Nikon Coolpix P1 and Coolpix P2 Digital Cameras

Nikon Introduces
Coolpix P1 and Coolpix P2

Two new digital compact cameras combining higher image quality and closer control with revolutionary Wi-Fi capability

Nikon Coolpix P1

Nikon Coolpix P2

Sept 1st, 2005.

Nikon has today introduced the Nikon Coolpix P1 and Coolpix P2 compact digital cameras, offering 8.0 and 5.1 megapixel resolution respectively. The Nikon Coolpix P1 and Coolpix P2 are two of the first consumer digital cameras on the market to provide the advantage of built-in Wi-Fi LAN support (IEEE802.11b/g), offering new picture-taking potential and image transfer convenience.

Wireless transfer on the Nikon Coolpix P1 and P2 allows the photographer to send pictures from the memory card or the camera’s internal memory direct to a selected computer on command. Another option on the Nikon Coolpix P1 and P2 allows for the automatic transfer of each picture to a selected computer by Wi-Fi as soon as it is shot. Images can be viewed in a full screen slideshow with Nikon’s included easy-to-use PictureProject software as they are being captured.

Nikon PD-10 Wireless Print Adapter

The Nikon Coolpix P1 and P2 also deliver the convenience of cable-free direct printing to PictBridge-compatible printers with the optional Nikon PD-10 wireless print adapter, eliminating the need for having the printer connected to a computer.

The Coolpix P1 and Coolpix P2 offer a selection of new Advanced Scene shooting modes which cover the most common picture taking situations. Comprising three different effects (Normal, Effect 1, Effect 2), these Advanced Scene Modes enable users to produce pictures better suited to their personal tastes.

The Nikon Coolpix P1 and Coolpix P2 also provide an Aperture-priority Auto Mode that offers 10-step manual control over aperture settings in 1/3EV increments.

Major Features
Specifications
Press Release
New Coolpix P2 Sample Images

Update Nov 11th, 2005

Our good friend Dennis Hissink from the Dutch website Letsgodigital.org has just posted a ten page preview of the 8MP Nikon Coolpix P1.

According to Dennis "The Nikon Coolpix P1 is an easy to handle digital camera with a high resolution CCD on board. Equipped with a standard optical zoom lens providing an optical range of 36-126mm (equivalent to 35mm format) and the automatic pre-programmed scenes, you could say it is just one of those digital cameras out there waiting to get used for easy shooting." Check out the detailed Letsgodigital.org Nikon Coolpix P1 preview.

Nikon Coolpix P1 back

Nikon Coolpix P1 and P2
Major Features

Wireless LAN support (IEEE802.11b/g)
Offering built-in Wireless LAN support (IEEE802.11b/g), the Coolpix P1 and Coolpix P2 present new potential in the field of compact digital photography and offer unprecedented photographic freedom. Supporting wireless transfer, the Nikon Coolpix P1 and Coolpix P2 are able to transfer pictures from the memory card to a computer at the user’s command. Enabling wireless shooting, both cameras can transfer each individual picture to a computer literally as soon as it is shot. The Nikon Coolpix P1 and Coolpix P2 also offer wireless printing, (requires optional Wireless Printer Adapter PD-10), which combines the advantages of wireless transfer and PictBridge direct-printing technology to achieve simple printing of pictures without the inconvenience of being attached to a computer.

The Wi-Fi transfer options on the Nikon Coolpix P1 and P2 include:

Easy Transfer: Transfer all images from memory (internal or SD card)

Advanced Scene Modes
Providing users with much closer control over the appearance of the final image, the Nikon Coolpix P1 and Coolpix P2 offer a selection of Advanced Scene Modes in addition to their ample range of conventional Scene Modes. Giving a choice of three different effects (Normal, Effect 1, Effect 2), these Advanced Scene Modes can produce results that match personal preferences more closely.

Aperture-priority Auto Mode
The Nikon Coolpix P1 and Coolpix P2 also come with the advantage of Aperture-priority Auto Mode. Offering 10-step manual control in 1/3EV increments, it lets the user decide depth of field while the camera automatically ensures optimal exposure.

Features for in-camera improvement
The Nikon Coolpix P1 and Coolpix P2 even feature a range of functions that give users the ability to refine images in-camera. Nikon’s unique D-Lighting Function is available in Playback Mode for the correction of images with insufficient flash or excessive backlight. Just select the image you want to improve and D-Lighting creates a copy with automatically added detail and light wherever necessary.


Image Taken in Back Light Situation		Image After D-Lighting Fix In Camera

Portrait (Face AF) has the unique ability to detect human faces in the shot, providing sharp, appropriate focus, when the subject is facing the camera from a typical portrait distance. There’s also In-Camera Red-Eye Fix, which corrects for the unfortunate red-eye effect that can be caused by flash to make for more pleasing portraits in low light.

High image quality
In addition to offering such an impressive array of capabilities that go beyond the norm, the Nikon Coolpix P1 and Coolpix P2 deliver excellent imaging quality. Equipped with a 1/1.8-inch CCD featuring 8.0 and 5.1 effective megapixels respectively, they offer outstanding resolution that can stand up to significant enlargement. What’s more they are also both equipped with a powerful, high-quality 3.5x Zoom-Nikkor lens, which delivers 36-126mm (35mm equivalent) performance for broad compositional freedom.

PictureProject Software
The Nikon Coolpix P1 and Coolpix P2 both come bundled with a complimentary copy of Nikon’s PictureProject software. As well as offering accelerated speed, this latest version of PictureProject also offers support for the Wi-Fi functions of both cameras and includes a handy setup utility as well as intuitive controls. It also offers intuitive controls over the various wireless image transfer options and features improved speed and an enhanced set of functions. Whether you are new to digital photography or a seasoned user, PictureProject fulfills your desire by complementing your picture-taking experience with in-computer activities that are fun, easy, and productive. PictureProject software is a convenient tool to help you Transfer, Organize, Edit, Design and Share your images.

Nikon Coolpix P2 Top

Nikon Coolpix P1 / P2 Other Features

In addition to a selection of 16 Scene Modes, the Nikon Coolpix P1 and P2 feature a new level of fine control by providing Advanced Scene Modes for 11 of the Scene Modes.

Supplied rechargeable EN-EL8 lithium-ion battery is capable of shooting approximately 180 shots on a single charge

Macro mode lets the user compose as close as 4cm from the subject

e-VR (Electronic Vibration Reduction) automatically compensates for camera shake during movie shooting

Noise Reduction produces clearer images at shutter speeds slower than 1/4 second (in Programmed
Auto Mode or Aperture-priority Auto Mode)

Time zone function lets users set the camera clock to local time, anywhere in the world

All buttons are positioned on the camera back for easy, intuitive access

BSS (Best Shot Selector) identifies and saves the best exposure automatically from ten sequential shots

Handy HELP button displays easy-to-understand explanations for functions on the main menu

Menu available in a choice of 12 languages

Availability and Warranty
The Nikon Coolpix P1 and P2 are scheduled to be launched by the end of September, 2005. The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the Coolpix P1 will be $649 CAN, and for the Coolpix P2 $529 CAN.

Both cameras include Nikon Canada's Two-Year Warranty with in-Canada service when purchased from a Nikon Canada Authorized Dealer.

Specifications	Nikon Coolpix P1	Nikon Coolpix P2
Effective pixels	8.04 mega pixels	5.0 megapixels
Total Pixels	Approx. 8.31 million	Approx. 5.26 million
Type of device	1/1.8 inch-type Interline CCD	1/1.8 inch-type Interline CCD
Sensitivity	ISO equiv. 50 - 200	ISO equiv. 64 - 200
Manual sensitivity settings	Yes (ISO 50, 100, 200, 400)	Yes (ISO 64, 100, 200, 400)
Lens zoom magnifying power	3.5x	3.5x
Focal length	F=7.5-26.3mm	F=7.5-26.3mm
35mm[135] camera-format equivalent	36-126mm	36-126mm
F number	f/2.7-f/5.2	f/2.7-f/5.2
Lens construction	7 elements in 6 groups	7 elements in 6 groups
Focus range	50cm (19.7") to infinity	50cm (19.7") to infinity
Focus range in Macro Mode	4cm (1.6") to infinity in Macro mode	4cm (1.6") to infinity in Macro mode
Digital zoom	MAX.4x (0.2xstep)	MAX.4x (0.2xstep)
LCD monitor	2.5-inch type Amorphous silicon TFT-LCD 110,000 pixels	2.5-inch type Amorphous silicon TFT-LCD 110,000 pixels
LCD Brightness adjustment	5 steps	5 steps
Shutter speed	8-1/2000s	8-1/2000s
Aperture Range	Ten settings in steps of 1/3EV	Ten settings in steps of 1/3EV
Exposure Metering	256-segment matrix metering / Center-weight / Spot / AF-Spot	256-segment matrix metering / Center-weight / Spot / AF-Spot
Exposure range	EV -1.0 to +19.0	EV -1.0 to +19.0
Exposure Control Modes	Programmed auto exposure, Scene Modes, Aperture Priority	Programmed auto exposure, Scene Modes, Aperture Priority
Exposure Compensation	-2～+2EV in 1/3EV steps	-2～+2EV in 1/3EV steps
Built-in speedlight	0.5-2.6m / 2'-10'2"	0.5-2.6m / 2'-10'2"
Flash Modes	Auto, Red-eye reduction, Anytime flash, Flash cancel, Slow sync., (Auto gain-up)	Auto, Red-eye reduction, Anytime flash, Flash cancel, Slow sync., (Auto gain-up)
Red-eye reduction	In-Camera Auto Red eye reduction	In-Camera Auto Red eye reduction
White balance Control	Auto with TTL control 5-mode manual (Fine,Incandescent,Fluorescent (FL1,FL2), Cloudy, Shade, Speedlight) Auto, White bal. preset, White bal. bracketing	Auto with TTL control 5-mode manual (Fine,Incandescent,Fluorescent (FL1,FL2), Cloudy, Shade, Speedlight) Auto, White bal. preset, White bal. bracketing
Autofocus	Contrast-detect TTL AF (with AF-assist illuminator)	Contrast-detect TTL AF(with AF-assist illuminator)
AF area	Auto (nine-area automatic selection, Manual (99-area manual selection), Off(center focus area selection)	Auto (nine-area automatic selection, Manual (99-area manual selection), Off(center focus area selection)
AF modes	Single AF, Continuous AF(Macro mode)	Single AF, Continuous AF(Macro mode)
AF assist illuminator	LED	LED
Shooting modes	Single, Continuous (approx.2.0fps, Normal:more than 19 frames), Continuous H(approx.2.3fps, up to 5 frames）, Continuous UH(approx.30fps, VGA, max.100), Interval Shooting, 5 shot buffer(approx.1.7fps), Multi-shot 16(approx.3.0fps)	Single, Continuous (approx.2.5fps, up to 11 frames）, Continuous UH(approx.30fps, VGA,max.100), Interval Shooting, 5 shot buffer, Multi-shot 16(approx.3.0fps)
Scene Modes	16 Modes: Face Priority Portrait, Portrait, Party, Night Portrait, Beach/Snow, Landscape, Sunset, Night Landscape, Museum, Fireworks Show, Close Up, Copy, Back Light, Panorama Assist, Sports, Twilight	16 Modes: Face Priority Portrait, Portrait, Party, Night Portrait, Beach/Snow, Landscape, Sunset, Night Landscape, Museum, Fireworks Show, Close Up, Copy, Back Light, Panorama Assist, Sports, Twilight
	10s, 3s	10s, 3s
Movie modes	Movie with sound (640,320,160) Streaming (recording time depends on size of card)	Movie with sound (640,320,160) Streaming (recording time depends on size of card)
Other Features	Best Shot Selector (BSS)	Best Shot Selector (BSS)
Image Sharpening	Auto, High, Normal, Low, Off	Auto, High, Normal, Low, Off
Saturation Control	Yes	Yes
In-Camera Red-eye reduction	Yes	Yes
D-Lighting	Yes	Yes
Image size	8M (3264 x 2448) 5M (2592 x 1944) 3M (2048 x 1536) 2M (1600 x 1200) 1M (1280 x 960) PC (1024 x 768) TV (640 x 480) 3:2 (3264 x 2176)	8M (3264 x 2448) 5M (2592 x 1944) 3M (2048 x 1536) 2M (1600 x 1200) 1M (1280 x 960) PC (1024 x 768) TV (640 x 480) 3:2 (3264 x 2176)
Quality	Fine:1/4 Normal:1/8 Basic:1/16	Fine:1/4 Normal:1/8 Basic:1/16
Movie image size/speed	TV movie 640 (640X480 / 15fps or / 30fps) Small size 320 (320X240 / 30fps) Smaller size 160 (160X120 / 30fps) Sepia movie 320 (320X240 / 15fps) Black and White movie 320 (320X240 / 15fps)	TV movie 640 (640X480 / 15fps or / 30fps) Small size 320 (320X240 / 30fps) Smaller size 160 (160X120 / 30fps) Sepia movie 320 (320X240 / 15fps) Black and White movie 320 (320X240 / 15fps)
Memory Storage	Built-in memory, SD memory card	Built-in memory, SD memory card
Recording	Recording time 20s (Appended to picture)	Recording time 20s (Appended to picture)
	Fine:60, Normal:120, Basic 240	Fine:95, Normal:190, Basic 375
Mode dial	Auto, Scene, Setup, Movie, P, A, WB, ISO, Quality, Wi-Fi	Auto, Scene, Setup, Movie, P, A, WB, ISO, Quality, Wi-Fi
Playback Menu function	Frame, Thumbnail (4,9,16 segments), Slide Show, choose date, histogram, image copy	Frame, Thumbnail (4,9,16 segments), Slide Show, Histogram, image copy
Enlarged Playback	up to 10x, 0.2x steps	up to 10x, 0.2x steps
Picture enhance menu	Small picture(re-size), Photo trim, Voice Memo(WAV)	Small picture(re-size), Photo trim, Voice Memo(WAV)
Language of menu	12 languages Jp, En, De, Fr, Es, It, Nl, Se, Ck, Ch, Kr, Ru	12 languages Jp, En, De, Fr, Es, It, Nl, Se, Ck, Ch, Kr, Ru
Interface	USB 2.0 interface Wi-Fi IEEE802. 11b/g	USB 2.0 interface Wi-Fi IEEE802. 11b/g
Battery Power	Rechargeable lithium-ion battery EN-EL8 x1 (Approx. 180 shots)	Rechargeable lithium-ion battery EN-EL8 x1 (Approx. 200 shots)
Copy Function	Image copy between internal memory and SD card	Image copy between internal memory and SD card
Blur Warning	Yes	Yes
Electronic VR movie mode	Yes	Yes
Help Menu	Yes	Yes
In The Box	EN-EL8 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery Battery Charger MH-62 USB cableAudio and Video cable Hand-strap Picture Project Version 1.6 CD-ROM	EN-EL8 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery Battery Charger MH-62 USB cableAudio and Video cable Hand-strap Picture Project Version 1.6 CD-ROM
Optional Accessories	AC adapter EH-62C	AC adapter EH-62C
Dimensions (W x H x D)	Approximately 91 x 60 x 39mm	Approximately 91 x 60 x 39mm
Weight (Approx.)	Approximately 170g (without battery and memory card)	Approximately 170g (without battery and memory card)

Check out the latest deals on the Nikon Coolpix P1 or Coolpix P2 at Amazon !

Nikon Coolpix P1 and Coolpix P2
Press Release

Press Release, September 1st, 2005 - Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of the Coolpix P1 and the Coolpix P2. Two truly revolutionary compact digital cameras, they redefine the compact digital shooting experience with versatile Wi-Fi capability, excellent imaging performance and an array of advanced features that can even improve images in-camera.

Providing versatility beyond any previous compact camera, the Coolpix P1 and Coolpix P2 add the advantage of built-in Wi-Fi LAN support (IEEE802.11b/g) to realize new picture-taking potential that does away with the need for inconvenient wires and cables. In addition to USB connectivity that makes it easy to hook them up to a computer or other peripherals, wireless transfer allows the photographer to send pictures from the memory card or the camera’s internal memory (32MB for the Coolpix P1; 16MB for the Coolpix P2) direct to a selected computer on command. Wireless shooting automatically transfers each picture to a selected computer as soon as it is shot and can be viewed with Nikon’s powerful, yet fun-to-use and easy PictureProject software. And wireless printing delivers the convenience of cable-free direct printing to PictBridge-compatible printers. All of the aforementioned functions are easy to implement, too. Just set them up with the Wizard utility to enjoy easy wireless capabilities that add outstanding flexibility to the digital photography experience.

The Coolpix P1 and Coolpix P2 also excel in terms of sheer image quality. Featuring the imaging performance of 8.0 and 5.1 effective megapixels respectively, they offer ample resolution for beautiful enlargements as well as offering plenty of leeway for creative cropping. The Coolpix P1 and Coolpix P2 feature the further compositional freedom of 3.5x zoom capability too, with both models incorporating a powerful 36-126mm Zoom-Nikkor lens (35mm equivalent) that enables users to zoom in for tight compositions or zoom out to capture impressive landscapes, for example.

A selection of 16 handy Scene Modes make it easy to take pleasing pictures in a wide range of common situations. All the user has to do is select the one best suited to the scene and the camera automatically selects the optimal settings for great-looking results. The Coolpix P1 and Coolpix P2 offer a selection of new Advanced Scene Modes for 11 of the Scene Modes. Comprising three different effects (Normal, Effect 1, Effect 2), these Advanced Scene Modes enable users to produce pictures better suited to their personal tastes. What’s more, the Coolpix P1 and Coolpix P2 offer even closer control still with an Aperture-priority Auto Mode that offers 10-step manual control over aperture settings in 1/3EV increments.

With the Coolpix P1 and Coolpix P2, images can also be corrected in-camera, thanks to the incorporation of three unique Nikon features. Available in Playback mode, the D-Lighting function has the power to improve images taken with excessive back light or insufficient flash— automatically
creating a copy of the selected shot, but with enhanced detail and light applied exactly where necessary. The Portrait (Face AF) Mode has the ability to detect a human face in the frame achieving sharp focus for it when the subject is facing the camera from a typical portrait distance.

The Coolpix P1 and Coolpix P2 feature the handy In-Camera Red-Eye Fix function too, which corrects for the unfortunate red-eye effect that can sometimes be caused by flash to produce more attractive portraits at night. In addition to these functions, the Coolpix P1 and Coolpix P2 also feature a useful Blur Warning function that alerts users when a shot may have been compromised by camera shake, thereby allowing them to recompose and shoot again before leaving the location.

Taking photographic enjoyment beyond still shooting, the Coolpix P1 and Coolpix P2 can also record high-quality movies at a smooth rate of up to 30fps. There are a total of seven movie modes to choose from, comprising six with the capability to record sound as well as a Time-lapse mode that enables the user to capture events occurring over an extended period of time.

As for design, the Coolpix P1 and Coolpix P2 instantly impart a sense of high quality. Both cameras are compact (with a depth of approx. 39mm, 1.5 inches) and lightweight (approx. 170g, 6 oz.), making them comfortable to shoot with and easy to carry virtually anywhere. They also feature a newly designed grip for more confident shooting and the advantage of a large, bright and easy-to-view 2.5-inch LCD that makes camera operation easier, enables simple composition and makes it a cinch to play back and share images right after shooting.

The Coolpix P1 and Coolpix P2 are also highly responsive, offering swift start-up and continuous shooting at up to 2.3 and 2.5 frames per second respectively. What’s more, the Coolpix P1 and Coolpix P2 even speed the search for recorded images with a new Date Search function that allows users to confirm images shot on specific days, make individual images for available for wireless transfer and even allocate print settings.

Rounding out the exciting new performance for these models is the complimentary PictureProject software provided. With the newly updated version, customers can import images via cable connection or wirelessly as they please. PictureProject also makes it easy to organize and edit images, create slide shows, make muvee presentations with music and special effects, share images and do much more – putting additional performance at the customers’ fingertips and adding fun to their photography.

Nikon Coolpix P2
Image Samples

Oct 3rd, 2005
We now have a production Nikon Coolpix P2 digital camera for review and have posted a few sample images below. So far the results look pretty good. The out of camera pictures are nicely saturated and look sharp when printed directly without the need of necessarily using a computer. You can use: Pictbridge compatible printer, Nikon PD-10 Wireless print adapter or through SD card reader slot available on some printer models.

Chromatic abberation (purple fringing in highlight areas) does not seem to be an issue, the camera's auto white balance does a good job and the lens delivers sharp results.

We have started working on a full review of the Nikon Coolpix P2 and hope to have it completed soon. We will add some additional image samples at that time.

Nikon Coolpix P2 Sample Image #1
Aperture Priority Mode
Exposure at 1/122 sec f/7.6
ISO Auto
See full size image

Nikon Coolpix P2 Sample Image #2
Aperture Priority Mode
Exposure at 1/240 sec f/7.6
ISO 64
See full size image

Nikon Coolpix P2 Sample Image #3
Aperture Priority Mode
Exposure at 1/32 sec f/7.6
ISO Auto
See full size image

Nikon Coolpix P2 Sample Image #4
Close Up Scene Mode
Exposure at 1/92 sec f/7
ISO Auto
See full size image

Nikon Coolpix P2 Sample Image #5
Program Auto Mode
Exposure at 1/241 sec f/6
ISO Auto
See full size image

Support this site by buying the Nikon Coolpix P1 or P2 from one of our affilate retailers. The Coolpix P1 and Coolpix P2 are now available at:

B&H Photo, Amazon and RitzCamera.

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