2006 Nikon Coolpix Digital Camera Line

In preparation for the PMA show starting next weekend, Nikon has announced the new digital cameras for 2006 in their Coolpix line.  A total of seven cameras are added to their lineup with 3 new cameras in their Life line (Coolpix L2, L3 and L4), 2 new cameras in the Style line (Coolpix S5 and S6), and 2 new cameras in the Performance line.

The Life Series

The Nikon Coolpix L2, Coolpix L3, and Coolpix L4 are targeted to those photographers looking for an easy to use, affordable, high quality camera.  All three models have a 2 inch LCD and a 3x optical Zoom-Nikkor lens.  A lightweight, slim body (slimmest in their class with AA batteries) is easy to handle and carry.  The L2 will shoot at 6 megapixels, the L3 will shoot at 5.1 megapixels and the L4 will take 4 megapixel images.  The camera accept SD cards for image (and movie) storage.  15 scene modes and on-camera help assist the beginning photographer.

Included throughout the whole Coolpix line is Nikon’s “Exclusve Feature System”, which includes:

• In-camera red eye fix
• Face Priority AF – faces are detected so that focus is set correctly
• D-Lighting – a copy of the image is created to correctly insufficient flash illumination
• Blur Warning – lets you know when a blurry shot has been taken, so you can reshoot
• Best Shot Selector (BSS) – the camera takes the best shot out of 10 sequential shots

The Nikon Coolpix L2 and Coolpix L3 will be available in late February 2006 at MSRPs of $249.95 and $199.95 respectively.  The Coolpix L4 will be available in March for $149.95.

Nikon Coolpix Life Series Specifications (pdf)

The Style Line

The Coolpix S5 and Coolpix S6 are the new additions to the Style line from Nikon.  A stylish slim “wave” design defines these cameras.  Both cameras shoot images at at a 6 megapixel resolution and have 3x optical zoom lenses.  Both cameras features Nikon’s Exclusive Feature System.  The included dock provides a way to charge the lithium-ion batteries and images can be stored on SD memory cards.  The Coolpix S5 gets a 2.5 inch LCD while the S6 gets a 3 inch screen.

A one touch button to access portrait mode enables the Face Priority AF and red eye correction.  A  “Rotary Multi Selector” control offers a new way to navigate the menu system or scroll through captured images at up to 10 frames per second.

The Coolpix S6 also features 802.11b and 802.11g WiFi capability.

Nikon Coolpix S6 3 inch LCD

Look for the S5 and S6 in March 2006 for $349.95 and $449.95 respectively.

Nikon Coolpix Style Series Brochure

The Performance Series

The new additions to the P line are the Coolpix P3 and Coolpix P4.  The P line of cameras is meant for the photographer who wants a maximum amount of control over their pictures.  Both the P3 and P4 can shoot images at 8.1 megapixels and have 2.5 inch LCDs.  The P3 includes WiFi capability.

Both cameras get Nikon’s Vibration Reduction feature that allows the photographer to shoot at shutter speeds up to 3 stops slower than necessary and still achieve sharp images.  Two modes, Normal and Active, provide multiple levels of image stabilization.

Plenty of exposure control settings, an 11 area autofocus, and 17 scene modes give a tremendous amount of control over your shots.  An aperture priority mode allows additional control.

The Coolpix P3 and Coolpix P4 will be available in March 2006 for $449 and $399 respectively.

Nikon Coolpix Performance Series Brochure