Press Release, Sept 1st, 2005 - Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of the Coolpix S3, one of the new “S series” of highly portable Coolpix cameras. Hot on the heels of the exceptionally popular Coolpix S1 and Coolpix S2, the Coolpix S3 has a slim, elegant ultra-portable design made possible by Nikon superior engineering. Furthermore, it offers the higher shooting performance of 6.0 effective megapixels and features innovative Nikon functions that enable the user to improve images in-camera.

The aluminum exterior makes the Coolpix S3 every bit as comfortable in the hand as it is attractive to the eye, and despite packing a powerful 35-105mm 3x Zoom-Nikkor ED lens (35mm equivalent), the Coolpix S3 retains a surprisingly slim depth of just 19.7mm. The lens also makes use of Nikon’s “right-angled” optics system, which enables the lens to function throughout its focal range without ever protruding from the camera body. A large, bright 2.5-inch LCD monitor does away with the need for a viewfinder, while making it easy to playback shots on the spot. And the Coolpix S3 also offers extremely easy operation, with a choice of Graphic User Interface (GUI) that gives the user the ability to select functions by either name or icon, and a handy HELP button that displays easy-to-understand explanations for functions on the main menu. Furthermore, all information can be displayed in the user’s choice of 12 different languages.

Designed to deliver swift and efficient performance, the Coolpix S3 lets the user take up to 190 shots (approx.) with a single Rechargeable Battery EN-EL8 (based on CIPA standard‡), while delivering a speedy start-up time of just 1 second (approx.) and continuous shooting at up to 1.6fps (approx.). Together these factors mean the user is ready to shoot more of the time to capture unexpected moments.

A range of exciting Nikon features makes it possible to improve recorded images in-camera, producing pleasing shots even in challenging conditions. The D-Lighting function, for example, can be easily selected in Playback Mode to rescue shots with insufficient exposure. Allowing the user to select shots taken with insufficient flash or excessive backlighting, this function automatically creates a copy of the shot with added detail and light wherever necessary. Nikon’s clever Face-priority AF function is available in Portrait Mode. Automatically detecting the presence of a human face in the frame, this function then achieves sharp focus accordingly to produce pleasing portraits, regardless of where the subject is located in the shot. The Coolpix S3 also features the In-Camera Red-Eye Fix function, which has the ability to detect the red-eye effect that can sometimes be caused by flash, then automatically corrects for it in-camera. The Coolpix S3 is additionally equipped with the convenient Blur Warning function. Assisting the achievement of the best possible results, it alerts users whenever an image has been affected by camera shake, giving them the chance to recompose and shoot again before leaving the scene.

The Coolpix S3 also comes complete with the COOL-STATION MV-11/MV-11B. More than a mere charging cradle, the COOL-STATION allows batteries to be charged while they are still in the camera and provides a direct USB connection to a computer. What’s more, it can also be connected to a TV or straight to a compatible printer for PictBridge-enabled printing that does away with the need to use a computer.

Making operation even easier still, the Coolpix S3 offers a range of Scene Modes that make it simple to achieve pleasing results in a wide range of common shooting situations. There are an impressive 17 different Scene Modes to choose from in all. Four of them feature Scene Assist, which makes composition a cinch and one of the Scene Modes is the Underwater Scene Mode, which achieves true-to-life colors when used in combination with the optional Waterproof Case WP-CP5§. Operation of all of these Scene Modes is as simple as ever — just select the mode most appropriate for the shot you want to take and let the Coolpix S3 automatically select all the optimal settings.
Featuring 12MB of internal memory, the Coolpix S3 lets users go on shooting even if they are not carrying any memory media. Such internal memory also makes it possible for users to transfer images between SD memory cards. The Coolpix S3 has the ability to shoot high-quality movies too, offering four different movie modes with 15fps performance — three with sound, plus a Time-lapse mode that allows you to capture action taking place over longer durations.

Taking the fun and versatility even further still, the Coolpix S3 also comes complete with Nikon’s proprietary PictureProject software — making it easy to edit, organize and share images with a wide range of user-friendly functions.

Exclusive Canadian Warranty
Nikon Canada offers an exclusive 2-year warranty for all Coolpix cameras and the D70 Digital SLR camera purchased from a Nikon Canada Authorized Dealer. Consumers can feel comfort knowing their investment in protected by Nikon Canada's 2-Year Warranty with in-Canada service.