Digital Compact Camera Nikon COOLPIX P300 / P500

February 9, 2011

Expansion of the multi-function, high-performance COOLPIX P-series lineup
Nikon releases two new models equipped with backside illumination CMOS sensors

The P300 is equipped with an f/1.8 wide-angle zoom (beginning at 24mm) NIKKOR lens
The P500 supports capture of high-quality images with 36X zoom and effective noise and distortion reduction

TOKYO – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce two new COOLPIX P-series models, the P300 and the P500. The COOLPIX P series is a line of multi-function, high-performance compact digital cameras that enable authentic shooting capabilities.

The P300 establishes a new branch of compact, wide-angle zoom models in the P-series line. As successor to the compact, high-power zoom P100 (released in March 2010), the P500 offers greater zoom power and improved functions over its predecessor. The addition of the compact, wide-angle zoom P300 and the high-power zoom P500 to the P7000 (released in September 2010), the P-series flagship model, expands the lineup to three models that respond to the needs of a wide variety of users, from compact digital camera users looking to advance to a model that offers more functions, to those hoping to polish their shooting technique as if with digital-SLR cameras. In order to enable an authentic shooting experience, the P300 and P500 are equipped with backside illumination CMOS sensors that enable high-speed processing capability for beautiful, blur-free images, even with shooting in dark or dimly lit surroundings. The cameras are also equipped with NIKKOR lenses and image processing engines that utilize Nikon's exclusive optical technologies, as well as a variety of shooting and in-camera editing functions.

COOLPIX P300 Primary Features

1. Nikon optical technologies for stunning landscapes and night landscapes Fast, f/1.8 lens

A number of Nikon's optical technologies have been concentrated in the f/1.8 lens, resulting in the fastest^* lens available with a compact digital camera.

High refractive-index lens for a more compact body

By adopting a high refractive-index lens with a refractive index of 2.0 or higher, which compensates for both curvature of field and spherical aberration with a single lens element, a smaller and lighter camera was achieved. The lens also enables sharper rendering for higher contrast throughout the entire frame

4.2X wide-angle zoom lens with built-in lens-shift vibration reduction (VR)

The lens covers focal lengths from the wide-angle 24mm to the telephoto 100mm (both equivalent with 35mm [135] format). The built-in VR function reduces blur with hand-held shooting and shooting at high sensitivities.

*Based on Nikon research as of February 9, 2011.

2. Backside illumination CMOS sensor enables capture of images exhibiting little noise at the high sensitivities required for night landscapes and pictures taken indoors under dim lighting

The camera is equipped with a backside illumination CMOS sensor with which each pixel receives light more efficiently for superior high-speed performance. Desired images are achieved with the specified scene mode through automatic adjustment of ISO sensitivity and/or shutter speed settings for high-speed capture of multiple shots that are then combined for beautiful night portraits and pictures taken under dim lighting, night landscapes, and backlit scenes.

Night Landscape mode: When Night Landscape scene mode is selected, the camera automatically captures several shots at a fast shutter speed and then combines the shots to create a single optimized photo, preserving beautiful, high-quality photos of night landscapes, such as scenes including city or holiday lights, without using a tripod.
Backlighting mode: When the HDR (high dynamic range) setting is enabled in Backlighting mode with shooting of high-contrast scenes, the camera captures three consecutive shots at varying exposure and combines the three for a single photo with no loss of detail in highlights or shadows, and a broader range of tones. Three HDR settings are available for selection according to the level of contrast exhibited by the scene.

3. A variety of shooting functions that enable capture of photos as intended

The camera is equipped with a number of shooting and in-camera image editing functions that allow users to enjoy mastering the camera with manual operations. In addition to [P] programmed auto, [A] aperture-priority auto, [S] shutter-priority auto, and [M] manual exposure modes, the camera offers a number of features that can be combined for maximum flexibility in expressing individual user creativity. Among these features are 8-fps high-speed continuous shooting at the maximum image size (12M 4000 X 3000), a Creative Slider and Special Effects for applying effects with shooting, Filter Effects that can be applied with image playback, and an Easy Panorama function for capturing horizontal or vertical panorama photos.

Special Effects: Special effects can be applied with shooting, enabling users to capture photos with colors and tones that suit their intent. Soft, High Key, Low Key, Nostalgic Sepia and High-contrast Monochrome options are available.
Filter Effects: Easily apply filter effects to photos already taken without using a computer. Cross Screen, Fisheye, Miniature Effect and Painting options are available.
Easy Panorama: Easily create dynamic vertical or horizontal panorama photos. Angle of view can be selected from 180° (normal) and 360° (wide). The user need simply move the camera in the desired direction using the guides displayed, and the camera automatically recognizes the direction in which shots should progress. Multiple shots are then combined in a single panorama photo.

4. Bright and clear 3-inch, approximately 921k-dot TFT LCD monitor with wide viewing angle

A bright, approximately 921k-dot TFT LCD monitor with anti-reflection coating has been adopted. This enables clear viewing of beautiful, high-resolution images even outside on sunny days or inside a brightly lit room.
In addition, the expanded color reproduction range covers a broader range of colors for reproduction of almost the entire sRGB gamut.

5. Recording of full HD movies for which exposure and color settings, as well as optical zoom, can be applied

The camera is equipped with functions for recording full HD movies (1920 X 1080 pixels) with stereo sound. The Creative Slider and Special Effects can also be used with movies, and optical zoom can be applied or adjusted during movie recording. In addition, dramatic movies recorded using the HS Movie function can be played back in slow motion at 1/4 or 1/2 the normal playback speed, or in fast motion at twice the normal playback speed. Full HD movies recorded with the camera can be played back on a TV with an HDMI connector, and the camera's support for the CEC feature for HDMI enables playback control using the TV's remote control.

COOLPIX P500 Primary Features

1. A 36X optical zoom NIKKOR lens that covers a broad range of focal lengths from wide-angle 22.5mm through super-telephoto 810mm (equivalent with 35mm [135] format)

The camera's 36x zoom NIKKOR lens covers an incredible range of focal lengths from 22.5mm to 810mm (both equivalent with 35mm [135] format). So, not only is it capable of capturing wide-angle shots, but it also offers the highest optical zoom power in the history of the COOLPIX brand. Despite the amazing capability of the lens, the camera body is still small enough to fit in the palm of your hand.

2. Three functions that ensure superior image quality in both still images and movies, even at super telephoto zoom positions

Backside illumination CMOS sensor: As light is more effectively received by the image sensor, even images captured at the maximum sensitivity setting of ISO 3200 exhibit significantly less noise.
New EXPEED C2 dual image processors: Processing to correct a variety of types of aberration and to reduce noise enables recording of beautiful, high-resolution still images and clear full-HD movies.
Image sensor shift + electronic vibration reduction (VR) function: Images captured with image sensor shift vibration reduction enabled are further processed with electronic VR for images that are sharper and exhibit less blur.

3. Full HD movie recording function with support for the capture of still pictures during recording

The camera is equipped with functions for recording full HD movies (1920 X 1080 pixels) with stereo sound. The entire optical zoom range, up to 36X, can be used and still images can be captured during recording. In addition, the P500 offers the same HS Movie function available with the P300. With the P500, users can enable and disable the HS Movie feature during recording of normal movies to emphasize determining moments, such as when a runner crosses the goal line, with slow-motion playback of portions recorded with HS Movie enabled. Full HD movies recorded with the camera can be played back on a TV with an HDMI connector, and the camera's support for the CEC feature for HDMI enables playback control using the TV's remote control.

4. A variety of shooting functions that enable capture of photos as intended

The camera is equipped with a number of shooting and in-camera image editing functions that allow users to enjoy mastering the camera with manual operations. In addition to [P] programmed auto, [A] aperture-priority auto, [S] shutter-priority auto, and [M] manual exposure modes, the camera offers a number of features that can be combined for maximum flexibility in expressing individual user creativity. Among these features are 8-fps high-speed continuous shooting at the maximum image size (12M 4000 X 3000), Filter Effects that can be applied with image playback, and an Easy Panorama function for capturing horizontal or vertical panorama photos.

Filter Effects: Easily apply filter effects to photos already taken without using a computer. Soft, Selective Color, Cross Screen, Fisheye, Miniature Effect and Painting options are available.
Easy Panorama: Easily create dynamic vertical or horizontal panorama photos. Angle of view can be selected from 180° (normal) and 360° (wide). The user need simply move the camera in the desired direction using the guides displayed, and the camera automatically recognizes the direction in which shots should progress. Multiple shots are then combined in a single panorama photo.

5. Bright and clear 3-inch, approximately 921k-dot tilting TFT LCD monitor with wide viewing angle

Monitor display is bright and clear, making viewing images and applying settings easy, even under sunny skies or in rooms where light is reflected in the monitor. The high-resolution monitor accurately reproduces even the finest details in photos for more precise viewing, and the tilting mechanism supports shooting from a variety of angles. In addition, the expanded color reproduction range covers a broader range of colors for reproduction of almost the entire sRGB gamut.

6. User friendly operational controls

A new continuous shooting mode button has been positioned next to the shutter-release button to enable quick switching between Single and Continuous settings in P, S, A and M exposure modes. In addition, by positioning the side zoom control on the side of the lens, the camera can be held more securely with shooting, effectively reducing blur.

Nikon COOLPIX P300 Specifications

Swipe horizontally to view full table.

Effective pixels	12.2 million
Image sensor	1/2.3-in. type CMOS; approx. 12.75 million total pixels
Lens	4.2X optical zoom, NIKKOR lens; 4.3-17.9mm (angle of view equivalent to that of 24-100 mm lens in 35mm [135] format); f/1.8-4.9, Digital zoom: up to 2X (angle of view equivalent to that of approx. 200 mm lens in 35mm [135] format)
Focus range (from lens)	[W]: Approx. 30 cm to ∞ , [T]: Approx. 60 cm to ∞ , Macro close-up mode: Approx. 3 cm to ∞ (wide-angle position)
Monitor	7.5 cm (3-in.), approx. 921k-dot, wide viewing angle TFT LCD monitor with anti-reflection coating and 5-level brightness adjustment
Storage media ^*1	Internal memory (approx. 90 MB), SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card
ISO sensitivity	ISO 160, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200 Auto (auto gain from ISO 160 to 1600) Fixed range auto (ISO 160 to 400, 160 to 800)
Interface	Hi-Speed USB
Power sources	One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL12 (supplied) AC Adapter EH-62F (available separately)
Battery life: (EN-EL12)	Still pictures^*1: Approx. 240 shots Movies: Approx. 1 h 5 min (HD 1080p(1920 X 1080)
Dimensions (WxHxD)	Approx. 103.0 X 58.3 X 32.0 mm (excluding projections)
Weight	Approx. 189 g (including battery and memory card)
Supplied accessories ^*2	Camera Strap, Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL12, Charging AC Adapter EH-69P USB Cable UC-E6, Audio Video Cable EG-CP16, ViewNX 2 CD-ROM

Unless otherwise stated, all figures are for a camera with a fully-charged
Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL12 operated at an ambient temperature of 25°C (77°F).

*1Based on Camera and Imaging Products Association (CIPA) standards for measuring the life of camera batteries.
*2Supplied accessories may differ by country or area.

Nikon COOLPIX P500 Specifications

Swipe horizontally to view full table.

Effective pixels	12.1 million
Image sensor	1/2.3-in. type CMOS; approx. 12.75 million total pixels
Lens	36X optical zoom, NIKKOR lens; 4.0-144mm (angle of view equivalent to that of 22.5-810 mm lens in 35mm [135] format); f/3.4-5.7, Digital zoom: up to 4X (angle of view equivalent to that of approx. 3240 mm lens in 35mm [135] format)
Focus range (from lens)	[W]: Approx. 50 cm to ∞ , [T]: Approx. 2.2m to ∞ , Macro close-up mode: Approx. 10 cm to ∞ (when F lights in green and the zoom indicator is on the wide-angle position of K), and from approx. 1 cm to ∞ (at three increments from the maximum wide-angle position to the telephoto position)
Monitor	7.5 cm (3-in.), approx. 921k-dot, wide viewing angle TFT LCD monitor with anti-reflection coating and 5-level brightness adjustment, tiltable 82° downward, 90° upward
Storage media	Internal memory (approx. 102 MB), SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card
ISO sensitivity	ISO 160, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200 Auto (auto gain from ISO 160 to 800) High ISO sensitivity auto (ISO 160 to 1600) Fixed range auto (ISO 160 to 200, 160 to 400)
Interface	Hi-Speed USB
Power sources	One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL5 (supplied) AC Adapter EH-62A (available separately)
Battery life: (EN-EL5)	Still pictures^*1: Approx. 220 shots Movies: Approx. 1 h 20 min (HD 1080p(1920 X 1080)
Dimensions (WxHxD)	Approx. 115.5 X 83.7 X 102.5 mm (excluding projections)
Weight	Approx. 494 g (including battery and SD memory card)
Supplied accessories ^*2	Camera Strap, Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL5, Charging AC Adapter EH-69P USB Cable UC-E6, Audio Video Cable EG-CP16, Lens cap LC-CP23, ViewNX 2 CD-ROM

Unless otherwise stated, all figures are for a camera with a fully-charged
Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL5 operated at an ambient temperature of 25°C (77°F).

*1Based on Camera and Imaging Products Association (CIPA) standards for measuring the life of camera batteries.
*2Supplied accessories may differ by country or area.

Specifications, design, product name and supplied accessories may differ by country or area. Specifications and equipment are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.