New Nikon Digital Cameras

Nikon has released details of several significant digital cameras and products;

• an 8-megapixel, 8x zoom Coolpix 8700

• a 6.1-megapixel D70 digital SLR camera with interchangeable lenses
• the COOLWALKER MSV-01, a 30GB portable image storage device.

The Coolpix 8700 is expected to sell in Australia for around AUD$1500 and the D70 is expected to hit the market under AUD$2000 - no price is yet available on the Coolwalker.At a time when digital photography continues to capture the imagination of photographers and a growing base of information-hungry consumers, the new cameras are designed to appeal to quality and performance conscious consumers within the rapidly expanding high-level digital camera market.The high-end compact and SLR-type digital camera categories will see tremendous growth in 2004 and beyond, according to InfoTrends Research Group. The new Nikons are engineered to deliver high-end digital photography at competitive prices, and respond to the public's growing desire for high-featured, easy-to-use digital cameras.Nikon Coolpix 8700The new Coolpix 8700 (www.nikoncoolpix.com) is an 8.0-effective megapixel compact digital camera with a powerful 8x Optical zoom-Nikkor ED lens giving its user a zoom equivalent of 35-280mm in a package that weighs only 480 grams. As the new flagship of Nikon's Coolpix line of cameras, the Coolpix 8700's 8.0-megapixel CCD produces image sizes of up to 3,264 x 2,448-pixels in size. The camera is also PictBridge compatible to allow direct printing to compatible printers, regardless of brand. The Coolpix 8700's 8x Optical Zoom-Nikkor lens, with Nikon's professional-grade Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass, is designed to get the photographer close to the subject without sacrificing image quality, color representation or sharpness. Other benefits include RAW capture (NEF file format), Macro-shooting capabilities as close as 1.2 inches, 12 pre-programmed Scene Modes and a host of accessory lenses.Nikon D70 Digital SLRThe D70 (www.nikonslr.com) is Nikon's next step in expanding the digital SLR camera market. It employs the Nikon DX format 6.1 megapixel sensor and Nikon F lens mount design which maintains seamless compatibility with all AF Nikkor lenses while allowing photographers to take full advantage of high quality DX Nikkor lenses designed exclusively for Nikon's D-series digital SLR cameras. DX Nikkor lenses are optimised to achieve outstanding and consistent image quality from the centre to the edges and corners of the frame, when used with any of Nikon's digital SLR cameras. Developed concurrently and designed as a perfect match for daily use with the D70 and to deliver top performance and outstanding value, the new AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED is also ready to join the lineup.Nikon's seven new automated Digital Vari-Program selections, accessed from the new Mode Dial, provide for a combination of personal control and powerful automatic operation, helping achieve great results, even under complex shooting conditions. The D70 sets new standards in speed. It is ready to shoot the instant you turn it on and has virtually no shutter lag. It can capture up to 12 JPEG (FINE - LARGE) images in succession at a professional-standard 3 frames per second. Shutter speeds of 30 seconds to 1/8000 sec ensure full creative control. The built-in auto pop-up flash can synchronize at shutter speeds of up to 1/500 sec for great fill-flash effects. Sensitivity can be set between ISO 200 and 1600, or controlled automatically to maximize available light. Exposure compensation, flash exposure compensation, and auto exposure bracketing aid in achieving the perfect shot. The Nikon D70 is scheduled for Australian release in March at a price under $2000 for the camera body. COOLWALKER 30GB portable image storage deviceThe Nikon COOLWALKER MSV-01 is a 30GB portable image storage device designed to enhance the organisation, distribution and enjoyment of digital images at the same time as resolving the portable storage dilemma for digital photographers.Images can be viewed on the Coolwalker's high resolution 6.3cm (2.5-inch) TFT screen with the full range of image playback functions available, such as Rotate, Zoom, Histogram and EXIF shooting data, all without the need for a PC.It handles images in all formats and interfaces with the most common digital camera removable storage media.Once images are organised to your satisfaction, they become an extensive mobile photo album or professional portfolio. Images are easy to share with family and friends, colleagues or clients, without the need of a PC. The Coolwalker connects to a TV or projector (PAL or NTSC) and comes with a Remote Control so it's easy to present a slide show of your selected folders of images from the comfort of your armchair or the boardroom. The Coolwalker can operate for up to 90 minutes before recharging is necessary and will appear in Australia in late Autumn, following the Photo Imaging World trade show in Sydney in May.