Digital Camera News and Reviews

Nikon Coolpix L100

Nikon has announced new firmware for their compact camera Nikon Coolpix L100. The new firmware lets you use NiMH rechargeable batteries in the Nikon Coolpix L100 digital camera. The firmware will be available at the same time as Nikon releases new rechargeable batteries and a charger.
The firmware will be released later this summer.

Press release:
Release of Rechargeable Ni-MH Batteries EN-MH2-B4 and Battery Charger MH-73/Rechargeable Ni-MH Batteries EN-MH2-B4 Set

COOLPIX L100 firmware update adds support for NiMH batteries

June 9, 2009 – TOKYO – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the release of a genuine Nikon set of four nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) rechargeable batteries, Rechargeable Ni-MH Batteries EN-MH2-B4, and a retail set that includes the Battery Charger MH-73, for charging sets of four nickel-metal hydride rechargeable batteries, and one set of four Rechargeable Ni-MH Batteries EN-MH2-B4.

In addition, a firmware update for the COOLPIX L100 (supports four AA batteries) that adds support for nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) rechargeable batteries will be released to coincide with release of these new sets of Nikon NiMH batteries and dedicated battery charger. Please look for information regarding acquisition of the firmware provided by companies or shops selling the camera.

Support for rechargeable batteries makes the COOLPIX L100 an even more convenient digital camera
The Battery Charger MH-73, which allows for simultaneous charging of sets of four batteries, is the perfect companion for the COOLPIX L100 with added support for nickel-metal hydride rechargeable batteries. Released in March of this year, the COOLPIX L100 supports AA batteries that are easily acquired anywhere. This convenience has made the COOLPIX L100 an extremely popular digital camera. The added support for nickel-metal hydride rechargeable batteries not only reduces the burden on the environment, but further increases the practicality of the COOLPIX L100 by increasing the number of shots that can be taken with a set of fully charged batteries.

Nikon will continue to respond to the demands of its customers with services and products that offer ever increasing ways of enjoying digital cameras.

Product overview
Product name Rechargeable Ni-MH Batteries EN-MH2-B4, Battery Charger MH-73 / Rechargeable Ni-MH Batteries EN-MH2-B4 Set
Scheduled release date Summer, 2009

COOLPIX L100 Nikon digital camera specifications with use of Rechargeable Ni-MH Batteries EN-MH2

Power sources Four AA alkaline batteries (supplied), four AA lithium batteries (available commercially), four Rechargeable Ni-MH Batteries EN-MH2-B4 (available separately in sets of four), or AC adapter EH-67 (optional)
Number of exposures possible (battery performance)* Approximately 350 shots with alkaline batteries, 600 shots with EN-MH2 batteries, and 900 shots with lithium batteries

*Based on Camera and Imaging Products Association (CIPA) testing standards

Specifications and equipment are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.

Nikon Coolpix L100

Nikon has unveiled a new budget superzoom digital camera. The camera is called Nikon Coolpix L100 and features a 15x optical zoom lens and 10 megapixels.

Some key features for the Nikon Coolpix L100:
-15x optical zoom lens (28 – 420mm)
-10 megapixel sensor
-3″ LCD screen
-Image stabilization
-44MB of built-in memory

The Nikon Coolpix L100 will be available in February 2009 and cost about $280.

Press release:
Powerful New L100 Packs Performance, High-Powered Zoom And Advance Functions Into An Easy To Use Camera

The L100 Boasts 15x Zoom and High-Speed Shooting

MELVILLE, NY (Feb. 2, 2009) – Nikon Inc. today introduced the new L100, a powerful photographic tool that blends ease-of-use with advanced shooting functions. Optimized for action shots, high-powered zoom and simple operation, the L100 is equipped and ready to help capture every precious moment with quality and clarity that will make lasting memories an even greater joy. The L100 is one of three new L-Series cameras announced today. For consumers seeking a fully-featured camera at a competitive price, Nikon also introduced the L20 and L19, presenting consumers with a strong value proposition.

“The L100 represents a fantastic choice for the family photographer who needs to capture everything from soccer games to portraits,” said Bill Giordano, General Manager Marketing, COOLPIX for Nikon Inc. “It also extends our tradition of previous L-Series cameras, combining ease-of-use, high performance and a tremendous value for consumers.”

The L100 achieves its versatility through its 15x Optical Zoom-NIKKOR lens. Covering 28mm wide-angle to 420mm super-telephoto shooting, the lens’ broad focal range can readily handle everything from landscapes and group shots, to tight close-ups and shots taken from a distance.

Additional features of the 10.0-megapixel L100 include:

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Large, bright 3.0-inch high-resolution LCD with anti-reflection coating for easy composition and reviewing of images.

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New Sport Continuous Scene Mode for shooting at up to 13fps1 (up to 30 frames when consumers set the resolution to 3MP or lower). This high-speed capture setting helps photographers stay ahead of the action, whether on the football, baseball or soccer fields.
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4-Way Vibration Reduction (VR) Image Stabilization
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Optical VR image stabilization compensates for the effects of camera shake by moving the image sensor, producing clearer, sharper results in lower lighting or unsteady conditions.
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Motion Detection automatically detects moving subjects and adjusts shutter speed and the ISO setting to compensate for camera shake and subject movement.
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High ISO 32002 capability creates new opportunities to take sharper, more natural-looking photos in lower light conditions.
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Nikon’s original Best Shot Selector (BSS) automatically takes up to 10 shots while the user presses the shutter, and saves the sharpest image.
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Smart Portrait System, which integrates the following to make it a snap to capture stunning portrait photos of friends and family:
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In-Camera Red-Eye Fix™, which automatically fixes most instances of red-eye.
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Enhanced Face-Priority AF, which can detect up to 12 faces from a variety of angles, including straight on, from the side, or even in a multitude of three-quarter positions.
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Smile Mode, which automatically detects when your subject smiles and releases the shutter.
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Blink Warning, which displays a warning message, should the camera detect that the subject has blinked.

The new L100 camera will be available nationwide beginning April 2009 and will retail for $279.95.

COOLPIX L20 and L19
Nikon complements the L100 with two new cameras that successfully blend features and price to create a strong value proposition. The L19 (8.0 megapixels) and L20 (10 megapixels) cameras leverage proven Nikon innovations, including NIKKOR Glass Lenses, EXPEED™ Digital Image Processing concept, Smart Portrait System, Motion Detection and Easy Auto Mode with Scene Auto Selector. These features combine to create digital compact cameras that combine high performance with outstanding operating ease.

The design of the L19 and L20 cameras complement Nikon’s technology innovation to offer ease-of-use, versatility and portability. For example, the large high-resolution 3.0-inch (L20) and 2.7-inch (L19) LCD monitors offer a bright image that consumers can easily view, even outdoors. The cameras also include dedicated buttons on the top of the body, which make it easy for consumers to switch between shooting and playback modes, as well as contours on the large thumb rest and the body itself to ensure a solid grip. Finally, the cameras are powered by (2) AA-batteries, available anywhere.

The L20 will be available in Deep Red beginning February 2009 and will retail for $129.95. The L19 will be available in Bright Silver beginning February 2009 and will retail for $109.95.

For more information about the new L-Series COOLPIX cameras, as well as the full line of COOLPIX products, please visit http://www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the Web’s most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.