Nikon boosts COOLPIX digital camera line-up

In an announcement that seems hot on the heels of Nikon's last major COOLPIX update (though five months is a long time in the digital era), the company has released details of eight new cameras due to hit shelves soon. The four Style Series, one Performance Series and three Life Series cameras all share NIKKOR lenses and EXPEED™ digital image processing along with new features such as Blink proofing, "Enhanced Face-priority Auto Focus", which can detect up to 12 faces-per-image and an automatic scene selection function.

Here's a summary of the key features of the new range:

COOLPIX P90 (Performance Series)

At the top of the pile in terms of functionality is the 12.1 megapixel, 24x optical zoom P90. Key features include a new 3.0-inch vari-angle LCD monitor with tilt function and anti-reflection coating and 15 frame-per-second shooting for up to 45 frames. The lens covers an impressive 26-624mm range (35mm format) plus there's 4-Way VR Image Stabilization, System, ISO 6400 capability, a 3mp electronic viewfinder, Quick Retouch and Distortion Control.

Also of note is the Motion Detection function, which adjusts shutter speed and the ISO setting to compensate for camera shake when the subject is on the move and the Best Shot Selector, which automatically takes up to 10 shots while the user presses the shutter, and saves the sharpest image. A D-SLR-type mode-dial on the top of the camera gives manual control back to the user when needed and red-eye issues can be fixed while photos are still on the camera. Lastly, portraits are enhanced by a face detection system which can cater for up to 12 faces from a variety of angles, a Smile detection function and a Blink Proof feature which automatically takes two shots and saves the best one.

The Nikon COOLPIX P90 will hit the market in March 2009 at a price of USD$399.95.

COOLPIX S-SERIES (Style Series)

The 10.0 megapixel COOLPIX S230 boasts a 3.0-inch high resolution LCD touch-screen, 3x optical zoom, one-touch focus and zoom, quick retouch and 4-way VR image stabilization. The color range should compliment most wardrobes (Plum, Jet Black, Night Blue, Gloss Red and Warm Silver) and the price is USD$229.95.

Also shooting 10.0 megapixels, the COOLPIX S220 has a slimline (18mm) body, a 2.5-inch LCD, 3x optical zoom and shares many of the features of the S230. The colors: Plum, Graphite Black, Cobalt Blue, Aqua Green, Warm Silver and Magenta. The price - $149.95

With higher capabilities (and obviously price - $279.95), the COOLPIX S630 packs in 12.0 megapixel resolution, 7x optical zoom, 2.7-inch LCD, plus a fast firing "Sport Continuous Mode" which captures up to 11 frames-per-second and ISO 6400 capability. The S630 is available in five colors: Jet Black, Royal Purple, Midnight Blue, Ruby Red and Titanium Silver.

Rounding out the new additions to the S series is the COOLPIX S620. For $269.95 you get 12.2 megapixels, 4x-wide optical zoom, a start up time of just 0.7 seconds, subject tracking, motion detection and ISO 6400 capability at full resolution. The S620 is available in Noble Purple, Jet Black, Dusty Pink, Sky Blue and Rich Pearl.

COOLPIX L-Series (Life Series)

The new COOLPIX L100 features 10.0 megapixel resolution, 3.0-inch LCD, 15x Optical Zoom (equivalent to 28-420mm in 35mm format), 30 fps consecutive shooting and 4-Way VR Image Stabilization System. The L100 breaks cover in March for USD$279.95.

Also packing 10 megpixel resolution and a 3.0-inch LCD monitor, the $129.95 COOLPIX L20 has a 3.6x zoom, Motion Detection and comes in in Deep Red.

Finally, the 8.0 megapixel COOLPIX L19 has a 2.7-inch LCD monitor; 3.6x zoom and Motion Detection. The L19 is available in Bright Silver and along with the L20, runs on 2 x AA batteries. The price: $109.95.