7 new point and shoots from Nikon

[talljak]

A lot of new options in the point and shoot market from Nikon.

Nikon COOLPIX L18/L16
Feature Highlights
Easy auto mode and scene modes for carefree shooting
Easy auto mode makes it easier to turn on the camera and shoot without worrying about settings. Easy access to 14 different scene modes and three movie modes also ensures shooting that is tuned to give the best results to match the moment.

Anti-shake AE for great pictures at great ease
Effortlessly take better pictures with the COOLPIX L18 and L16 with new Anti-shake AE. It detects subject movement and camera shake, and automatically overcomes blur by adjusting to high shutter speeds and higher ISO sensitivity.

Three Unique Nikon Image Innovations
The COOLPIX L18 and L16 feature a selection of three innovative functions that provide the ability to actually improve the quality of images within the camera. Face-priority AF* automatically finds, then focuses on people’s faces for crisp, clear results time after time. In-Camera Red-Eye Fix automatically compensates to help eradicate traces of the annoying red-eye effect that can sometimes be encountered during flash photography. And D-Lighting can be applied to improve underexposed images or shots taken with too much backlight. D-Lighting automatically creates a copy of the image with detail added where necessary, but with well-exposed areas left completely untouched.

*Face recognition capability may be limited in some shooting conditions.

ISO 1600 capability for better pictures in lower light
Making it easier to take great-looking pictures in lower lighting conditions, or to capture fast-moving subjects with outstanding clarity, the COOLPIX L18 and L16 accurately measure available light to automatically select the optimal sensitivity setting for the shot between the range of ISO 64 to as high as ISO 1600.

Nikon COOLPIX L18/L16 Other Features
Light weight with highly compact dimensions
Face Zoom-in zooms right in on the subject’s face at playback
Macro shooting from as close as 15 cm (5.9 in.)
4x digital zoom extends compositional freedom
Time zone function for easy setting of multiple locations
Approx. 21 MB of internal memory
USB connectivity
PictBridge support

Nikon COOLPIX S210
Feature Highlights
VR image stabilization
Compensating for the effects of camera shake to realize sharper results, electronic VR (Vibration Reduction) image stabilization frees you to enjoy capturing special moments without worrying about slight hand movements, particularly in lower light conditions.

ISO 2000 capability provides extended shooting range
Extended light sensitivity range with manual settings up to ISO 2000 makes it easier to take great-looking pictures in lower lighting conditions, or to capture moving subjects with outstanding clarity. Automatic sensitivity control is also available, freeing you to concentrate on the shot while the camera selects the optimal setting across a range between ISO 64 and ISO 800. And High-Sensitivity mode minimizes blur by automatically selecting optimal light sensitivity.

Large 2.5-inch LCD monitor for quality viewing and menu operation
The COOLPIX S210 is equipped with a quality 2.5-inch LCD monitor that features 230k-dots of high resolution, a wide 170-degree horizontal and vertical viewing angle, anti-reflection coating for better display in bright situations, and an acrylic panel that prevents scratches and fingerprints. Improved shooting displays with revised icons and information feedback help make framing and shooting easier.

Nikon COOLPIX S210 Other Features
Three Unique Nikon Image Innovations
– Improved Face-priority AF, In-Camera Red-Eye Fix, D-Lighting
15 handy scene modes for optimized shooting in various settings
Macro shooting from as close as 10 cm (4 in.)
Three movie modes with sound, plus time-lapse movie mode
Time zone function for easy setting of multiple locations
SDHC card compatibility
Approx. 52 MB of internal memory
USB connectivity
PictBridge support

Nikon COOLPIX S520
Feature Highlights
Proven lens shift VR image stabilization
Optical lens shift VR (Vibration Reduction) is field proven technology originally developed for Nikon SLR camera lenses. The VR system counteracts camera shake in lower light or when shooting moving subjects, providing the ability to shoot at shutter speeds as much as three steps slower without blurring the picture. Active full time, VR also stabilizes images displayed on the 2.5-inch high-resolution LCD monitor for easier framing and more reassured shooting.

ISO 2000 capability provides extended shooting range
Extended light sensitivity range with manual settings up to ISO 2000 makes it easier to take great-looking pictures in lower lighting conditions, or to capture moving subjects with outstanding clarity. Automatic sensitivity control is also available, freeing you to concentrate on the shot while the camera selects the optimal setting across a range between ISO 64 and ISO 1600. And the image processing engine preserves high image quality even when shooting with high ISO settings, thanks to enhanced noise reduction and an improved signal-to-noise ratio.

Large 2.5-inch LCD monitor for quality viewing and menu operation
The COOLPIX S520 has a high quality 2.5-inch LCD monitor with anti-reflection coating for better display in bright situations. Improved shooting displays with revised icons and information feedback help make framing and shooting easier.

Nikon COOLPIX S520 Other Features
Three Unique Nikon Image Innovations
– Face-priority AF, In-Camera Red-Eye Fix, D-Lighting
1:1 size format with black or white borders available on playback
Macro shooting from as close as 15 cm (5.9 in.)
Three movie modes with sound, plus time-lapse movie mode
Time zone function for easy setting of multiple locations
SDHC card compatibility
Approx. 23 MB of internal memory
USB connectivity
PictBridge support

Nikon COOLPIX S600
Feature Highlights
Proven lens shift VR image stabilisation for sharper results
Optical lens shift VR (Vibration Reduction) image stabilisation helps achieve sharper results by applying field proven technology originally developed for Nikon SLR camera lenses to counteract camera shake in lower light or when shooting moving subjects. Active full time, VR also stabilises images displayed on the 2.7-inch high-resolution LCD monitor for easier framing and more reassured shooting.

ISO 3200 capability provides extended shooting range
Extended light sensitivity range with manual settings up to ISO 3200 adds the power to shoot more effectively in lower lighting conditions, or to capture moving subjects with outstanding clarity. Automatic sensitivity control is also available, freeing you to concentrate on the shot while the camera selects the optimal setting across a range between ISO 100 and ISO 800.

Large 2.7-inch LCD monitor for quality viewing and easier menu operation
Practically defying the COOLPIX S600’s compact body proportions is a high quality 2.7-inch LCD monitor with improved shooting displays and revised icons. Features include approx. 230k-dots of high resolution and a wide 160-degree horizontal and vertical viewing angle.

New Active Child mode for carefree shooting with beautiful results
Active Child mode joins the lineup of 14 different scene modes and three movie modes tuned to produce the best results to match the moment. In Active Child mode, simply frame and select your subject before shooting. The camera then tracks and focuses on that moving subject as you shoot for faster, more reassuring operation with clearer results.

Nikon COOLPIX S600 Other Features
Three Unique Nikon Image Innovations
– Face-priority AF, In-Camera Red-Eye Fix, D-Lighting
Active Zoom allows smoother zooming for close-ups
New Pastel mode produces bright images with a watercolour effect
Macro shooting from as close as 3 cm (1.2 in.)
Time zone function for easy setting of multiple locations
SDHC card compatibility
Approx. 45 MB of internal memory
USB connectivity
PictBridge support

Nikon COOLPIX P60
Feature Highlights
Intuitive access to a wealth of practical shooting modes
The handy Mode dial includes settings for two exposure modes that provide greater personal control over camera operation. Programmed Auto [P] mode automatically selects the optimal shutter and aperture settings, while Manual [M] exposure mode provides full control over both the aperture and shutter speed settings. In addition, the COOLPIX P60 is equipped with a selection of 15 scene-optimized modes and four different movie modes.

Image sensor shift VR image stabilization for sharp images
The COOLPIX P60 features the image stabilizing performance of image sensor shift VR capability. The system applies in-camera image processing to help overcome the effects of camera shake and produce satisfyingly crisp results, while also contributing to a reassuring shooting experience.

ISO 2000 capability for better pictures in lower light
With an extended light sensitivity range from ISO 80 all the way up to ISO 2000, the COOLPIX P60 makes it easier to take great-looking pictures in lower lighting conditions, or to capture fast moving subjects with impressive clarity.

AA-size batteries for shoot-anywhere convenience
Experience the convenience of an AA-size battery compatible compact digital camera. Thanks to the advantage of being able to pick up a new set of batteries in virtually any corner of the world, users can shoot with reassurance, free of any worries about recharging batteries or running out of power when a special shutter chance arises.

Nikon COOLPIX P60 Other Features
Three Unique Nikon Image Innovations
– Face-priority AF, In-Camera Red-Eye Fix, D-Lighting
Macro shooting from as close as 10 cm (4 in.)
4x digital zoom extends compositional freedom
Time zone function for easy setting of multiple locations
SDHC card compatibility
Approx. 12 MB of internal memory
USB connectivity
PictBridge support

Nikon COOLPIX S550
Feature Highlights
VR image stabilization
Compensating for the effects of camera shake to realize sharper results, electronic VR (Vibration Reduction) image stabilization frees you to enjoy capturing special moments without worrying about slight hand movements, particularly in lower light conditions.

ISO 2000 capability provides extended shooting range
Extended light sensitivity range with manual settings up to ISO 2000 makes it easier to take great-looking pictures in lower lighting conditions, or to capture moving subjects with outstanding clarity. Automatic sensitivity control is also available, freeing you to concentrate on the shot while the camera selects the optimal setting across a range between ISO 64 and ISO 800. And High-Sensitivity mode minimizes blur by automatically selecting optimal light sensitivity.

Large 2.5-inch LCD monitor for quality viewing and menu operation
The COOLPIX S550 is equipped with a quality 2.5-inch LCD monitor that features 230k-dots of high resolution, a wide 170-degree horizontal and vertical viewing angle, anti-reflection coating for better display in bright situations, and an acrylic panel that prevents scratches and fingerprints. Improved shooting displays with revised icons and information feedback help make framing and shooting easier.

Nikon COOLPIX S550 Other Features
Three Unique Nikon Image Innovations
– Improved Face-priority AF, In-Camera Red-Eye Fix, D-Lighting
Active Zoom allows smoother zooming for close-ups
Macro shooting from as close as 10 cm (4 in.)
Three movie modes with sound, plus time-lapse movie mode
Time zone function for easy setting of multiple locations
SDHC card compatibility
Approx. 50 MB of internal memory
USB connectivity
PictBridge support

[talljak]

I really do not understand the point in releasing this many very similar cameras.
Not just Nikon but other brands do this as well.
I can understand the need to have selection and choice
But there is so very little difference between some models.

[hugh]

To hit various price points and styling features.

Retailers want cameras at various price points and they want different styles so they feel they have a complete offering for consumers. Manufacturers can either comply or lose precious retail space to competitors.