From entry-level to long-zoom: New S-series cameras touch all the bases

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posted Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at 3:01 AM EDT

Nikon's Coolpix S9300 digital camera. Photo provided by Nikon Inc. Click for our Nikon S9300 preview! Continuing today's announcements, Nikon has revealed four new S-series compact cameras: the Coolpix S3300, S4300, S6300, and S9300.

All four cameras have clean, stylish lines that should catch the eye of the fashion conscious, but beyond that they differ widely in specification, with each clearly aimed at a different target market.

The Nikon S3300 courts the entry-level buyer, with affordable $140 pricing, while offering high 16 megapixel resolution from a CCD chip, and a useful 6x zoom range. To hit the required pricepoint and keep size to a minimum, the S3300 opts for a 2.7-inch LCD panel. More details can be found in our Nikon S3300 preview.

Next up, the Nikon S4300 caters to the photographer who's willing to spend just a little more for a more simple, approachable interface with a minimum of external controls. Resolution and zoom are unchanged from the S3300, but there's a larger 3.0-inch panel with touchscreen overlay, allowing the LCD to double as an input device. Priced at $170, this model is described in our Nikon S4300 preview.

The S6300, meanwhile, drops back to a 2.7-inch, touchless panel, but instead boasts a rather more powerful zoom lens in front of its 16 megapixel BSI CMOS sensor. With 10x zoom on hand, and a worthwhile increase in burst shooting speed, the Nikon S6300 targets a buyer wanting rather more camera for another $30 step in price. Detailed in our Nikon S6300 preview, this model ships for $200.

Of the group, the Nikon S9300 is clearly the hero model. There's a significant jump in pricetag compared to its siblings, at $350 list, but that gets you a much more powerful 18x zoom lens, BSI CMOS sensor, and a large, high-res 3.0-inch LCD panel, plus a built-in GPS receiver. More details in our Nikon S9300 preview.

Nikon Coolpix S9300
Nikon's Coolpix S9300 digital camera. Photo provided by Nikon Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera Type Compact
Manufacturer Nikon
Model Number North America: S9300
Dimensions 4.3 x 2.5 x 1.2 in.
(109 x 62 x 31 mm)
Weight 7.6 oz (215 g)
Planned Price $350
Planned Availability February 2012
Image Capture
Sensor Type BSI CMOS
1/2.3 (approx. 0.43 in. diagonal)
16.79 megapixels (total)
16.00 megapixels (effective)
Aspect Ratio 16:9
Image Dimensions 4608 x 3456 (15.9 megapixels)
3264 x 2448 (8.0 megapixels)
2272 x 1704 (3.9 megapixels)
1600 x 1200 (1.9 megapixels)
640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
4608 x 2592 (11.9 megapixels)
11.9 megapixels
Capture Speed Continuous: 6.0 frames per second
Image Preview / Review
Viewfinder No
LCD 3.0 in. diagonal
921,000 dots (approx. 307,000 pixels)
Lens
Lens Type Zoom-Nikkor ED VR
18x optical zoom
Image Stabilization Yes
Focal Length 4.5 - 81.0mm (actual)
25 - 450mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Range f/3.5 (wide) / f/5.9 (tele) - ???
Focusing System Contrast Detection with Subject Tracking
Has AF assist lamp
Focusing Range Normal: 20" - infinity (50 cm - infinity)
Macro: 1.6" - 4,082" (4 cm - 10,000 cm)
Exposure
ISO Sensitivity Auto (auto gain from ISO 125 to 1600), Fixed range auto (ISO 125 to 400, 125 to 800), ISO 125, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200
Exposure Modes Program
White Balance Image Sensor
Internal Flash Modes: Auto, Auto w/ Red-eye Reduction, Flash Off, Flash On, w/ Red-eye Reduction, Flash Off; Slow Syncro
Flash Exposure Compensation +/- 0.0EV
Creative
Scene Modes 20 scene modes plus special effects including Soft Focus, Sepia, High Key, Low Key, High Contrast Monochrome and Selective Color
Digital Zoom Up to 4x
Self Timer Yes, 10 or 2 seconds
Storage
Recording Medium SD/MMC including SDHC, SDXC, Built-in
File System Complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File Format JPEG
Connectivity
Video High definition: Yes (HDMI)
Standard definition: Yes, NTSC / PAL switchable
Computer USB 2.0 High Speed
Other HDMI
Power
Battery Type Lithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Form Factor Proprietary EN-EL12
Product Bundle
Software Nikon ViewNX 2 CD-ROM
Battery / Charger 1 x Proprietary EN-EL12 Lithium-ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory 26.0MB Internal
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliant Yes
Internal Microphone Yes
Internal Speaker Yes
Tripod Mount Yes
Notes Optical VR Image Stabilization, 1080p Full HD Movies w/ Stereo Sound, Built-in GPS, 20 Scene modes, Easy Panorama, Subject Tracking AF, Smart Portrait System, 7fps Full Resolution Burst mode. Available in black, red or silver.
 
Nikon Coolpix S6300
Nikon's Coolpix S6300 digital camera. Photo provided by Nikon Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera Type Ultra Compact
Manufacturer Nikon
Model Number North America: S6300
Dimensions 3.7 x 2.3 x 1.0 in.
(94 x 58 x 26 mm)
Weight 5.6 oz (160 g)
Planned Price $200
Planned Availability February 2012
Image Capture
Sensor Type BSI CMOS
1/2.3 (approx. 0.43 in. diagonal)
16.79 megapixels (total)
16.00 megapixels (effective)
Aspect Ratio 16:9
Image Dimensions 4608 x 3456 (15.9 megapixels)
3264 x 2448 (8.0 megapixels)
2272 x 1704 (3.9 megapixels)
1600 x 1200 (1.9 megapixels)
640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
4608 x 2592 (11.9 megapixels)
11.9 megapixels
Capture Speed Continuous: 7.0 frames per second
Image Preview / Review
Viewfinder No
LCD 2.7 in. diagonal
230,000 dots (approx. 77,000 pixels)
Lens
Lens Type Zoom-Nikkor ED VR
10x optical zoom
Image Stabilization Yes
Focal Length 4.5 - 45.0mm (actual)
25 - 250mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Range f/3.2 (wide) / f/5.8 (tele) - ???
Focusing System Contrast Detection with Subject Tracking
Has AF assist lamp
Focusing Range Normal: 20" - infinity (50 cm - infinity)
Macro: 4.1" - 4,082" (10 cm - 10,000 cm)
Exposure
ISO Sensitivity Auto (auto gain from ISO 125 to 1600), Fixed range auto (ISO 125 to 400, 125 to 800), ISO 125, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200
Exposure Modes Program
White Balance Image Sensor
Internal Flash Modes: Auto, Auto w/ Red-eye Reduction, Flash Off, Flash On, w/ Red-eye Reduction, Flash Off; Slow Syncro
Flash Exposure Compensation +/- 0.0EV
Creative
Scene Modes 20 scene modes plus special effects including Soft Focus, Sepia, High Key, Low Key, High Contrast Monochrome and Selective Color
Self Timer Yes, 10 or 2 seconds
Storage
Recording Medium SD/MMC including SDHC, SDXC, Built-in
File System Complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File Format JPEG
Connectivity
Video High definition: Yes (HDMI)
Standard definition: Yes, NTSC / PAL switchable
Computer USB 2.0 High Speed
Other HDMI
Power
Battery Type Lithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Form Factor Proprietary EN-EL12
Product Bundle
Software Nikon ViewNX 2 CD-ROM
Battery / Charger 1 x Proprietary EN-EL12 Lithium-ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory 25.0MB Internal
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliant Yes
Internal Microphone Yes
Internal Speaker Yes
Tripod Mount Yes
Notes Optical VR Image Stabilization, 1080p Full HD Movies, 20 Scene modes, Easy Panorama, Subject Tracking AF, Smart Portrait System, 7fps Full Resolution Burst mode. Available in black, red, blue or silver.
 
Nikon Coolpix S4300
Nikon's Coolpix S4300 digital camera. Photo provided by Nikon Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera Type Ultra Compact
Manufacturer Nikon
Model Number North America: S4300
Dimensions 3.8 x 2.3 x 0.8 in.
(96 x 59 x 21 mm)
Weight 4.9 oz (139 g)
Planned Price $170
Planned Availability February 2012
Image Capture
Sensor Type BSI CCD
1/2.3 (approx. 0.43 in. diagonal)
16.44 megapixels (total)
16.00 megapixels (effective)
Aspect Ratio 16:9
Image Dimensions 4608 x 3456 (15.9 megapixels)
3264 x 2448 (8.0 megapixels)
2272 x 1704 (3.9 megapixels)
1600 x 1200 (1.9 megapixels)
640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
4608 x 2592 (11.9 megapixels)
11.9 megapixels
Image Preview / Review
Viewfinder No
LCD 3.0 in. diagonal
460,000 dots (approx. 153,000 pixels)
Lens
Lens Type Zoom-Nikkor VR
6x optical zoom
Image Stabilization Yes
Focal Length 4.6 - 27.6mm (actual)
26 - 156mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Range f/3.5 (wide) / f/6.5 (tele) - ???
Focusing System Contrast Detection with Subject Tracking
Has AF assist lamp
Focusing Range Normal: 20" - infinity (50 cm - infinity)
Macro: 2.0" - 4,082" (5 cm - 10,000 cm)
Exposure
ISO Sensitivity Auto (auto gain from ISO 80 to 1600), Fixed range auto (ISO 80 to 400, 80 to 800), ISO 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200
Exposure Modes Program
White Balance Image Sensor
Internal Flash Modes: Auto, Auto w/ Red-eye Reduction, Flash Off, Flash On, w/ Red-eye Reduction, Flash Off; Slow Syncro
Flash Exposure Compensation +/- 0.0EV
Creative
Scene Modes 20 scene modes plus special effects including Soft, Sepia, High Key, Low Key, High Contrast Monochrome and Selective Color
Self Timer Yes, 10 or 2 seconds
Storage
Recording Medium SD/MMC including SDHC, SDXC, Built-in
File System Complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File Format JPEG
Connectivity
Computer USB 2.0 High Speed
Power
Battery Type Lithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Form Factor Proprietary EN-EL19
Product Bundle
Software Nikon ViewNX 2 CD-ROM
Battery / Charger 1 x Proprietary EN-EL19 Lithium-ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory 74.0MB Internal
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliant Yes
Internal Microphone Yes
Internal Speaker Yes
Tripod Mount Yes
Notes Optical VR Image Stabilization, 3-inch 460k-dot Touchscreen LCD, 720p HD Movies, 20 Scene modes, Subject Tracking AF, Smart Portrait System. Available in plum, black, silver, white or red.
 
Nikon Coolpix S3300
Nikon's Coolpix S3300 digital camera. Photo provided by Nikon Inc. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera Type Ultra Compact
Manufacturer Nikon
Model Number North America: S3300
Dimensions 3.7 x 2.3 x 0.8 in.
(95 x 58 x 20 mm)
Weight 4.5 oz (128 g)
Planned Price $140
Planned Availability February 2012
Image Capture
Sensor Type BSI CCD
1/2.3 (approx. 0.43 in. diagonal)
16.44 megapixels (total)
16.00 megapixels (effective)
Aspect Ratio 16:9
Image Dimensions 4608 x 3456 (15.9 megapixels)
3264 x 2448 (8.0 megapixels)
2272 x 1704 (3.9 megapixels)
1600 x 1200 (1.9 megapixels)
640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
4608 x 2592 (11.9 megapixels)
11.9 megapixels
Image Preview / Review
Viewfinder No
LCD 2.7 in. diagonal
230,000 dots (approx. 77,000 pixels)
Lens
Lens Type Zoom-Nikkor VR
6x optical zoom
Image Stabilization Yes
Focal Length 4.6 - 27.6mm (actual)
26 - 156mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Range f/3.5 (wide) / f/6.5 (tele) - ???
Focusing System Contrast Detection with Subject Tracking
Has AF assist lamp
Focusing Range Normal: 20" - infinity (50 cm - infinity)
Macro: 2.0" - 4,082" (5 cm - 10,000 cm)
Exposure
ISO Sensitivity Auto (auto gain from ISO 80 to 1600), Fixed range auto (ISO 80 to 400, 80 to 800), ISO 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200
Exposure Modes Program
White Balance Image Sensor
Internal Flash Modes: Auto, Auto w/ Red-eye Reduction, Flash Off, Flash On, w/ Red-eye Reduction, Flash Off; Slow Syncro
Flash Exposure Compensation +/- 0.0EV
Creative
Scene Modes 19 scene modes plus special effects including Soft, Sepia, High Key, Low Key, High Contrast Monochrome and Selective Color
Digital Zoom Up to 4x
Self Timer Yes, 10 or 2 seconds
Storage
Recording Medium SD/MMC including SDHC, SDXC, Built-in
File System Complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File Format JPEG
Connectivity
Computer USB 2.0 High Speed
Power
Battery Type Lithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Form Factor Proprietary EN-EL19
Product Bundle
Software Nikon ViewNX 2 CD-ROM
Battery / Charger 1 x Proprietary EN-EL19 Lithium-ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory 42.0MB Internal
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliant Yes
Internal Microphone Yes
Internal Speaker Yes
Tripod Mount Yes
Notes Optical VR Image Stabilization, 720p HD Movies, 19 Scene modes, Subject Tracking AF, Smart Portrait System. Available in silver, black, pink, purple or red.
 

Press Release

Nikon's New S-Series Coolpix Cameras Are The Slim, Stylish And Smart Way To Capture Life's Great Moments

With Super-Zoom Capabilities and Compact Design, New COOLPIX Cameras are User-Friendly and Feature Technologies to Inspire Creativity

MELVILLE, NY (Jan. 31, 2012) – Today, Nikon Inc. introduced four new digital cameras to the COOLPIX S-series lineup to give consumers new ways to go super-zoom or super chic. These new cameras deliver on Nikon's rich optical heritage and benefit from new technologies poised to create an amazing camera experience for any user, such as GPS and enhanced resolution.

The Spring 2012 line of Nikon COOLPIX cameras help capture memories with advanced features including extraordinary low-light capabilities, powerful optics and HD video recording with full stereo sound. Added features such as the built-in GPS of the COOLPIX S9300 and Easy Panorama mode of the COOLPIX S6300 bolster the S-series lineup, in addition to the easy-to-use, slim and stylish COOLPIX S4300 and S3300. These cameras also include Nikon core technologies for amazing photos, including Nikon's Smart Portrait System for flattering portraits and HD video capability across the line.

"The new COOLPIX S-series cameras are super slim and easy to carry around for all of those special 'can't miss' moments that matter in a person's life," said Bo Kajiwara, director of marketing, Nikon Inc. "These cameras complement a personal style while providing amazing image and video quality easily."

The Ultra-Zoom That Fits in a Carry-on
The COOLPIX S9300 is deceptively slim (approximately 1.5-inch body), but hides a super-zoom secret with an outstanding 18x optical Zoom-NIKKOR ED glass lens (25mm-450mm). Vibration Reduction (VR) image stabilization lets users capture far-off horizons or up-close action, making the COOLPIX S9300 a packing priority for any trip. The camera features a 16.0-megapixel Backside Illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor for capturing low-light images with stunning clarity and sharpness. Nikon's BSI sensor technology increases the flow of light to the sensor's surface, which improves image quality and reduces noise. Whether traveling around the globe or enjoying a night out on the town, users can also record Full HD (1080p) movies with full stereo sound and enjoy high speed frame rates for slow and fast motion effects. Further adding to the COOLPIX S9300's credibility as the ultimate travel camera, built-in GPS has been added to provide the user with accurate geotag data of adventures and even displays a map as to where the user has been.

The Super-Zoom Goes Super Thin
The slim COOLPIX S6300 bundles a 10x optical zoom with a compact body and VR technology, so users can quickly zoom in to the action without worrying about blurry photos. A 16.0-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor captures fast action and scenarios in challenging lighting, such as faces around a dimly-lit birthday cake or sun soaked days at the lake. The COOLPIX S6300 also records full HD (1080p) movies for memorable moments without missing a beat. Additionally, 180º and 360º views of the world, including stunning landscapes or amazing interiors, are simple to create and share with the Easy Panorama mode. Creative color options let the user add their own personal touch in-camera with effects like Low key, High key, Nostalgia Sepia, and even Selective Color, putting a little punch to images and movies.

The Touch Screen to Set Trends
For those looking for a no-frills touch screen camera that captures amazing photos and HD video, the 16.0-megapixel COOLPIX S4300 is the camera that fits the bill. It features a wide-angle 6x (26mm-156mm) optical Zoom-NIKKOR glass lens, plus VR image stabilization for maximum versatility. The 3-inch touch screen LCD makes it easy to compose, focus and capture moments quickly, and subjects come alive with 460,000-dot detail. Additionally, multiple Scene Modes immediately adjust settings for optimum results, while the Auto Scene Selector can identify scenes automatically and set the camera accordingly. The COOLPIX S4300 also features Nikon's Smart Portrait System, which includes the intelligent Smile Shutter function that automatically recognizes when a subject is smiling and releases the shutter for picture-perfect results every time. The Face-Priority AF can find and focus up to 12 faces, making the COOLPIX S4300 the ultimate party accessory.

A Fashionable Zoom for Any Occasion
The Nikon COOLPIX S3300 answers the call for a cost-efficient 16.0-megapixel camera with a 6x (26mm-156mm) optical Zoom-NIKKOR glass lens for near or far photos on any occasion. The slim design of the camera makes it effortless for traveling, while the easy-to-use interface is always ready to capture photos and video. The camera has 19 Scene Modes, including the Scene Auto Selector which analyzes a scene and automatically selects from one of six scene modes. With the COOLPIX S3300, the party can be relived in glorious HD with 720p movie recording, while optical VR minimizes the effects of camera shake for sharp, high-quality images.

Pricing and Availability
The COOLPIX S9300 will be available for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $349.95 in black, red and silver, while the COOLPIX S6300 will be available for $199.95 SRP in red, black, silver and blue. The COOLPIX S4300 will be available for $169.95 SRP in plum, black, silver, white and red, while the COOLPIX S3300 will be available for $139.95 SRP in silver, black, pink, purple and red. The new COOLPIX S-series cameras will be available in February 2012. For more information about these and other COOLPIX cameras, please visit www.nikonusa.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 consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and system accessories; Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics as well as the new Nikon 1 advanced camera with interchangeable lens system. In 2011, production of NIKKOR lenses surpassed 65 million, creating a new milestone in Nikon's heritage of superior optics. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit http://www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the Web's most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.

Connect with Nikon and other photographers on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/nikon and get the latest news and information from Twitter by following @Nikon_USA.

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*Suggested retail price listed is only an estimate. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.