Nikon Coolpix S1, Slim 5.1 Megapixels

Nikon has introduced a new model to its Coolpix lineup of digital cameras today called the S1. The Coolpix S1 features a 5.1 megapixel, 2.5 inch LCD screen, and a 3x Nikon ED zoom lens. The major selling point for this camera is its size; it measures in at 89.9 x 57.5 x 19.7mm and is housed in a sleek casing that comes in black, silver, or ivory white. D-Lighting and auto focus face priority will also be included in this camera along with 1.8 frames per second shooting.

Expect to see the Coolpix S1 in stores in April for a ticket price of around $380 US.

See press release below.

Surprisingly slim, exceptionally stylish — the COOLPIX S1 blends high reliability with high-quality shooting for users of all levels

Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of the COOLPIX S1, the first in a new series of COOLPIX cameras that blend portability with “Style” — which is precisely what the “S” in “S1” stands for. Not only is the COOLPIX S1 highly attractive with a sleek aluminum exterior available in Pure Silver, Ivory White and Ebony Black — it also retains its super slim and small dimensions (89.9 x 57.5 x 19.7mm) at all times due to its “right-angle” optics system that allows the zoom lens to function throughout its entire range without protruding from the camera body. This optical system also features an ED lens to ensure sharp, natural results and the COOLPIX S1 additionally features a selection of innovative features, delivering smooth operation and high-quality results.

With the advantage of 5.1-megapixel performance and a powerful 35-105mm 3x Zoom-Nikkor ED lens (35mm equivalent), the COOLPIX S1 achieves superior results with true-to-life color. It also features an impressively large, bright 2.5-inch LCD monitor that makes it easy to compose shots and play back the results with 110,000-dot clarity and thereby does away with the need for a viewfinder. The COOLPIX S1 has also been specially designed to offer exceptionally easy operation, with a Graphic User Interface (GUI) that allows the user to select functions by either name or icon and a handy HELP button that displays explanations for functions on the main menu. Furthermore, the menu can be set to display all text in the user's choice of 12 languages.

The COOLPIX S1 is also remarkably convenient. As a result of Nikon innovation, it has been designed to operate with a significant reduction in energy consumption so that a greater number of shots can be taken per battery. In fact the COOLPIX S1 can take up to 200 images with an EN-EL8 Rechargeable Battery (based on CIPA standard‡), so the user can enjoy spending more time taking pictures and waste less time recharging. Also as a direct result of Nikon superior engineering, the COOLPIX S1 offers a high-speed start-up time and enables swift continuous shooting at up to 1.8 frames per second (approx.), allowing the user to catch fleeting photo opportunities more of the time.

A range of unique Nikon features enable the user to improve images in-camera to get better results when shooting in difficult conditions. Nikon's exclusive D-Lighting function can be easily selected in Playback mode. Automatically compensating pictures taken with excessive backlight or insufficient flash, D-Lighting adds light and detail to darker parts of images while leaving areas with desirable exposure exactly as they are. Nikon's In-Camera Red-Eye Fix function does as its name suggests, automatically detecting the annoying red eye effect that can be caused by flash, then digitally correcting it in-camera. The COOLPIX S1 also features the clever Face-priority AF function, which has the ability to detect human faces in the frame and then provide optimal automatic focus for sharper, more satisfying portraits. The COOLPIX S1 features a Blur Warning function too, which lets users know when an image has been compromised by camera shake so they can recompose and shoot again for better results.

The COOLPIX S1 additionally comes complete with the COOL-STATION MV-11. Delivering true plug-and-play convenience, the COOL-STATION MV-11 is more than just a charging cradle. Placing the COOLPIX S1 in the COOL-STATION MV-11 enables the batteries to be charged without removing them from the camera body. The COOL-STATION MV-11 also connects the COOLPIX S1 to a TV and to a computer via USB.

Like all the other cameras in the successful COOLPIX range, the COOLPIX S1 offers a selection of handy Scene Modes that makes it easy to get pleasing results in common situations. Altogether, the camera is equipped with 17 Scene Modes, four of which feature Scene Assist, so the user can simply select the one best suited to the subject — such as Sunset or Portrait — then leave the camera to select the optimal settings automatically. One of these handy Scene Modes is the new “Underwater” mode, which is designed for use with the optional Waterproof Case WP-CP5, which allows the user to take shots with faithful color when snorkeling or scuba diving to depths of up to 40 meters.

Although the COOLPIX S1 offers the convenience of compatibility with widely available SD memory cards, it also has 12MB of internal memory too, which means users can go on shooting even when they are not carrying any additional media. And despite its super slim dimensions, the COOLPIX S1 can also be used to record movies with sound — offering a choice of four movie modes with shooting at up to 15 frames per second and up to VGA resolution. The COOLPIX S1 can also be connected to a TV to make it easy to view the results.

The COOLPIX S1 makes it easy to produce printouts as well. Because it offers PictBridge compatibility, it can be connected directly to a compatible printer, thereby doing away with the need for a computer. The COOLPIX S1 also comes complete with Nikon's PictureProject software, which makes it easy to edit, organize and share images.

Via DCViews

Fabrizio Pilato