Press Release, Sept 16th, 2004 - Nikon, the world leader in photography, today announced the new flagship member of the COOLPIX family, the COOPIX 8800. The 8-megapixel COOLPIX 8800 carries a high-powered 10x Zoom-Nikkor ED lens with the Vibration Reduction (VR) System - a first for the COOLPIX line. With such quality and performance, the COOLPIX 8800 plans to lead not only the Nikon COOLPIX line, but the entire consumer digital camera market, as well.

The new Nikon COOLPIX 8800 is designed for serious photographers who aspire to capture the highest quality images. With its 10x zoom, it meets the demands of those who require higher zoom power and those who benefit from its fully loaded yet completely portable design. The extremely versatile Nikon COOLPIX 8800 meets the requirements of those who want state-of-the-art image quality with a greater ease of use. And for those who want to expand their options, the COOLPIX 8800 offers a range of lens converters, Speedlights and other accessories.

The new Nikon COOLPIX 8800 features an impressive 8.0 effective megapixels for ultra high-definition photography. Your image clarity is ensured because of a professional-quality, 10x Zoom-Nikkor ED lens. With its 8.9-89mm focal range (35mm equivalent to 35-350mm), the lens incorporates two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass lens elements to minimize chromatic aberration and produce amazingly sharp and clear images.

The lens of the COOLPIX 8800 incorporates the Vibration Reduction (VR) System - a first for the COOLPIX line. VR automatically detects and compensates for the small camera movements that cause image blur. This offers the user the ability to shoot at shutter speeds up to three stops slower without the risk of camera vibrations blurring your image. Along with Normal Mode, which enables remarkably clear handheld shots, Active Mode helps to ensure a smoother view in shaky conditions, such as shooting from a moving vehicle. Thanks to VR, users can achieve sharp and clear images when shooting in low light or when taking handheld telephoto and macro shots. It even works with the accessory telephoto converter lens at 600mm (35mm equivalent).

The camera offers four exposure modes: Programmed Auto [P], Shutter-Priority Auto [S], Aperture-Priority Auto [A] and Manual [M]. These modes combine to give you the greatest degree of creative control possible. The COOLPIX 8800 also offers [AUTO] mode, in which the camera automatically selects appropriate exposures and shutter speeds, giving users high-quality point-and-shoot capability. And for striking images in practically any situation, the new COOLPIX 8800 features 15 versatile [SCENE] modes. Simply select the mode appropriate to your lighting conditions, and the camera will automatically adjust the aperture, shutter speed, focus, flash, contrast, sensitivity and white balance.

The Nikon COOLPIX 8800 features many advanced digital controls, such as BSS (Best Shot Selector), AE-BSS (Auto Exposure-Best Shot Selector) mode, Noise Reduction mode, Saturation Control and White Balance Bracketing. These features can be crucial to obtaining optimum image quality. And with the 5 shot buffer mode you can more accurately capture those unexpected or fleeting moments. The COOLPIX 8800's versatility is further enhanced with handy, innovative features such as movie capability with audio, and the Time-Lapse Movie Mode. Sepia movie, B/W movie, or Small movie are also available.

A large, Vari-angle LCD monitor lets you shoot from various perspectives, as well as providing optimum visibility - even during bright daylight. The high-resolution EVF (Electronic Viewfinder) offers greater contrast and clearer images. In addition, the COOLPIX 8800's compact, lightweight magnesium (Mg) alloy body has been designed for maximum durability and portability, with a secure, comfortable grip for stability during shooting. It is designed to give photographers a smooth, intuitive handling. The camera's ergonomic design and style come from famed industrial designer Giorgetto GIUGIARO* - exclusively for a new generation of Nikon camera.

The COOLPIX 8800 offers a 1.8-inch-type Vari-angle LCD monitor that provides high visibility and makes shooting from almost any angle a possibility. The Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) provides high resolution for greater contrast and clearer image display.

The new D-Lighting feature in Playback mode compensates for an underexposed area while maintaining the properly exposed area. Another new feature, Advanced Red-Eye Reduction, can automatically correct red-eye inside the camera when using the Red-Eye Reduction mode of the built-in flash. Framing Guides on the LCD monitor offer the best means possible for achieving ideal composition, and the Real-Time Histogram display lets you select ideal exposure values while shooting. For those who desire more creative freedom when editing, the COOLPIX 8800 also offers RAW data image mode. Also available is a newly adopted JPEG EXTRA mode allowing less compression.

The COOLPIX 8800 comes loaded with all the essential accessories, such as battery and charger, A/V cable, USB cable, cordless remote controller and the comprehensive PictureProject software package.

You can also expand the photographic possibilities of your COOLPIX 8800. The camera is compatible with a host of optional accessories, including a wide angle attachment, as well as telephoto and fisheye converters. It is also compatible with a battery pack and lens hood. In addition, the COOLPIX 8800's accessory shoe enables TTL flash operation using the Nikon SB-800 or SB-600.

This incredible array of features and quality accessories helps make the COOLPIX 8800 a truly special achievement in digital photography. And with Nikon Canada's exclusive 2 year warranty for all COOLPIX cameras, consumers will know their investment is protected. Nikon Canada's Two-Year Warranty with in-Canada service is extended to COOLPIX cameras purchased from a Nikon Canada Authorized Dealer