Nikon Introduces Coolpix P500, Two More Ultrazooms

Nikon unveils the Coolpix P500 today, topping its own 26x P100 with a 36x optical zoom lens. The compact Coolpix S9100 with an 18x zoom and the Coolpix L120 with a 21x lens are also announced.

Nikon Coolpix P500
The new 36x ultrazoom offers a wide angle of view equivalent to 22.5mm. The lens stretches out to cover an angle of up to 810mm at telephoto. Supporting it is a hybrid Vibration Reduction VR image stabilization system. The lens sports a unique design with a new zoom control on the side of the lens barrel in an effort to help keep the camera stable in the hands of the user.

Behind the impressive zoom lens is a 12.1 megapixel backside illuminated CMOS sensor and an EXPEED C2 image processor. The P500 will record 1080p HD video, and the 3.0-inch 921k-dot monitor tilts upward by 90 degrees and downward by 82 degrees for help framing shots at awkward angles.

The P500 is capable of shooting five full-res images in about a second, and a Backlighting scene mode with an HDR function. This feature, along with a Night Landscape mode, will combine images taken in quick succession into a single image in-camera.

A potentially troublesome figure for the P500 - Nikon lists the EN-EL5 rechargeable lithium-ion battery life at just 220 shots.

Nikon Coolpix S9100
The "S for Style" Coolpix S9100 boasts an f/3.5-5.9 18x optical zoom lens in a thin and compact camera body. It offers a wide 25mm angle, a 12.1 megapixel backside-illuminated CMOS sensor and ISO sensitivity up to 3200. The HDR and Night Landscape modes offered in the P500 are also available in the S9100.

It will feature a sharp 3.0-inch 921k-dot LCD and will also record 1080p HD video. Like the other Coolpix cameras launched today, the S9100 will accept SD, SDHC and SDXC memory cards.

Nikon Coolpix L120
The L120, Nikon's more affordable option, offers a 21x zoom lens, 14.1 megapixel sensor, Hybrid VR image stabilization and ISO sensitivity up to ISO 6400.

The L120 will record 720p HD video and offers a 921k-dot 3.0-inch LCD. This ultrazoom accepts AA batteries.

Pricing and availability
The Nikon Coolpix P500 and S9100 will be available in March, priced at $399.95 and $329.95 respectively. The Nikon Coolpix L120 will be available in February for $279.95.