establish a connection between the camera and a smart device. Photos taken with the camera can be automatically transferred*1 to a smart device, and if uploaded from SnapBridge, an unlimited number of thumbnail images can be automatically uploaded*2 from the smart device to Nikon’s photo sharing service, NIKON IMAGE SPACE. Because photos can be transferred via the Internet or shared using an SNS the moment they are taken, sharing the exciting and dramatic moments that occur at leisure destinations is easy.

    *1 Original size images or images reduced to 2-megapixel equivalent (JPEG) can be transferred automatically. RAW/TIFF data cannot be transferred. Movies can be transferred by switching to Wi-Fi®, then selecting files manually. Download is not available with AVI files.
    *2 To upload images automatically to NIKON IMAGE SPACE, Nikon ID registration (free) is required, which can be easily setup via [Nikon ID registration/change] menu on the SnapBridge application. Only when uploading to NIKON IMAGE SPACE via SnapBridge, JPEG data reduced to 2-megapixel equivalent can be uploaded unlimitedly in number and capacity.

    – The camera’s built-in Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth® and/or NFC® capability can only be used when it is connected to smart devices with the SnapBridge application installed.
    – SnapBridge application is available for a compatible iPhone®, iPad® and/or iPod touch® or smart devices running on the Android™ operating system. The application download is free from Apple App Store® and GooglePlay™
    – The iOS application release date from Apple App Store® will be announced on SnapBridge Microsite as soon as it is determined.

  4. A multitude of shooting and retouch functions that make taking pictures more fun
    The camera allows users to express themselves in a variety of ways with effects and frames that can be added with shooting, the ability to change colors and apply effects to images after they are taken, and much more. New creative options such as the Stamp and the Add Cartoon Effects have been introduced. After images are captured, they can be decorated with hearts, stars, or other stamps using the Stamp function, and the Add Cartoon Effects function can be used to make the image look like a panel from a comic by drawing lines. The cameras functions have been greatly enriched to enable greater enjoyment of images.
  5. A function for recording full-HD*1 movies with stereo sound that can be used to preserve high-quality movies of memories
    The camera is equipped with a full-HD movie recording function that enables recording of high-quality movies by simply pressing the movie-record button. The effects of camera shake can be effectively reduced with the electronic vibration reduction (VR) function.

    *1″Full-HD” indicates recording capability in the 1920 x 1080 format.

  6. Additional features
    – A Variety Menu setting that allows the user to control camera functions according to the user or situation
    – A welcome screen with which the characters and background change according to the time of day, how often the camera is used, the number of pictures taken with the camera, etc., and to which new characters have been added
    – Easy to hold and use, even for children with small hands, designed with a rounded form for a superior grip, and available in five colors, one of which is a new marine pattern
    – An Exchange Messages function that allows users to communicate by recording voice messages
    – An Image Lock function that allows users to restrict image deletion by simply holding down two of the buttons on the back of the camera at the same time

Nikon Coolpix W100

Body type
Body type Ultracompact
Body material Composite
Sensor
Max resolution 4160 x 3120
Other resolutions 2272 x 1704, 1600 x 1200
Image ratio w:h 4:3
Effective pixels 13 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors 14 megapixels
Sensor size 1/3.1" (4.7 x 3.5 mm)
Sensor type CMOS
Color space sRGB
Color filter array Primary color filter
Image
ISO Auto, 125-1600
Image stabilization Digital only
Uncompressed format No
File format
  • JPEG (Exif v2.3)
Optics & Focus
Focal length (equiv.) 30–90 mm
Optical zoom 3×
Maximum aperture F3.3
Autofocus
  • Contrast Detect (sensor)
  • Multi-area
  • Center
  • Tracking
  • Single
  • Face Detection
  • Live View
Autofocus assist lamp Yes
Digital zoom Yes (4x)
Normal focus range 5 cm (1.97″)
Macro focus range 5 cm (1.97″)
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCD Fixed
Screen size 2.7″
Screen dots 230,000
Touch screen No
Screen type TFT LCD
Live view Yes
Viewfinder type None
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed 1 sec
Maximum shutter speed 1/2000 sec
Built-in flash Yes
Flash range 3.10 m
External flash No
Self-timer Yes
Metering modes
  • Multi
  • Center-weighted
  • Spot
Exposure compensation ±2 (at 1 EV steps)
Videography features
Resolutions 1920 x 1080
Format MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone Stereo
Speaker Mono
Storage
Storage types SD/SDHC/SDXC card
Storage included 22MB
Connectivity
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
HDMI Yes (micro-HDMI)
Microphone port No
Headphone port No
Wireless Built-In
Wireless notes 802.11b/g/n with Bluetooth 4.1 LE
Remote control Yes (via smartphone)
Physical
Environmentally sealed Yes
Battery Battery Pack
Battery description EN-EL19 lithium-ion battery & USB charger
Battery Life (CIPA) 220
Weight (inc. batteries) 177 g (0.39 lb / 6.24 oz)
Dimensions 110 x 67 x 38 mm (4.31 x 2.64 x 1.5″)
Other features
Orientation sensor Yes
GPS None

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Nikon announces trio of long-zoom Coolpix cameras, two of which support 4K capture

26 Feb

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Nikon has announced a trio of new superzooms, two of which support 4K/UHD video capture. All three have a new naming scheme, with the A-series replacing the ‘L’ cameras and the B-series taking over for the ‘P’ models.

All three cameras offer what Nikon calls SnapBridge, which combines Wi-Fi (with NFC) and Bluetooth. By using a low energy version of Bluetooth, your phone can maintain a constant connection with the camera, meaning that you don’t have to re-pair every time you want to share photos.

The compact Coolpix A900, which offers a 20MP BSI CMOS sensor, 35X (24-840mm equiv.) F3.4-6.9 lens, 3″ tilting LCD and 4K video capture at 30p. It will be available in silver and black at a price of $ 399.

Next is the Coolpix B500, which loses 4K capture but uses four AA batteries for power – a real rarity these days. It sports a 40X (22.5-900mm equiv.) F3.0-6.5 lens, 16MP BSI CMOS sensor, tilting 3″ LCD and 1080/30p video recording. Your color choices for this model are black and red and the estimated selling price is $ 299.

The B700 has the most zoom of the bunch, with a 60X (24-1440mm equiv.) F3.3-6.5 lens, 20MP BSI CMOS sensor, fully articulating, touch-enabled 3″ LCD, a 921k-dot electronic viewfinder and 4K video capture. You can pick one up for $ 499 in black only.

All three models will be available later this spring.

GET CLOSER TO WHAT MATTERS: NIKON’S NEWEST LONG-ZOOM COOLPIX CAMERAS OFFER OUTSTANDING IMAGE QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE TO CREATIVELY CAPTURE FROM AFAR

With Nikon’s New SnapBridge, The New COOLPIX B700, B500 and A900 Provide a Simplified Way to Share and Transfer Images Easily

MELVILLE, NY (Monday, February 22, 2016 at 11:01 P.M. EST) – Today, Nikon Inc. announced three new COOLPIX cameras, the latest additions to its compact zoom camera lineup. Designed to capture stunning images, 4K UHD (in select models) and HD video from up close or far away, these new COOLPIX cameras boast super-long zoom lenses and superior performance while also offering Nikon SnapBridge for easy sharing of photos. Providing outstanding zoom capabilities ranging from 60x and 40x respectively, the COOLPIX B700 and COOLPIX B500 allow users to explore their creative freedom regardless of the distance. With a powerful 35x zoom lens, the COOLPIX A900 is a compact, stylish and feature-packed camera that fits comfortably in a pocket. 

All of these COOLPIX cameras offer a new way to share photos wirelessly through the new Nikon SnapBridge. SnapBridge creates an “always on” Bluetooth® supported connection between the camera and compatible mobile device, making automatic upload and sharing of images possible. 

“Nikon’s latest COOLPIX cameras are exciting options for creative photographers seeking a compact camera that is easy-to-use, yet features incredible zoom capabilities, superior performance and stunning image quality,” said Masahiro Horie, Director of Marketing and Planning, Nikon Inc. “The COOLPIX B700, B500 and A900 provide the lens power needed to get closer to subjects and capture sharp images and HD video.”

Easily Share and Transfer Images: The New Nikon SnapBridge

With more images being shared than ever before, Nikon has developed the new Nikon SnapBridge to help consumers automatically transfer images via Bluetooth®1 low energy (BLE) directly to a compatible smartphone2 or tablet, establishing an “always on” connection, making it easier than ever to share amazing images with the world. The Nikon SnapBridge app allows users to document the time and location images were taken, embed copyright or photographer information on any image, as well as operate the camera remotely, which is great for capturing group shots. Built-in Wi-Fi3 and NFC are also available to further increase connectivity and promote sharing great images.

Additionally, SnapBridge users can take advantage of Nikon’s free image storing service, Nikon Image Space, to store up to 20 GB of images and an unlimited number of thumbnail images (up to 2MB) to the cloud, while the application will also send registered users firmware updates directly to their smart device.

COOLPIX B700

The COOLPIX B700 is a compact superzoom camera that offers incredible range and outstanding image quality. Whether trying to capture birds in-flight or the star player from the sidelines, images captured will be rendered in amazing quality thanks to the camera’s impressive 20.3-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor, even when shooting in low-light. The B700 can capture impressive portraits or landscapes with a phenomenal 60x optical zoom NIKKOR ED glass lens (120x with Dynamic Fine Zoom4) that expands from wide-angle to telephoto zoom for accuracy and precision in every shot. Capable of shooting at 5 frames per second (fps), fast motion is captured with ease, while a 3-inch Vari-angle LCD display helps compose unique perspectives at any angle. Other user-friendly features include a myriad of Creative Modes, RAW (NRW) shooting support, new 4K UHD video capability (30p) and Nikon SnapBridge for seamless sharing of amazing images with friends and family. 

COOLPIX B500

Another superzoom option from Nikon, the COOLPIX B500 is an ergonomically designed zoom camera powered by AA batteries for added convenience. A 16-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor alongside an impressive 40x optical zoom NIKKOR glass lens (up to 80x with Dynamic Fine Zoom), lets users capture high quality images from near or far. The camera also offers hybrid VR to combat camera shake when shooting on-the-go. To complement still images captured, the B500 can record full 1080p HD video, while framing every shot is made easy using the high resolution tilting 920k-dot 3-inch LCD screen that helps capture images at any angle. Users can easily upload their creations to social media via Nikon SnapBridge using any compatible smartphone or tablet.

COOLPIX A900

Ideal for travel, the COOLPIX A900 is a slim long zoom compact camera that fits comfortably into any user’s pocket. While the A900 may be small, it packs an amazing 35x Optical Zoom NIKKOR glass lens (70x with Dynamic Fine Zoom) that helps reach far away subjects. Supported by a 20-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor that renders amazing quality and detail, users can also capture 4K UHD video at 30p; an impressive feature set for such a lightweight and pocketable compact camera. A 3-inch tilting high resolution 920k-dot LCD display helps frame an image at any angle and easily navigate through numerous creative options at the user’s disposal. The A900 also makes it easy to share incredible images and video using Nikon SnapBridge.

Price and Availability

The Nikon COOLPIX B700, COOLPIX B500 and COOLPIX A900 will be available in Spring 2016 with suggested retail prices (SRP*) of $ 499.95, $ 299.95 and $ 399.95, respectively. The B700 will be available in Black, the B500 in Black and Red and the A900 in Silver and Black.

1 The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Nikon Corporation is under license. 

2 WI-FI COMPATIBILITY

This camera’s built-in Wi-Fi® capability can only be used with a compatible iPhone®, iPad®, and/or iPod touch® or smart devices running on the Android™ operating system. The Nikon SnapBridge application must be installed on the device before it can be used with this camera. The SnapBridge app is not yet available (coming soon Spring 2016).

3 Wi-Fi and the Wi-Fi logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of the Wi-Fi Alliance. N-Mark is a trademark or registered trademark of NFC Forum, Inc., in the United States and/or other countries.

4 Dynamic Fine Zoom magnification is calculated from the full-wide end of optical zoom

Nikon Coolpix A900 specifications

Price
MSRP $ 399
Body type
Body type Compact
Sensor
Max resolution 5184 x 3888
Image ratio w:h 4:3
Effective pixels 20 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors 21 megapixels
Sensor size 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm)
Sensor type BSI-CMOS
Color space sRGB
Color filter array Primary color filter
Image
ISO Auto, 80-3200
White balance presets 5
Custom white balance Yes
Image stabilization Optical
Uncompressed format No
File format
  • JPEG (Exif v2.3)
Optics & Focus
Focal length (equiv.) 24–840 mm
Optical zoom 35×
Maximum aperture F3.4 – F6.9
Autofocus
  • Contrast Detect (sensor)
  • Multi-area
  • Center
  • Selective single-point
  • Tracking
  • Single
  • Continuous
  • Face Detection
  • Live View
Autofocus assist lamp Yes
Digital zoom Yes (4x)
Manual focus No
Normal focus range 50 cm (19.69″)
Macro focus range 1 cm (0.39″)
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCD Tilting
Screen size 3″
Screen dots 921,000
Touch screen No
Screen type TFT LCD
Live view Yes
Viewfinder type None
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed 8 sec
Maximum shutter speed 1/4000 sec
Exposure modes
  • Program AE
  • Aperture priority
  • Shutter priority
  • Manual
Scene modes
  • Backlighting
  • Beach
  • Close-up
  • Dusk/Dawn
  • Easy Panorama
  • Fireworks Show
  • Food
  • Multiple Exposure Lighten
  • Night Landscape
  • Night Portrait
  • Party/Indoor
  • Pet Portrait
  • Portrait
  • Scene Auto Selector
  • Snow
  • Sports
  • Sunset
  • Superlapse Movie
Built-in flash Yes
Flash range 6.00 m (at Auto ISO)
External flash No
Drive modes
  • Single
  • Continuous H
  • Continuous L
  • Continuous H (120/60)
  • Pre-shooting cache
Continuous drive 7.0 fps
Self-timer Yes (2, 5, 10 secs)
Metering modes
  • Multi
  • Center-weighted
  • Spot
Exposure compensation ±2 (at 1/3 EV steps)
Videography features
Resolutions 3840 x 2160 (30p, 25p), 1920 x 1080 (60p, 50p, 30p, 25p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 30p, 25p)
Format MPEG-4, H.264
Videography notes High speed modes: 1080/15p and 480/120p
Microphone Stereo
Speaker Mono
Storage
Storage types SD/SDHC/SDXC
Connectivity
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
HDMI Yes (micro-HDMI)
Microphone port No
Headphone port No
Wireless Built-In
Wireless notes Has 'always on' Bluetooth to maintain connection
Remote control Yes (via smartphone)
Physical
Environmentally sealed No
Battery Battery Pack
Battery description EN-EL12 lithium-ion battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA) 300
Weight (inc. batteries) 289 g (0.64 lb / 10.19 oz)
Dimensions 113 x 67 x 40 mm (4.45 x 2.64 x 1.57″)
Other features
Orientation sensor Yes
GPS None

Nikon Coolpix B500 / B700 specifications

  Nikon Coolpix B500 Nikon Coolpix B700
Price
MSRP $ 299 $ 499
Body type
Body type SLR-like (bridge)
Sensor
Max resolution 4608 x 3456 5184 x 3888
Image ratio w:h 4:3
Effective pixels 16 megapixels 20 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors 17 megapixels 21 megapixels
Sensor size 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm)
Sensor type BSI-CMOS
Color space sRGB
Color filter array Primary color filter
Image
ISO Auto, 80-3200 Auto, 100-3200
White balance presets 5
Custom white balance Yes
Image stabilization Optical
Uncompressed format No
File format
  • JPEG (Exif v2.3)
Optics & Focus
Focal length (equiv.) 23–900 mm 24–1440 mm
Optical zoom 40× 60×
Maximum aperture F3.0 – F6.5 F3.3 – F6.5
Autofocus
  • Contrast Detect (sensor)
  • Multi-area
  • Center
  • Selective single-point
  • Tracking
  • Single
  • Continuous
  • Face Detection
  • Live View
Autofocus assist lamp Yes
Digital zoom Yes (4x)
Manual focus No
Normal focus range 30 cm (11.81″) 50 cm (19.69″)
Macro focus range 1 cm (0.39″)
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCD Tilting Fully articulated
Screen size 3″
Screen dots 921,000
Touch screen No
Screen type TFT LCD
Live view Yes
Viewfinder type None Electronic
Viewfinder coverage 100%
Viewfinder resolution 921,000
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed 1 sec 15 sec
Maximum shutter speed 1/4000 sec
Exposure modes
  • Auto
  • Scene
  • Scene Auto Selector
  • Smart Portrait
  • Special Effects
  • Program AE
  • Aperture priority
  • Shutter priority
  • Manual
Scene modes
  • Backlighting
  • Beach
  • Bird-watching
  • Close-up
  • Dusk/Dawn
  • Easy Panorama
  • Fireworks Show
  • Food
  • Landscape
  • Moon
  • Night Landscape
  • Night Portrait
  • Party/Indoor
  • Pet Portrait
  • Portrait
  • Scene Auto Selector
  • Short Movie Show
  • Snow
  • Sports
  • Sunset
  • Backlighting
  • Beach
  • Close-up
  • Dusk/Dawn
  • Easy Panorama
  • Fireworks Show
  • Food
  • Multiple Exposure Lighten
  • Night Landscape
  • Night Portrait
  • Party/Indoor
  • Pet Portrait
  • Portrait
  • Scene Auto Selector
  • Snow
  • Sports
  • Sunset
  • Superlapse Movie
Built-in flash Yes
Flash range 6.90 m (at Auto ISO) 7.50 m (at Auto ISO)
External flash No
Drive modes
  • Single
  • Continuous H
  • Continuous L
  • Continuous H (120/60)
  • Pre-shooting cache
  • Single
  • Continuous H
  • Continuous L
  • Continuous H (120/60)
  • Pre-shooting cache
  • Interval timer
Continuous drive 7.4 fps 5.0 fps
Self-timer Yes (2, 5, 10 secs)
Metering modes
  • Multi
  • Center-weighted
  • Spot
Exposure compensation ±2 (at 1/3 EV steps)
Videography features
Resolutions 1920 x 1080 (60i, 50i, 30p, 25p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p, 30p, 25p), 640 x 480 (30p, 25p) 3840 x 2160 (30p, 25p), 1920 x 1080 (60p, 50p, 30p, 25p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 30p, 25p)
Format MPEG-4, H.264
Videography notes High speed modes: 1080/15p and 12.5p, 480/100p and 125p High speed modes: 1080/15p and 12.5p, 720/60p and 50p, 480/120p and 100p
Microphone Stereo
Speaker Mono
Storage
Storage types SD/SDHC/SDXC
Storage included 20MB
Connectivity
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
HDMI Yes (micro-HDMI)
Microphone port No
Headphone port No
Wireless Built-In
Wireless notes Has 'always on' Bluetooth to maintain connection
Remote control Yes (via smartphone)
Physical
Environmentally sealed No
Battery AA Battery Pack
Battery description Four AA batteries (alkaline, lithium, NiMH) EN-EL23 lithium-ion battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA) 600 350
Weight (inc. batteries) 541 g (1.19 lb / 19.08 oz) 565 g (1.25 lb / 19.93 oz)
Dimensions 114 x 78 x 95 mm (4.49 x 3.07 x 3.74″) 125 x 85 x 107 mm (4.92 x 3.35 x 4.21″)
Other features
Orientation sensor Yes
Timelapse recording Yes
GPS None

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Nikon updates Coolpix P900 and S6700 firmware

13 Aug

Nikon has released firmware updates for a pair of its Coolpix compact cameras. Firmware v1.2 for the Coolpix P900 superzoom resolves issues that can occur when using a wireless remote, while the v1.1 update for the S6700 fixes a rare problem where the camera locks up when powered on. Read more

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Moon video recorded with 83x zoom Nikon Coolpix P900 shows Earth’s rotation

30 Jun

With a 2000mm equivalent zoom range, the Nikon Coolpix P900 leads the current ultrazoom class in terms of reach. While there’s no question that the camera has an impressive zoom range, a nature photographer based in Germany has made it ever-so-obvious just how powerful this little ultrazoom is. His YouTube video of the moon shows that at 83x optical zoom the magnification is so powerful, the rotation of the Earth is easily seen as the subject drifts through the frame. Read more

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Big Zoom: Nikon Coolpix P900 real-world samples

06 May

Nikon’s Coolpix P900 offers a 16MP sensor and a mind-blowing F2.8-6.5 24-2000mm equivalent zoom. It features built-in Wi-Fi with NFC, 7 fps burst shooting, built-in EVF and a fully articulated LCD. The P900 also uses a new Dual Detect optical image stabilization system, claiming up to 5 stops of shake compensation. We’ve been shooting with it for a few days. See gallery

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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