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Nikon recently introduced two new compact digital cameras with a unique feature - built
in Wi-Fi LAN (IEEE802.11b/g) support. The Coolpix P1 is the 8MP version, while the Coolpix
P2 has a 5 MP sensor, but otherwise they are essentially the same camera. Both have a
36-126mm/2.7-5.2 (35mm equivalent) lens.
However, before you get to excited and carried away with ideas about walking around NYC
shooting away and having your images fly back home to your PC in Los Angeles, the Wi-Fi
support only allows you to send pictures to a wireless Mac or Windows computer that is
fewer than 100 feet, or 30 meters, away and is running Nikon's photo management software.
You can also use the same setup to send photos straight to the printer. By October Nikon
also expect to have available a $50 wireless printer adapter which will allow you to
send images directly to a printer without a computer connected to it.
Here's a copy of the Nikon Press Release:
TOKYO – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction
of the COOLPIX P1 and the COOLPIX P2. Two truly revolutionary compact digital cameras,
they redefine the compact digital shooting experience with versatile Wi-Fi capability,
excellent imaging performance and an array of advanced features that can even improve
images in-camera.
Providing versatility beyond any previous compact camera, the COOLPIX P1 and COOLPIX P2
add the advantage of built-in Wi-Fi LAN support (IEEE802.11b/g) to realize new
picture-taking potential that does away with the need for inconvenient wires and cables.
In addition to USB connectivity that makes it easy to hook them up to a computer or other
peripherals, wireless transfer allows the photographer to send pictures from the memory
card or the camera’s internal memory (32MB for the COOLPIX P1; 16MB for the COOLPIX
P2) direct to a selected computer on command. Wireless shooting automatically transfers
each picture to a selected computer as soon as it is shot and can be viewed with
Nikon’s powerful, yet fun-to-use and easy PictureProject software. And wireless
printing delivers the convenience of cable-free direct printing to PictBridge-compatible
printers. All of the aforementioned functions are easy to implement, too. Just set them up
with the Wizard utility to enjoy easy wireless capabilities that add outstanding
flexibility to the digital photography experience.
The COOLPIX P1 and COOLPIX P2 also excel in terms of sheer image quality. Featuring the
imaging performance of 8.0 and 5.1 effective megapixels respectively, they offer ample
resolution for beautiful enlargements as well as offering plenty of leeway for creative
cropping. The COOLPIX P1 and COOLPIX P2 feature the further compositional freedom of 3.5x
zoom capability too, with both models incorporating a powerful 36-126mm Zoom-Nikkor lens
(35mm equivalent) that enables users to zoom in for tight compositions or zoom out to
capture impressive landscapes, for example.
A selection of 16 handy Scene Modes make it easy to take pleasing pictures in a wide range
of common situations. All the user has to do is select the one best suited to the scene
and the camera automatically selects the optimal settings for great-looking results. The
COOLPIX P1 and COOLPIX P2 offer a selection of new Advanced Scene Modes for 11 of the
Scene Modes. Comprising three different effects (Normal, Effect 1, Effect 2), these
Advanced Scene Modes enable users to produce pictures better suited to their personal
tastes. What’s more, the COOLPIX P1 and COOLPIX P2 offer even closer control still
with an Aperture-priority Auto Mode that offers 10-step manual control over aperture
settings in 1/3EV increments.
With the COOLPIX P1 and COOLPIX P2, images can also be corrected in-camera, thanks to the
incorporation of three unique Nikon features. Available in Playback mode, the D-Lighting
function has the power to improve images taken with excessive back light or insufficient
flash— automatically creating a copy of the selected shot, but with enhanced detail
and light applied exactly where necessary. The Portrait (Face AF) Mode has the ability to
detect a human face in the frame achieving sharp focus for it when the subject is facing
the camera from a typical portrait distance. The COOLPIX P1 and COOLPIX P2 feature the
handy In-Camera Red-Eye Fix function too, which corrects for the unfortunate red-eye
effect that can sometimes be caused by flash to produce more attractive portraits at
night. In addition to these functions, the COOLPIX P1 and COOLPIX P2 also feature a useful
Blur Warning function that alerts users when a shot may have been compromised by camera
shake, thereby allowing them to recompose and shoot again before leaving the location.
Taking photographic enjoyment beyond still shooting, the COOLPIX P1 and COOLPIX P2 can
also record high-quality movies at a smooth rate of up to 30fps. There are a total of
seven movie modes to choose from, comprising six with the capability to record sound as
well as a Time-lapse mode that enables the user to capture events occurring over an
extended period of time.
As for design, the COOLPIX P1 and COOLPIX P2 instantly impart a sense of high quality.
Both cameras are compact (with a depth of approx. 39mm, 1.5 inches) and lightweight
(approx. 170g, 6 oz.), making them comfortable to shoot with and easy to carry virtually
anywhere. They also feature a newly designed grip for more confident shooting and the
advantage of a large, bright and easy-to-view 2.5-inch LCD that makes camera operation
easier, enables simple composition and makes it a cinch to play back and share images
right after shooting.
The COOLPIX P1 and COOLPIX P2 are also highly responsive, offering swift start-up and
continuous shooting at up to 2.3 and 2.5 frames per second respectively. What’s more,
the COOLPIX P1 and COOLPIX P2 even speed the search for recorded images with a new Date
Search function that allows users to confirm images shot on specific days, make individual
images for available for wireless transfer and even allocate print settings.
Rounding out the exciting new performance for these models is the complimentary
PictureProject software provided. With the newly updated version, customers can import
images via cable connection or wirelessly as they please. PictureProject also makes it
easy to organize and edit images, create slide shows, make muvee presentations with music
and special effects, share images and do much more – putting additional performance
at the customers’ fingertips and adding fun to their photography.
Note: Specifications, design, product name, standard accessories, and release schedule may
differ by country or area.
Nikon COOLPIX P1/P2 Feature Highlights
Wireless LAN support (IEEE802.11b/g)
Offering built-in Wireless LAN support (IEEE802.11b/g), the COOLPIX P1 and COOLPIX P2
present new potential in the field of compact digital photography and offer unprecedented
photographic freedom. Supporting wireless transfer, the COOLPIX P1 and COOLPIX P2 are able
to transfer pictures from the memory card to a computer at the user’s command.
Enabling wireless shooting, both cameras can transfer each individual picture to a
computer literally as soon as it is shot. The COOLPIX P1 and COOLPIX P2 also offer
wireless printing, (requires optional Wireless Printer Adapter), which combines the
advantages of wireless transfer and PictBridge direct-printing technology to achieve
simple printing of pictures without the inconvenience of cables.
Advanced Scene Modes
Providing users with much closer control over the appearance of the final image, the
COOLPIX P1 and COOLPIX P2 offer a selection of Advanced Scene Modes in addition to their
ample range of conventional Scene Modes. Giving a choice of three different effects
(Normal, Effect 1, Effect 2), these Advanced Scene Modes can produce results that match
personal preferences more closely.
Aperture-priority Auto Mode
The COOLPIX P1 and COOLPIX P2 also come with the advantage of Aperture-priority Auto Mode.
Offering 10-step manual control in 1/3EV increments, it lets the user decide depth of
field while the camera automatically ensures optimal exposure.
Features for in-camera improvement
The COOLPIX P1 and COOLPIX P2 even feature a range of functions that give users the
ability to refine images in-camera. Nikon’s unique D-Lighting Function is available
in Playback Mode for the correction of images with insufficient flash or excessive
backlight. Just select the image you want to improve and D-Lighting creates a copy with
automatically added detail and light wherever necessary. Portrait (Face AF) has the unique
ability to detect human faces in the shot, providing sharp, appropriate focus, when the
subject is facing the camera from a typical portrait distance. There’s also In-Camera
Red-Eye Fix, which corrects for the unfortunate red-eye effect that can be caused by flash
to make for more pleasing portraits in low light.
High image quality
In addition to offering such an impressive array of capabilities that go beyond the norm,
the COOLPIX P1 and COOLPIX P2 deliver excellent imaging quality. Equipped with a
1/1.8-inch CCD featuring 8.0 and 5.1 effective megapixels respectively, they offer
outstanding resolution that can stand up to significant enlargement. What’s more they
are also both equipped with a powerful, high-quality 3.5x Zoom-Nikkor lens, which delivers
36-126mm (35mm equivalent) performance for broad compositional freedom.
PictureProject
The COOLPIX P1 and COOLPIX P2 both come bundled with a complimentary copy of Nikon’s
PictureProject software. As well as offering accelerated speed, this latest version of
PictureProject also offers support for the Wi-Fi functions of both cameras and includes a
handy setup utility as well as intuitive controls. It also offers intuitive controls over
the various wireless image transfer options and features improved speed and an enhanced
set of functions. Whether you are new to digital photography or a seasoned user,
PictureProject fulfills your desire by complementing your picture-taking experience with
in-computer activities that are fun, easy, and productive. PictureProject software is a
convenient tool to help you Transfer, Organize, Edit, Design and Share your images.
Nikon COOLPIX P1/P2 Other Features
Highly portable dimensions of 91 x 60 x 39mm (3.6 x 2.4 x 1.5 in.) (W x H x D)
Minimized weight of approximately 170g (6 oz.) (without battery and memory card)
BSS (Best Shot Selector) identifies and saves the best exposure automatically from ten
sequential shots
Choice of Graphic User Interface (GUI) lets users select functions by either name or
icon
Handy HELP button displays easy-to-understand explanations for functions on the main
menu
Menu available in a choice of 12 languages (German/ English/ Spanish/ French/ Italian/
Dutch/ Swedish/ Japanese/ Simplified Chinese/ Traditional Chinese/ Korean/ Russian)
In addition to a selection of 16 Scene Modes, Nikon adds a new level of fine control by
providing Advanced Scene Modes for 11 of the Scene Modes.
Rechargeable EN-EL8 lithium-ion battery is capable of shooting approximately 180 shots
on a single charge*
Macro mode lets the user compose as close as 4cm from the subject
e-VR (Electronic Vibration Reduction) automatically compensates for camera shake during
movie shooting
Noise Reduction produces clearer images at shutter speeds slower than 1/4 second (in
Programmed Auto Mode or Aperture-priority Auto Mode)
Time zone function lets users set the camera clock to local time, anywhere in the world
All buttons are positioned on the camera back for easy, intuitive access
4x digital zoom provides further compositional freedom
Single AF and Continuous AF are available for selection in Movie Mode
Choice of White Balance: Auto with TTL control, 5-mode manual (Direct sunlight,
Incandescent, Fluorescent, Cloudy, Shade and Speedlight) and White balance preset
Playback options: Single, 4- and 9-segment thumbnail, Slideshow
* Approx. 180 shots
with the COOLPIX P1/ approx. 190 shots with the COOLPIX P2; figures based on CIPA
standard, image mode set to Normal, image mode at 8M for the COOLPIX P1/ 5M for the
COOLPIX P2
Nikon Digital Camera COOLPIX P1/P2 Specifications
Type
Compact digital camera
Effective pixels
8.0 million (P1)/ 5.1 million (P2)
CCD
P1: 1/1.8-inch type (8.31 million total pixels)
P2: 1/1.8-inch type (5.26 million total pixels)
Image modes
P1: 8M (3264), 5M (2592), 3M (2048), 2M (1600), 1M
(1280), PC (1024), TV (640), 3:2 (3264)
P2: 5M (2592), 3M (2048), 2M (1600), 1M (1280), PC (1024), TV (640), 3:2 (2592)
Lens
3.5x Zoom-Nikkor; 7.5-26.3mm (35mm [135] format
equivalent to 36-126mm); f/2.7-5.2; 7 elements in 6 groups; Digital zoom: up to 4x
Focus range
50cm (19.6 in.) to infinity (8), 4cm (1.6 in.) to
infinity (8) in Macro Mode
LCD monitor
2.5-inch type, 110,000-dot TFT LCD monitor with
brightness adjustment
Auto, Programmed Auto, Aperture-priority Auto Mode,
Scene (Panorama assist, Beach/Snow, Museum, Copy, Sports), Advanced Scene (Portrait [Face
AF], Portrait, Party/Indoor, Night portrait, Landscape, Night landscape, Sunset,
Dusk/Dawn, Fireworks show, Back light, Close up), Voice Recording, BSS (Best Shot
Selector), Blur Warning, Date Imprint, Self-timer (3, 10 sec.)
Movie
With sound: TV movie (640*) at 30fps, TV movie (640) at
15fps, Small size (320) at 15fps, Smaller size (160) at 15fps; Sepia movie (320) at 5fps,
B/W movie at 15fps; Without sound: Time-lapse movie at 30fps, Electronic VR (Vibration
Reduction) available
Capture modes
P1: 1) Single, 2) Continuous H (approx. 2.3fps), 3)
Continuous L (approx. 2.0fps), 4) Ultra HS (up to 100 pictures at up to 30fps), 5)
Multi-shot 16 (16fps 1/16 in size), 6) 5 shot buffer (approx. 1fps), 7) Intvl timer
shooting
P2: 1) Single, 2) Continuous (approx. 2.5fps), 3) Ultra HS (up to 40 pictures at up to
30fps), 4) Multi-shot 16 (16fps 1/16 in size), 5) 5 shot buffer (approx. 1.2fps), 6) Intvl
timer shooting
IEEE802.11b/g, wireless range up to 30m (depending on environment)
Supported languages
German/ English/ Spanish/ French/ Italian/ Dutch/ Swedish/ Japanese/
Simplified Chinese/ Traditional Chinese/ Korean/ Russian selectable in menu display
Power requirements
One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL8 (supplied), AC
Adapter EH-62C (optional)
Battery life (approx.)
P1: Approx. 180 shots with EN-EL8 Rechargeable Battery
P2: Approx. 190 shots with EN-EL8 (based on CIPA standard*)
Dimensions (W x H x D)
Approx. 91 x 60 x 39mm (3.6 x 2.4 x 1.5 in.)
Weight
Approx. 170g (6 oz.) (without battery and SD memory
card)
Supplied Accessories**
Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL8, Battery Charger
MH-62, USB Cable, Audio Video Cable, Strap, PictureProject CD-ROM
Optional Accessories
AC Adapter EH-62C, Wireless Printer Adapter PD-10
*Industry standard for measuring life of camera batteries. Measured
at 25°C
(77°F); zoom adjusted with each shot, built-in flash fired with every other shot,
image mode set to Normal (COOLPIX P1: 8M; COOLPIX P2: 5M).
** Supplied accessories may differ by country or area.
PictureProject System Requirements
OS
Macintosh: Mac® OS X version 10.1.5 or
later (version 10.2.8 or later required for Burn Disc option) Windows: Windows® XP Home Edition / Professional, Windows® 2000
Professional, Windows® Me, Windows® 98SE pre-installed models
RAM
Macintosh: 64MB or more recommended Windows: 64MB or more recommended (128MB with muvee option)
Hard disk
60MB required for installation
Display
800 x 600 or more with 16-bit color (full color recommended)
Others
CD-ROM drive required for installation
Only built-in USB ports are supported
Microsoft and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Macintosh and QuickTime are
either registered trademarks or trademarks of Apple Computer Inc. in the United States
and/or other countries. The FotoNation logo is a trademark. The SD logo is a trademark.
PictBridge is a trademark. D-Lighting technology is provided by Apical Limited.
Face-priority AF technology is provided by Identix. Products and brand names are
trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
Specifications and equipment are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the
part of the manufacturer. September 2005
Where to buy
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I don't understand why Nikon is putting all this R&D into consumer digicams - chances are most people aren't going to use this cool technology anyway. I wish that they would instead concentrate on a new SLR that would bridge the gap between the D70 and the D2X - an upgrade to the D100 would be nice.
Consumers love gadgets and what would be more gadgety than wireless transfer of images to a laptop. Yes, Nikon is working on the D200 but a whole company can't be working on one product - that wouldn't be productive as they'd be stepping on each others' toes.
Seems like a neat idea, but it would be 1000x neater if it could automatically upload images to my website or blog from anywhere it could pick up a Wi-Fi connection. If I really want to transfer images directly to my laptop, using a USB cable isn't that much of a problem.
I don't know exactly how this works but e.g. at a party or other event I think you can have a printer as a server which picks up the files wirelessly from the camera and prints them as you go. Transferring the images to a website would require your laptop to have software which can do this, and of course an internet connection (wireless or not). However, posting unadjusted photos from the camera isn't going to be that great, so maybe the software would need to do some image processing to get good results.
when I first saw this announcement a few days ago, my immediate reaction was "what can you program for it?" Of course, mobile phones can already send images to websites, so it'll be interesting to see if these Nikons are flexible enough.
How about this approach - put some of this 802.11 technology into the consumer cams, get feedback in and bugs out, then put that into the SLR cameras with complete confidence. You can get this sort of functionality with the D2hs but it looks like they're going for the broader base here.
"I don't understand why Nikon is putting all this R&D into consumer digicams - chances are most people aren't going to use this cool technology anyway. I wish that they would instead concentrate on a new SLR. . . ."
Well, this is still where the money is, I guess, and Nikon needs money to put into R&D for their big guns. Besides, progress is in increments, and there is no telling what the next stage in this kind of consumer-grade product might be.
Has anyone actually used one of these cameras. I am looking to buy a new camera and I am new to photography. I only have a Samsung Digimax 301 at the moment. I want to be able to take better landscape pictures, especially at dawn/dusk or even at night. Plus I love taking pictures of flowers and plants but my current camera does not do them much justice.
Thanks guys,
Wendy
