New Nikons next month

Stephen Withers
Thursday, 22 February 2007 10:12

Your IT - Home IT

A swag of new Nikon digital camera models ranging from happy-snappers to a relatively serious compact model is set for delivery in March.

The family starts with low-end (but not bargain basement) duo, the Coolpix L10 and L11. Both feature current technologies such as face-priority auto-focus and compensation for underexposed images, and both can use AA batteries, but the $A329/$US149 L11 has the advantage over its cheaper ($A329/$US119) sibling with a higher resolution (6 vs 5 effective megapixels) and a 2.4in (vs 2in) screen.

If you want something just a little better, the Coolpix L12 ($A379/$US199) adds image stabilisation, 7.1 effective megapixels and greater light sensitivity.

While the Coolpix S50 ($A579/$US299) and S50c ($A649/#$US349) both offer 7.2 "effective" megapixels, 3x optical zoom, face-priority auto-focus and other features, the S50c has the extra advantage of WiFi connectivity. It can automatically upload pictures to a server, and send email notifications that they are available.

When thinner is better, consider the Coolpix S200. Just 18.5mm at its thinnest point, this camera combines electronic vibration reduction, best shot selection, a 3x zoom lens and 7.1 "effective" megapixels for $A479/$US249.

The stainless steel Coolpix S500 boasts the world's fastest power-up time of 0.8 seconds as well as the world's fastest shutter lag of 0.005 seconds. If you've ever missed a shot waiting for your camera to start up, or had a fast-moving subject move out of shot because of a sluggish shutter, you'll be interested in this $A579/$US299 compact with 7.1 megapixel resolution and 3x zoom.

Topping out the range is the Coolpix P5000 is a 10 megapixel compact model with a 3.5x optical zoom, VR image stabilisation and an optical viewfinder. Priced at $A699/$US399, it appears to be a direct competitor to Canon's well-received PowerShot G7.