Nikon Unveils Coolpix S200 and Coolpix S500 Digital Cameras

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Building on the Coolpix Style Series of digital cameras, Nikon is pleased to introduce the S200 and S500. Boasting 7.1 megapixels, a 3x Zoom-Nikkor glass lens, VR Image Stabilization technologies, and sleek metal bodies, these cameras exude high performance and exquisite design. Both cameras feature a classic camera design as the lens extends from the camera's body when the cameras are turned on; the S200 is constructed from brushed aluminum and the S500 from stainless steel. Advanced performance is particularly pronounced in the S500. Among compact digital cameras, the Coolpix S500 is fast; start up time is 0.6 seconds and shutter lag, in release priority mode, is just 0.005 seconds.

In addition to the aforementioned features, the Coolpix S200 and S500 feature several imaging innovations designed to encourage carefree shooting for the consumer. The S200 utilizes Electronic Vibration Reduction Image Stabilization, a feature that electronically overcomes camera shake for sharper results. For greater vibration control, the S500 features Optical VR Image Stabilization, a feature that compensates for camera shake ensuring sharp images at shutter speeds up to three times slower than would normally be possible. Both the S200 and S500 have High ISO capabilities; the S200 up to 1000 and the S500 up to ISO 2000, ideal for capturing images in low-light situations. On the S200, the e-VR Image Stabilization feature is activated by utilizing the camera's easy-to-use menu system. The S500 features a new Anti-Shake button, located on the top of the camera, which activates high ISO, VR and Best Shot Selector at the same time to produce clearer results in low light or at telephoto zoom settings.

For image sharing, the S200 and S500 have incredible, bright, high resolution 2.5 inch LCD monitors with an anti-reflective coating, easing the composition of photos, even in direct sunlight. These cameras also have a 16:9 aspect ratio option, making them perfect for sharing images via a high-definition television.

In order to simplify the picture taking process, Nikon has incorporated a new menu interface into the S200 and S500, employing illustrated help dialogs for easy navigation and mode selection. This menu also provides direct access to Nikon's triad of Image Innovations; in-camera functions for enhancing or correcting images including:
• In-Camera Red-Eye Fix : automatically detects and corrects red eye, a common problem that occurs in flash photography.
• Face-Priority AF: automatically finds and focuses on a persons face within the frame, providing sharp focus to produce clear, crisp portraits wherever the subject is positioned in the frame.
• D-Lighting: in playback, the user selects and creates a copy of images with excessive backlight or insufficient flash illumination, adding light and detail where necessary.

On the S500, these features can be activated by pressing the One-Touch portrait button, located on the top of the camera, or selected in the scene modes in the S200.

Both the Coolpix S200 and the Coolpix S500 come bundled with Nikon's exclusive PictureProject software. The PictureProject software is user-friendly and makes transferring, organizing, editing and sharing photos a snap. Both cameras are SDHC compatible and utilize the new ultra-compact EN-EL10 rechargeable Li-ion battery.

The Coolpix S200 and the Coolpix S500 will be available at photo-specialty stores in March 2007.

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