Nikon has revealed its smallest-ever compact camera. In a bid to ensure that a dedicated camera can compete for space in your bag or pocket alongside your smartphone, the COOLPIX S01 has been given a body smaller than a credit card (though obviously thicker) while retaining the specifications of a typical, if somewhat mediocre, compact digital camera.
OK so the technical specs – which include a 1/2.9-inch 10.1-MP CCD image sensor, a 3x optical zoom lens (giving a 35mm equivalent of 29–87 mm) and a 6.2-cm (2.5-inch) 230k-dot LCD touch screen on the rear – aren't going to set the world on fire, but this compact camera is truly tiny.
The COOLPIX S01 includes Nikon's EXPEED C2 image processing system for quick response, superior performance and maximum image quality, along with a built-in flash and an ISO range of 80-1600. However, the diminutive size of the shooter – it's just 77 x 51.2 x 17.2 mm (3.1 x 2.1 x 0.7 inches) – means Nikon has had to leave some things out.
While some people might be disappointed by the lack of a removable battery or a memory card slot, the fact that the battery (good for 190 shots) has to be charged by USB or an adapter, and photos/video are stored on 7.3 GB of internal memory and accessed via high-speed USB, has also kept the weight down to less than 96 grams (3.4 oz). The camera can hold 3,000 images at full resolution.
Video options include a 720p HD movie mode with the ability to add special effects such as a nostalgic Sepia, while filters on the photo side of things include Fisheye, Miniature Effect, Vivid Color, Black-and-White and the seemingly apt Toy Camera effect. An Easy Auto mode means the camera automatically determines the best scene mode based on shooting conditions.
The miniscule Nikon COOLPIX S01 will be available in September for a price of UD$180 and in a range of colors including mirror, pink, red, black and white … did we mention it's also really small?
Source: Nikon
Here's a quick video showing off the compact nature of the COOLPIX S01.
