Nikon has updated its Coolpix line-up for 2015 with a selection of new models ranging from big zoom DSLR-like bridge cameras, to budget compacts and tough cameras. The highlight of the nine-camera assault is undoubtedly the Coolpix P610, which features a giant 24-1440-mm equivalent optical zoom along with built-in Wi-Fi, NFC and GPS capabilities.
Big zoom cameras
The Nikon Coolpix P610 and L840 are a pair of DSLR-style bridge cameras which feature massive built-in zoom lenses. Of the duo, the P610 has the edge as it boasts a huge 24-1440-mm equivalent F3.3-F6.5 lens. This is paired with a 16-megapixel 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor. The camera can shoot Full HD 1080p video at 60/50 frames per second (fps) and has built-in Wi-Fi, NFC and GPS. On the back there's a 921k dot electronic viewfinder and a 3-inch vari-angle LCD monitor with 920k dots.
The Coolpix L840 also uses a 16-megapixel 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor, but this time with a 22.5-855-mm equivalent F3-F6.5 lens. It also lacks the electronic viewfinder and GPS of the higher-end model, and its video recording maxes out at Full HD 1080p 30/25 fps. There's a tilting 3-inch LCD monitor on the rear, and the L840 still features built-in Wi-Fi and NFC.
Moving onto more pocketable big zoom cameras, Nikon has also revealed the Coolpix S9900, S7000, S6900 trio which all use a 16-megapixel 1/2.3-inch sensor and have built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity. These cameras are all also capable of recording Full HD 1080p video at 30/25 fps. Of them, it's the stylish S9900 which stands out with its 25-750-mm equivalent F3.7-F6.4 lens and 3-inch vari-angle 921k dot display. A PSAM mode dial also makes it easy to take more control of your shots with the S9900, while GPS can be used to geotag images.
The Coolpix S7000 sits in the middle of the trio, with a 25-500-mm equivalent F3.4-F6.5 lens. This makes it more versatile than the Coolpix S6900, which is being billed as "selfie-ready" thanks to its 3-inch vari-angle monitor with 460k dots and the ability to take a self portrait with a wave using Nikon's Gesture Control feature. This model has a 25-300-mm equivalent F3.3-F6.3 lens.
These big zoom cameras are all due to go on sale in March, with the Coolpix P610 the most expensive at US$500. The L840 will be priced at $300, while the S9900, S7000 and S6900 will set you back a respective $350, $280 and $230.
Tough cameras
Nikon has also revealed two tough Coolpix cameras that cater for very different audiences. Firstly there's the Coolpix AW130, which is suitable for adventure-seekers who need a camera that can survive the extremes, while the Coolpix S33 has been designed more to survive in the hands of families and their young children.
The Nikon Coolpix AW130 is waterproof to 30 meters (100 ft), shockproof 2.1 meters (7 ft) and freeze-proof to temperatures of -10 ºC (14 ºF). It features a 16-megapixel 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor paired with a 24-120-mm equivalent F2.8-F4.9 lens, and can shoot Full HD 1080p video at 30/35 fps. On the back it has a 3-inch 921k dot OLED display, and there's also built-in Wi-Fi, NFC and GPS connectivity.
Aimed at families rather than adventurers, the credentials of the S33 are a little less tough. It's waterproof to 10 meters (33 ft), shockproof to 1.5 meters (5ft) and freeze-proof to temperatures of -10 ºC (14 ºF). The 13-megapixel camera uses a 1/3.1-inch CMOS sensor and is all about making things simple. It features big dedicated buttons for simple shooting, and is capable of recording Full HD 1080p video at 30 fps.
The new Nikon tough cameras are due to go on sale in March, with the Coolpix AW130 priced at $350, and the S33 $150.
Budget-friendly cameras
The Nikon Coolpix S3700 is a budget-friendly compact camera which is designed for smartphone users who want a bit more photographic power. The 20-megapixel shooter uses a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor and a 25–200-mm equivalent F3.7-F6.6 lens with lens-shift vibration reduction. It can record HD 720p video at 30/25 fps and has built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for easy sharing. On the back is a 2.7-inch LCD monitor with 230k dots.
The even more budget-friendly Coolpix L32 also uses a 20-megapixel 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor, but this time paired with a 26-130mm equivalent F3.2-F6.5 lens. However, users won't be sharing images wirelessly, as it lacks the Wi-Fi connectivity of its sibling. That said, on the back there's a slightly larger 3-inch LCD monitor, with the same 230k dot resolution.
The Nikon Coolpix S3700 and L32 will be available later this month with the S3700 costing $140 and the L32 $120.
Product pages: Nikon Coolpix P610, L840, S9900, S7000, S6900, AW130, S33, S3700, L32
