Nikon today announced its new flagship compact
digital camera - the COOLPIX P5100. This update from the P5000 uses a variant of
Nikon's new EXPEED image processor along with a slightly larger 12.1 megapixel
sensor. The lens is unchanged - 3.5x Zoom-NIKKOR optically-stabilized with
Nikon's VR technology. However the sensor change has widened the field of view
to 35-123mm equiv. The P5100 also has in-camera distortion correction which
works in real time to correct the live preview as well as stored images.
Nikon is pleased to announce the introduction
of the COOLPIX P5100, the new flagship model in the Nikon COOLPIX lineup
designed to satisfy photography enthusiasts. Built on a custom application of
Nikon's innovative EXPEED digital image processing concept and incorporating the
precision optics of a NIKKOR lens, the COOLPIX P5100 is built to realise optimum
performance and maximum image quality.
At the higher end of its camera upgrades, Nikon
today upgraded its P-series models that straddle the line between
point-and-shoot and digital SLRs. The P5100 takes the previous P5000 from 10 to
12 megapixels and draws on the new EXPEED imaging chip to reach ISO 3200
(auto-adjustable up to 5 megapixels) and improved, 12-point face detection. A
new mode dial gives quick access to 15 scene presets. The camera continues to
offer a 3.5X zoom lens with optical stabilization, a flash hotshoe, and support
for telephoto and wide-angle adapter lenses. The P5100 is due in September for
$400.
Nikon has also added a new entry to the line
for hobbyist photographers who don't require the performance of the P5100; the
P50 drops to 8.1 megapixels, relies on electronic image stabilization, and
scraps the hotshoe while preserving the face detection and newer mode dial. It
further replaces the 3.5X lens with a wide-angle 3.6X unit and will ship later
than its sibling, arriving in October for $230.
Class-leading imaging ability begins with a
full 12.1 effective megapixels of sharp resolution and a new digital image
processing engine that reproduce the finest details and subtlest tones with
precision and clarity, even when taking advantage of sensitivity settings as
high as ISO 3200*. It also includes the compositional freedom of the 3.5x Zoom-NIKKOR
lens and compatibility with various converter lenses that further extend
wide-angle and telephoto reach.
In addition to a variety of automated and scene
modes, four advanced exposure modes offer both enthusiasts and more advanced
photographers greater personal control over the camera. The Mode dial provides
easy access to these modes, reflecting the COOLPIX P5100s logical design that
works to simplify and streamline operation for the photographer.
Optical lens shift VR (Vibration Reduction)
image stabilisation counteracts the effects of camera shake in lower light or
when shooting unsteady subjects to help achieve sharper results. Active full
time also stabilises images displayed on the 2.5-inch high-resolution LCD
monitor with wide 170-degree viewing angle for easier framing and more reassured
shooting.
The quality-crafted body is made of solid
magnesium alloy (Mg), featuring a quality finish, a comfortable grip covered in
grid-pattern rubber, as well as an optical viewfinder to aid composition,
particularly in brightly lit conditions. The built-in accessory shoe adds
support for Nikon Speedlights and advanced i-TTL flash control.
*ISO 3200 is available only for
image sizes of 5M (2592 x 1944) or smaller.
Note: Specifications, design, product name,
standard accessories, and release schedule may differ by country or area
RRP: £299.99
Sales start date: Autumn 2007
Nikon COOLPIX P5100 Feature Highlights
Superb image quality
Excellent imaging quality is a priority for the COOLPIX P5100, from the
12.1 effective megapixels of imaging power produced by its 1/1.72-inch RGB CCD
and new digital image processing engine, to its powerful 3.5x Zoom-NIKKOR lens
and optical lens shift VR.
Shooting modes that give the user
greater control
Four exposure modes accessed via the Mode dial provide greater control
over camera operation. Programmed Auto [P] mode automatically selects the
optimal shutter and aperture settings. Shutter-priority Auto [S] lets the user
select shutter speed, while the camera sets the optimal aperture.
Aperture-priority Auto [A] offers 10-step manual control over the aperture
setting to let the user decide depth of field, while the camera automatically
adjusts the shutter speed. Manual [M] exposure mode provides full control over
both the aperture and shutter speed settings.
Proven lens shift VR image
stabilisation
Optical lens shift VR (Vibration Reduction) is field proven technology
originally developed for interchangeable lenses used in Nikon SLR camera
systems. The VR technology provides the ability to shoot at shutter speeds as
much as three stops slower without blurring the image, as well as producing a
smoother viewfinder image which aids composition. Nikon's exclusive VR system
also yields sharper results when shooting in low light when using the 3.5x Zoom-NIKKOR
lens, or when reaching farther with an optional telephoto converter lens.
ISO 3200 capability
Extended light sensitivity range up to ISO 3200*
adds the power to shoot more effectively in lower lighting conditions, or to
capture fast moving subjects with outstanding clarity. And the new image
processing engine produces clear results, even when shooting with high ISO
settings.
The convenience of system expandability
Optional system components further expand the photographic
possibilities of the COOLPIX P5100. Nikon's 0.67x wide-angle converter (WC-E67)
and 3.0x tele-converter (TC-E3ED) lenses are available to extend the range of
the attached 3.5x Zoom-NIKKOR lens, while a built-in accessory shoe supports the
use of Nikons advanced i-TTL flash control for external flashes, including the
Speedlight SB-400, SB-600 and SB-800.
*ISO 3200 is available only for
image sizes of 5M (2592 x 1944) or smaller.
Nikon COOLPIX P5100 Other Features
-
Three Unique Nikon Image Innovations
- Face-priority AF with improved speed and
efficiency
- In-Camera Red-Eye Fix
- D-Lighting
-
Optimise image for shooting monochrome
photographs using a choice of 4 different filters for creative effects,
(yellow, orange, red and green)
-
Continuous flash shooting helps capture the
action by allowing a burst of consecutive flash shots without having to wait
for the flash to recharge
-
1:1 size format allows photos to be shot using
1:1 (square) perspective
-
Distortion control corrects for barrel
distortion in images shot, and even displays the corrected image on the LCD
in real time
-
Macro shooting from as close as 4 cm (1.6 in.)
-
4x digital zoom extends compositional freedom
-
Improved menu interface, available in a choice
of 23 languages
-
Time zone function for easy setting of
multiple locations
-
SDHC card compatibility
-
Approx. 52 MB of internal memory
-
PictBridge support
Release ends
Key differences from P5000
-
12.1 MP
-
EXPEED: Nikon's innovative digital image
processing concept
-
New improved Face Detection system hardware
based (10 times faster, increased number of faces may be detected up to 12
faces)
-
Continuous flash upto 3 frames @ 1.0 fps (new
feature)
-
Cosmetic upgrade (mainly button and ring)
-
Improved Graphical User Interface
-
Software Suite CD-ROM
-
Other new functions
- 1:1 size format - Images can be saved as
1:1 size format
- Black border - Black border can be
applied on taken images. Black border applied images can be saved with
original images.
