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Nikon's Coolpix P2 digital camera. Courtesy of Nikon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Nikon announces two P-series digicams
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(Thursday, September 1, 2005 - 02:01 EDT)

A press release from Nikon Inc. today announces a new Coolpix P-series, launched with two new digital cameras.

The P designation stands for Performance, we've been told, and the Coolpix P1 and P2 models look to offer a good degree of that, including built-in 802.11b/g compatible wireless LAN functionality with no need to buy optional WLAN cards to use in the cameras. The Coolpix P1 offers a resolution of eight megapixels, while the P2 is a five megapixel camera. The other notable difference is 16MB of built-in memory in the P2, versus 32MB in the P1. The cameras are also different colors - black for the P1, and silver for the P2. Size and styling are similar to the past Coolpix 5900 and 7900 models, but where those cameras offered a 3x optical zoom lens and 2.0" LCD display, these have been boosted to a 3.5x optical zoom and 2.5" LCD in the new P1 and P2. This comes at the expense of an optical viewfinder, however, something that is absent in all of Nikon's camera announcements today.

Without question, the wireless LAN functionality of the P1 and P2 is the big hook, differentiating them from an increasingly crowded digital camera market. The cameras come with a new version of PictureProject (v1.6) and a wizard-style standalone application for either Mac or Windows that can detect all of your wireless LAN setup for you (with the exception of security keys, and for Mac users, your wireless LAN SSID). Simply clicking next several times allows you to create a profile which you can then name, and store in the camera. Nine profiles can be stored at one time, and can be selected in the camera to allow you to connect to networks at work, home, friends' houses, etc.

When shooting with wireless LAN enabled, you can either shoot in Shoot & Transfer Transfer mode (images are transferred to the PC as they are shot), Easy Transfer mode (whereby you can select certain images or dates from which images should be transferred), or Wireless Print modes (where you can print directly to PictBridge-enabled printers using a wireless LAN "dongle" that Nikon will sell separately for $49.95 or thereabouts. In Live Transfer mode, you can select to have images stored on flash memory as well as being transferred to your computer, although the default is to transfer the images and not save them locally. In Easy Transfer mode, the camera will not transfer images which have already been transferred, so if you select (for example) the current date, transfer all images, then shoot some more and repeat the process, only the new images will be transferred. The cameras also support WEP (and possibly other) wireless LAN encryption, and can connect either directly to a computer with wireless LAN built-in, or through a wireless router connected to a home network.

All of this does depend on Nikon's software being installed on your host PC or PCs, and there is currently no provision for transferring images from public wireless LANs across the internet to your home computer, or to photo sharing websites. Still, it sounds like a good deal of attention has been paid to ease of use, and we're looking forward to reviewing these cameras. Most impressively, we've been told that using the wireless LAN functionality only takes a 20% hit on battery life - wireless LAN implementations can be very power-hungry, but it seems that Nikon may have gotten a handle on this.

The Nikon Coolpix P1 and P2 will ship in mid-September, with pricing set at $549 and $399 respectively.

Nikon Coolpix P1
Nikon's Coolpix P1 digital camera. Courtesy of Nikon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera Type Compact
Manufacturer Nikon
Model Number P1
Dimensions 3.6 x 2.4 x 1.5"
91.0 x 60.0 x 39.0mm
Weight 170.0 g
5.9 oz
Planned Price $549.00
Planned Availability Sep 2005
Image Capture
Sensor Type 1/1.8" CCD
8.31 megapixels (total)
8.00 megapixels (effective)
Aspect Ratio 4:3, 3:2
Image Dimensions 8.0 megapixels
7.0 megapixels
5.0 megapixels
3.0 megapixels
2.0 megapixels
1.0 megapixels
0.8 megapixels
0.3 megapixels
Image Preview / Review
Viewfinder No
LCD 2.5", 110,000 pixels
Lens
Lens Type Zoom-Nikkor
3.5x optical zoom
Image Stabilization No
Focal Length 7.5 - 26.3mm (actual)
36 - 126mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Range f/2.7 (wide) / f/5.2 (tele) - f/???
Focusing Range Normal: 20" - infinity (50 cm - infinity)
Macro: 1.6" - infinity (4.0 cm - infinity)
Exposure
Exposure Modes Aperture
Internal Flash Modes: Auto, Auto with Red-eye Reduction (In-Camera Red-Eye Fix), Flash Cancel, Anytime Flash, Slow Sync, Rear Curtain Sync
Range: 1' 8"- 8'6"/ 0.5-2.6m (W), 1'8"- 4'3"/ 0.5-1.3m (T)
Creative
Scene Modes Portrait [Face AF], Portrait, Party/Indoor, Night portrait, Landscape, Night landscape, Sunset, Dusk/Dawn, Fireworks show, Back light, Close up, Panorama assist, Beach/Snow, Museum, Copy, Sports, Voice recording
Digital Zoom 4x
Time Lapse No
Storage
Recording Medium SD/MMC, Built-in
Connectivity
Video Yes
Computer USB 2.0 Full (LOW) Speed, WiFi
Other (802.11b and 802.11g compatible), DC In
Power
Battery Type Lithium Ion rechargeable
Battery Form Factor Proprietary EN-EL8
Product Bundle
Software PictureProject
Battery / Charger Proprietary EN-EL8 Lithium Ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory 32.0MB built-in memory
Other
Internal Microphone Yes
Operating System Compatibility Windows, MacOS
More Photos
Nikon's Coolpix P1 digital camera. Courtesy of Nikon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Nikon's Coolpix P1 digital camera. Courtesy of Nikon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Nikon's Coolpix P1 digital camera. Courtesy of Nikon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Nikon's Coolpix P1 digital camera. Courtesy of Nikon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
 

Nikon Coolpix P2
Nikon's Coolpix P2 digital camera. Courtesy of Nikon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera Type Compact
Manufacturer Nikon
Model Number P2
Dimensions 3.6 x 2.4 x 1.5"
91.0 x 60.0 x 39.0mm
Weight 170.0 g
5.9 oz
Planned Price $549.00
Planned Availability Sep 2005
Image Capture
Sensor Type 1/1.8" CCD
5.26 megapixels (total)
5.10 megapixels (effective)
Aspect Ratio 4:3, 3:2
Image Dimensions 5.0 megapixels
4.0 megapixels
3.0 megapixels
2.0 megapixels
1.0 megapixels
0.8 megapixels
0.3 megapixels
Image Preview / Review
Viewfinder No
LCD 2.5", 110,000 pixels
Lens
Lens Type Zoom-Nikkor
3.5x optical zoom
Image Stabilization No
Focal Length 7.5 - 26.3mm (actual)
36 - 126mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Range f/2.7 (wide) / f/5.2 (tele) - f/???
Focusing Range Normal: 20" - infinity (50 cm - infinity)
Macro: 1.6" - infinity (4.0 cm - infinity)
Exposure
Exposure Modes Aperture
Internal Flash Modes: Auto, Auto with Red-eye Reduction (In-Camera Red-Eye Fix), Flash Cancel, Anytime Flash, Slow Sync, Rear Curtain Sync
Range: 1' 8"- 8'6"/ 0.5-2.6m (W), 1'8"- 4'3"/ 0.5-1.3m (T)
Creative
Scene Modes Portrait [Face AF], Portrait, Party/Indoor, Night portrait, Landscape, Night landscape, Sunset, Dusk/Dawn, Fireworks show, Back light, Close up, Panorama assist, Beach/Snow, Museum, Copy, Sports, Voice recording
Digital Zoom 4x
Time Lapse No
Storage
Recording Medium SD/MMC, Built-in
Connectivity
Video Yes
Computer WiFi
Other (802.11b and 802.11g compatible), DC In
Power
Battery Type Lithium Ion rechargeable
Battery Form Factor Proprietary EN-EL8
Product Bundle
Software PictureProject
Battery / Charger Proprietary EN-EL8 Lithium Ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory 16.0MB built-in memory
Other
Internal Microphone Yes
Operating System Compatibility Windows, MacOS
More Photos
Nikon's Coolpix P2 digital camera. Courtesy of Nikon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
 

Original Source Press Release:

NIKON ANNOUNCES WORLD'S FIRST BUILT-IN, WI-FI -ENABLED COMPACT DIGITAL CAMERAS

Two New Coolpix Models Combine the Performance of Wi-Fi Capability with Nikon’s Exclusive Imaging Technology

MELVILLE, NY (September 1, 2005) – Nikon is redefining the digital camera shooting experience with the announcement of two new revolutionary Wi-Fi enabled models. The Coolpix P1 and P2 are the world’s first built-in Wi-Fi-enabled digital cameras to hit the marketplace. These groundbreaking cameras allow consumers to immediately transmit images wirelessly directly to a computer or to any PictBridge-enabled printer equipped with the optional Nikon Wireless Printer Adapter (PD-10), for wireless printing.

“The new Coolpix P1 and P2 literally pull the plug on digital imaging while highlighting Nikon’s commitment to providing consumers with the latest in digital imaging technology” says Bill Giordano, General Manager of Marketing for Nikon, Inc. “These models give consumers the freedom, with the push of a button, to immediately share and print their images like never before.”

The Coolpix eight-megapixel P1 and the five-megapixel P2 are the world’s first digital cameras with built-in Wi-Fi capabilities to transmit images via 802.11b and 802.11g-compatible wireless networks and adapters to a computer or most PictBridge-enabled printers equipped with the new Nikon Wireless Printer Adapter (PD-10). Eliminating the need for extra wires or cables, the new models allow consumers to send images from the camera direct to a selected computer or printer with the touch of a button. With a range of up to 100 feet*, the P1 and P2 enable users to transfer images on-the-go from almost anywhere in a home, office—even from the backyard. Offering unprecedented freedom and convenience, users can wirelessly transfer and view images in a variety of ways, including:

  • Shoot and Transfer Mode: As images are taken, they are transferred immediately to the computer. With Nikon’s Picture Project software, slide shows can be automatically built with the transferred images added as they are being shot.
  • Easy Transfer Mode: Images can be transferred by a specific date, individually as marked or manually transferred to a computer after they are taken. In this mode only new images will be transferred to eliminate duplication.
  • Wireless Print: Using the optional Wireless Printer Adapter (PD-10), users can wirelessly print directly from the camera (without a computer) or when using the included PictureProject 1.6 software, images can be sent to the computer and automatically printed.

Nikon Coolpix P1 and P2 cameras and PictureProject software work together seamlessly to make wireless photo transfer as easy as 1-2-3. For easy set-up and control, the P1 and P2 come with a complimentary copy of Nikon PictureProject 1.6 and the new easy-to-use Wireless Camera Setup Utility, which uses a simple seven-step Wizard that will configure the cameras for wireless operation. The latest version of PictureProject offers convenient options allowing users, for example, to import wireless images automatically into a slideshow as well as tools to edit, organize, design and share images. The software is designed to extend the enjoyment of taking pictures: transferring images from camera to computer, organizing images so they are easy to find, editing them to add an extra sparkle, designing ways to show off the pictures and sharing them with friends and family.

At the heart of the new models is Nikon’s innovative and exclusive suite of in-camera technology that makes it easy to capture great pictures before they leave the camera. To ensure sharp images, the Face-Priority AF function makes certain that faces remain in focus when shooting portraits by automatically sensing the presence of a human face within the frame and setting accurate focus accordingly. The In-Camera Red-Eye Fix™ technology automatically detects and corrects red eyes in an image while the D-Lighting function automatically compensates for insufficient flash or excessive backlighting. To ensure a crisp, clear image before leaving the scene, Blur Warning will alert the user that a shot has been compromised.

True to the line of Nikon cameras, the Coolpix P1 and P2 offer a high-quality 3.5x Zoom-Nikkor Glass lens with a focal range equivalent to that of a 36-126mm lens in 35mm format. For greater control and creativity, both models feature Aperture-Priority Auto mode with 10-step manual control in 1/3EV increments and 11 of the camera’s 16 Scene Modes are Advanced Scene modes for even greater creative control of the end result.

The Coolpix P1 and P2 can record high-quality movies at a rate of up to 30 fps with a choice of seven movie modes with sound recording in six of those modes. A Time-Lapse function enables the user to capture events occurring over an extended period of time.

The newly designed models are compact and lightweight, measuring just 3.6 x 2.4 x 1.5 inches and weighing six ounces* and offer an incredible, bright 2.5-inch LCD for easy viewing in all conditions.

The Coolpix P1 and P2 will be available in September 2005 with a MSRP of $549.95 and $399.95, respectively. The Wireless Print Adaptor (PD-10) will be available in October 2005 with an MSRP of $49.95. For more information about these models and other Coolpix cameras, please visit www.nikondigital.com.

About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the Image™. Nikon Inc. is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes the Nikon Total Imaging System of consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, Nikkor optics, Speedlights and System Accessories; Nikon Coolpix® compact digital cameras; Coolscan® digital film scanners; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics. At the heart of every Nikon camera is Nikon’s Exclusive Feature System, making it easy for anyone to take amazing digital pictures. Through the Nikon Spirit Initiative™, the company, plays an active role in supporting aspiring and advanced photographers through a variety of philanthropic organizations, educational programs, events and workshops. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the web's most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.

* Wireless distance will vary based on conditions.
**Without battery or memory card.

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