Nikon Coolpix P6000
13.5 MP with 4x Wide Angle Zoom,
Manual Controls and GPS Tagging

Nikon has today introduced their new Coolpix flagship compact camera, the 13.5 MP Nikon Coolpix P6000.

The Nikon Coolpix P6000 features a 4x optical zoom starting at 28mm and includes optical lens shift Vibration Reduction (VR), a 2.7-inch high resolution LCD monitor, four exposure modes (P,S,A,M) and an optical viewfinder.

The Coolpix P6000 also features a number of firsts, including built in support for geo tagging using the cameras incorporated GPS function, and the ability to shoot in "NRW RAW". (Different than Nikon's NEF/RAW file format used in Nikon digital SLR cameras)

Nikon Coolpix P6000 Major Features

New NRW RAW files: Coolpix NRW (RAW) files (Windows only. NRW files can be converted to JPEG files in-camera, without using a computer, with the NRW (RAW) processing function. White balance, Exposure Compensation (+/- 3 EV in 1 stop increments), Coolpix Picture Control, Image quality, and Image size settings can be adjusted or applied in camera, and the edited image saved as a copy (JPEG). NRW files can be browsed, or adjusted using ViewNX (Windows). However, the only settings that can be adjusted with this process are white balance and exposure compensation.

The Coolpix P6000 is an update to the Nikon Coolpix 5100: Nikon P5100 Features: 12.1 Megapixel resolution for prints as large as 20 x 30 inches, 3.5x Optical Zoom-Nikkor Lens provides very good image quality, VR Optical Image Stabilization minimizes the effect of camera shake, 2.5-inch High Resolution LCD and Optical Viewfinder, Program, Aperture, Shutter and Manual Exposure Modes. Available WC-E67 Wide-angle Converter, TC-E3ED Telephoto Converter expand the camera’s capabilities, along with a dedicated Hot Shoe for i-TTL compatible Nikon external Speedlights. See here for more info and to buy the Nikon Coolpix P5100

NRW files can be browsed using ViewNX (Macintosh). They can not be adjusted. NRW files cannot be browsed, or adjusted, using Capture NX or Capture NX 2 (Windows/Macintosh). The version of ViewNX that supports NRW files (Ver. 1.2 and later) can be downloaded from the Nikon website free of charge.

The NRW codec compatible with the Windows Imaging Component (WIC) is also available from the Nikon website. This codec can be used to browse NRW images using third-party, WIC-compatible software applications. For example, the codec allows browsing of NRW files with Microsoft's Windows Photo Gallery and the Windows Live Photo Gallery. Nikon does not offer a codec compatible with the Macintosh OS.

The built-in GPS unit on the Coolpix P6000 supports recording of positioning information with image data (geotagging). Linking to maps (Google Maps) using ViewNX or my Picturetown is also possible.

Nikon Coolpix P6000 Digital Camera Press Release

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Tokyo, August 7th, 2008— Nikon Inc. today introduced its newest flagship COOLPIX compact camera, the COOLPIX P6000. Featuring 13.5 megapixels, a new, built-in global positioning system (GPS) unit, my Picturetown connectivity and the power of Nikon's exclusive EXPEEDTM image processing concept, the P6000 offers the perfect photographic tool for the photo and camera enthusiasts seeking the creative control of a D-SLR in the compact body of a COOLPIX camera.

"We are eager to see the response to the integration of the new capabilities for COOLPIX cameras, as the demands of our consumers are always a priority in product design," said Bill Giordano, general manager marketing, COOLPIX for Nikon Inc. "The P6000 is an exciting product offering for Nikon's COOLPIX line, as it not only provides an expanded creative control for photo enthusiasts, but also empowers them with GPS functionality and my Picturetown connectivity."

The P6000 knows where the "best shots" are taken, thanks to the integration of the new GPS unit. With the added GPS function, P6000 users will be able to record "geotags" of the location where their images are captured based on latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates. This further heightens the photographic experience, allowing users to pinpoint the location via maps available in Nikon ViewNX Software, my Picturetown, Nikon's photo sharing and storage website, or any other software or website that recognizes GPS data.

Additionally, the P6000 makes my Picturetown connectivity for uploading and sharing photos simple and easy, thanks to added wired LAN support via a dedicated Ethernet port built-into the camera. Users can upload their images and data directly from the P6000 with an Ethernet cable to the secure Picture Bank service on my Picturetown.

In line with other COOLPIX P-Series cameras, the P6000 includes intuitive controls via dedicated command and mode dials, providing easy access to shooting controls and exposure mode settings. The P6000 offers Programmed Auto [P], Shutter-priority Auto [S], Aperture-priority Auto [A] and Manual [M] modes granting users the ability to tap into the creativity of D-SLR functions while maintaining the simplicity of COOLPIX functionality. Owners can utilize two user-defined settings, a shooting menu, an efficient, tabbed menu interface, as well as customizable Function buttons to quickly switch between camera settings.

Additional shooting innovations engineered to maximize image quality and offer greater control over the final results include Nikon's original COOLPIX Picture Control System and a new NRW*(RAW) support. The COOLPIX Picture Control System features intuitive controls that enable users to adjust their images to pre-set parameters such as Standard, Neutral, Vivid and Monochrome and apply tweaks to image sharpening, tone compensation, brightness, overall tone and saturation. Furthermore, images shot in the all-new NRW* (RAW) format can be opened and viewed in Nikon ViewNX Software (available early October 2008) for increased editing abilities.

Adding even more synergy between D-SLR cameras and compact COOLPIX cameras, the P6000 incorporates a pop-up flash, optical viewfinder for easy composition and the added bonus of system expansion with an optional convertor, Speedlights, and wireless remote control. Nikon's new 0.76x Wide-angle Convertor WC-E76 offers users the option to utilize focal lengths as wide as 21mm (35mm format equivalent).

Coolpix P6000 users can also take full advantage of Nikon's Creative Lighting System with the built-in accessory shoe that supports Nikon's i-TTL flash control, which enables wireless control over one group of remote Speedlights including the newly announced SB-900 Speedlight.

The P6000 features a quality finish and a front panel constructed of solid Magnesium alloy, as well as a comfortable grip and well-placed controls for streamlined performance. The new P6000 camera is compatible with new high-capacity SDHC cards, and utilizes a Nikon EN-EL5 rechargeable Li-ion battery. The P6000 also comes bundled with the COOLPIX Software Suite for editing, organizing and sharing images.

The Nikon COOLPIX P6000 will be available nationwide beginning September 2008.

Nikon Coolpix P6000 Specifications