Nikon “system” camera to offer support for RAW images, and adds integrated GPS (global positioning system) which will record latitude and longitude on each image’s EXIF data. An integrated Ethernet port plugs the camera into LANs for direct uploads to Nikon’s My Picturetown online storage service. The P6000 has typical DSLR exposure controls (P,S, A, and M), will accept any Nikon Speedlight flash (including the new SB-900) and, unlike its predecessors, supports wireless control of off-camera flash. The 4x optical zoom can be augmented by wide-angle and tele adapters. Macro focusing down to an inch, 1:1 aspect ratio photos, and barrel distortion correction are also offered along with all of the typical features found on Nikon’s other compact cameras announced today. The only downer about RAW, however, is that it will be in an exclusive new Nikon format, NRW RAW, which will be viewable on Nikon ViewNX softare, which will be available in October. The Nikon Coolpix P6000 will be available in September for approximately $499.95.
For details and specifications, read the Nikon USA press release:
NEW COOLPIX P6000 OFFERS DIGITAL SLR SHOOTING CONTROL IN A COMPACT CAMERA
New Performance Series Camera Enables Users to Test the Photography World with Creative Control and “Geo-tagging” Capabilities with built-in GPS
MELVILLE, NY (Aug. 7, 2008) – Nikon Inc. today introduced its newest flagship COOLPIX compact camera, the COOLPIX P6000. Featuring 13.5 megapixels, a new, built-in global positioning system (GPS) unit, my Picturetown connectivity and the power of Nikon’s exclusive EXPEED™ image processing concept, the P6000 offers the perfect photographic tool for photo and camera enthusiasts seeking the creative control of a D-SLR in the compact body of a COOLPIX camera.
“We are eager to see the response to the integration of the new capabilities for COOLPIX cameras, as the demands of our consumers are always a priority in product design,” said Bill Giordano, general manager marketing, COOLPIX for Nikon Inc. “The P6000 is an exciting product offering for Nikon’s COOLPIX line, as it not only provides expanded creative control for photo enthusiasts, but also empowers them with GPS functionality and my Picturetown connectivity.”
Integrated GPS Records Image Location
The P6000 knows where the “best shots” are taken, thanks to the integration of the new GPS unit. With the added GPS function, P6000 users will be able to record “geotags” of the location where their images are captured based on latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates. This further heightens the photographic experience, allowing users to pinpoint the location via maps available in Nikon ViewNX Software, my Picturetown, Nikon’s photo sharing and storage website, or any other software or website that recognizes GPS data.
Integrated Ethernet Port
Additionally, the P6000 makes my Picturetown connectivity for uploading and sharing photos simple and easy, thanks to added wired LAN support via a dedicated Ethernet port built into the camera. Users can upload their images and data directly from the P6000 with an Ethernet cable to the secure Picture Bank service on my Picturetown.
Creativity of a D-SLR with COOLPIX Functionality
In line with other COOLPIX P-Series cameras, the P6000 includes intuitive controls via dedicated command and mode dials, providing easy access to shooting controls and exposure mode settings. The P6000 offers Programmed Auto [P], Shutter-priority Auto [S], Aperture-priority Auto [A] and Manual [M] modes granting users the ability to tap into the creativity of D-SLR functions while maintaining the simplicity of COOLPIX functionality. Owners can utilize two user-defined settings, a shooting menu, an efficient, tabbed menu interface, as well as customizable Function buttons to quickly switch between camera settings.
NRW (RAW) Support
Additional shooting innovations engineered to maximize image quality and offer greater control over the final results include Nikon’s original COOLPIX Picture Control System and a new NRW* (RAW) support. The COOLPIX Picture Control System features intuitive controls that enable users to adjust their images to pre-set parameters such as Standard, Neutral, Vivid and Monochrome and apply tweaks to image sharpening, tone compensation, brightness, overall tone and saturation. Furthermore, images shot in the all-new NRW* (RAW) format can be opened and viewed in Nikon ViewNX Software (available early October 2008) for increased editing abilities.
Pop-Up Flash, Optical Viewfinder, and System Expansion
Adding even more synergy between D-SLR cameras and compact COOLPIX cameras, the P6000 incorporates a pop-up flash, optical viewfinder for easy composition and the added bonus of system expansion with an optional convertor, Speedlights, and wireless remote control. Nikon’s new 0.76x Wide-angle Convertor WC-E76 offers users the option to utilize focal lengths as wide as 21mm (35mm format equivalent). P6000 users can also take full advantage of Nikon’s Creative Lighting System with the built-in accessory shoe that supports Nikon’s i-TTL flash control, which enables wireless control over one group of remote Speedlights including the newly announced SB-900 Speedlight.
The P6000 features a quality finish and a front panel constructed of solid Magnesium alloy, as well as a comfortable grip and well-placed controls for streamlined performance. The new P6000 camera is compatible with new high-capacity SDHC cards, and utilizes a Nikon EN-EL5 rechargeable Li-ion battery. The P6000 also comes bundled with the COOLPIX Software Suite for editing, organizing and sharing images.
The Nikon COOLPIX P6000 will be available nationwide beginning September 2008 at a MSRP of $499.95.** For more information about the P6000 and other COOLPIX cameras, please visit www.nikonusa.com.
* COOLPIX Picture Control NRW (RAW) files can only be processed in-camera. NRW (RAW) files are compatible for use in-camera, with ViewNX (Windows version only, available early October 2008) or with WIC-based applications. Capture NX, Capture NX2 and NEF files are not compatible with NRW (RAW) images.
** Estimated selling price listed is only an estimate. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.
Nikon COOLPIX P6000 Feature Highlights
Superb image quality
Excellent imaging quality is a priority for the COOLPIX P6000, from the 13.5 effective megapixels of imaging power produced by its 1/1.7-inch RGB CCD and advanced digital image-processing system, to the clarity of its 4x Zoom-NIKKOR lens with ED lens elements and optical lens shift VR system.
COOLPIX Picture Control system for greater finishing flexibility
Inherited from Nikon’s latest generation of professional digital SLR cameras, this advanced user-oriented technology makes it easy to apply adjustments to NRW* (RAW) image files for optimized results that match individual preferences or intended use.
*COOLPIX Picture Control NRW (RAW) files can only be processed in-camera. NRW (RAW) files are compatible for use in-camera, with ViewNX (Windows version only) or with WIC based applications. Capture NX, Capture NX2 and NEF files are not compatible with NRW (RAW) images.
ISO 6400 capability provides extended shooting range
Extended light sensitivity range up to ISO 6400 adds the power to shoot sharper, more natural-looking photos in lower lighting conditions, or to capture fast moving subjects with outstanding clarity. And the new image-processing engine produces clear results with minimal noise, even when shooting with high ISO settings.
*ISO 3200 and 6400 are available only for image sizes of 3M (2048 x 1536) or smaller.
System expandability that adds creative options and greater convenience
Nikon’s new 0.76x Wide-angle Converter WC-E76 offers the option to use focal lengths as wide as 21mm (35mm format equivalent). The built-in accessory shoe supports the use of Nikon’s advanced i-TTL flash control for external flashes. The commander function of the Speedlight SB-900 and Wireless Speedlight Commander SU-800 also enables wireless control over one group of remote Speedlights.* And the Wireless Remote Control ML-L3 enables remote shutter release.
*Wireless Lighting is available only for group A and requires the use of SB-600 or SB-900 Speedlights as the remote units
Nikon COOLPIX P6000 Other Features
Three Unique Nikon Image Innovations: Face-priority AF, In-Camera Red-Eye Fix, D-Lighting
Active D-Lighting
Distortion control corrects for barrel distortion
Macro shooting from as close as 2 cm (0.8 in.)
Manual focus
New tab-format menu interface adapted from Nikon D-SLR cameras
1:1 size (square) format with a choice of three black border options
15 handy scene modes for optimized results in various shooting situations
Five movie modes with sound, plus time-lapse movie mode
SDHC card compatibility*
Approx. 48 MB of internal memory
USB (Hi-Speed) connectivity
*Not compatible with Multi Media Card (MMC).
Nikon Digital Camera COOLPIX P6000 Specifications
Effective pixels: 13.5 million
Image sensor: 1/1.7-in. CCD%3B total pixels: approx. 13.93 million
Lens: 4x Zoom-NIKKOR%3B 6.0-24.0mm (35mm [135] format picture angle: 28-112mm)%3B f/2.7-5.9%3B 9 elements in 7 groups%3B Digital zoom: up to 4x (35mm [135] format picture angle: 448mm)
Focus range (from lens): 50cm (1 ft. 7.7 in.) to infinity (?)%3B Macro close-up mode: 2cm (0.8 in.) to infinity (?)
Storage media: Internal memory (approx. 48 MB), SD memory cards*1
Image size (pixels): 4224 x 3168 (13M), 3264 x 2448 (8M), 2592 x 1944 (5M), 2048 x 1536 (3M), 1600 x 1200 (2M), 1280 x 960 (1M), 1024×768 (PC), 640 x 480 (TV), 4224 x 2816 (3?2), 4224 x 2376 (16:9), 3168 x 3168 (1:1)
Vibration Reduction (VR): Optical lens shift VR
ISO sensitivity:
ISO 64, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 2000, 3200*2, 6400*2, Auto (auto gain ISO 64-800), High ISO Sensitivity Auto (ISO 64-1600), Fixed Range Auto (ISO 64-100, 200, 400)
Interface: Hi-Speed USB
Power sources: Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL5 (supplied), AC Adapter EH-66 (supplied)
Battery life: Approx. 260 shots with EN-EL5 battery
Dimensions (W x H x D): Approx. 107 x 65.5 x 42 mm (4.2 x 2.6 x 1.7 in.) excluding projections
Weight: Approx. 240 g (8.5oz.) without battery and SD memory card
Supplied accessories*3: Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL5, AC Adapter EH-66, USB Cable UC-E6, Audio Video Cable EG-CP14, Strap AN-CP18, Software Suite CD-ROM
Optional accessories: Battery Charger MH-61, Wide-angle Converter WC-E76, Adapter Ring UR-E21, Speedlight SB-400, SB-600, SB-900
*1
Not compatible with Multi Media Cards (MMC).
*2
ISO 3200 and 6400 are available only for image sizes of 3M (2048 x 1536) or smaller.
*3
Supplied accessories may differ by country or area.
