We take a look at the brand new Nikon Coolpix P610, L840, L340, S9900, S7000, AW130, S33 cameras in our detailed hands-on preview...

Along with the new D810a astrophotography DSLR, Nikon recently announced several exciting new Coolpix compacts. The new range includes waterproof cameras, superzooms and bridge models.

There was a lot of interesting items brought up at the recent announcement of Nikon's new Coolpix range. Nikon are extremely pleased with the compact market, which has actually shown growth despite fierce competition from the dastardly smart phone. The key is education on the merits of image quality versus convenience and it would seem that consumers are realising this. Nikon told us that they're number one in Bridge camera sales and while that's true, they actually share the top spot with Canon.

Connectivity has played a large part in the development of the range and Nikon have continued this by adding WiFi and NFC (Near Field Communication), GPS and even a World Map onto some models. NFC is a relatively new technology in cameras that allows users to simply move their device close to other NFC enabled devices and establish radio communication with them. It's a short range system, the same way Bluetooth is, but is a lot more versatile.

Nikon Coolpix P610

At the top of the Nikon Bridge tree sits the Coolpix P610. It's a 60x optical zoom behemoth of a camera with full manual control, pop-up flash, stereo sound, WiFi, NFC, GPS and World Map. Improvements include a faster focusing system which is great for large zoom cameras that can sometimes struggle to get through the whole focus range. In addition to this, they've added a 5-axis VR (Vibration Reduction) system.

Current users of DSLRs looking for a back-up camera with many of the features of a DSLR will also appreciate the electronic viewfinder as it allows them to still hold the camera up to the eye and take a shot. Should you wish to use the screen instead, it's fully articulated for easy viewing at unusual angles.

With availability in black, red and plum, the Nikon Coolpix P610 will have an RRP of around £339.99. Sales are expected to start 19th February, 2015.

Nikon Coolpix L840 and L340

Giving back-up to the P610 are the L840 and L340 large zoom cameras. The L840 has a 38x optical zoom, which is an increase on the 34x optical from the previous model. It features a 16 megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor, while the L340 has a 20 megapixel CCD. Both cameras are designed for the point and shooters out there and are very easy to use. Photography is composed using the screen on the back with no alternative viewfinder.

The L840 has a tilting screen, while the L340 is static. The tilting screen allows better photography from higher or lower angles as the screen is easier to see. Once you've taken your pictures, you can share them via WiFi or NFC on the L840.

The L340 is even simpler to use and will appeal greatly to the happy snapper looking to get pictures of far away subjects, such as boats and wildlife. The latter will also benefit from the Target finding AF system.
The Nikon Coolpix L840 has an RRP of £209.99 and will be available in red, black and plum while the Argos exclusive L340 has no set price and so far looks only available in black. Sales for both are expected to start 26th February, 2015.

Nikon Coolpix S9900

The headline act has to be the lovely S9900. The new model has a cool retro look that will appeal to the vintage loving crowd. It features a blockier approach to the design and a two-tone leatherette grip. Little has changed in terms of features from the S9700 with much of the change being cosmetic. However, superzoom sales make up 21% of all digital compact camera sales, so Nikon are eager to make attractive cameras.

The S9900 continues on the tradition of the flagship S series model being a perfect travel camera. It has many wonderful features to help you on your travels, such as the large 30x optical zoom, connectivity such as WiFi, newly added NFC as well as GPS tracking and a built-in World Map. There's also a super close 1cm macro mode for small, interesting subjects while out and about and a lovely 3in, 921k dot screen to see them on. You also get to benefit from manual controls on the command dial which will allow you to be more in control of your photography.

Retailing at £279.99, the S9900 will be able to buy in black and silver. Sales are expected to start 26th February, 2015.

Nikon Coolpix S7000

The Nikon Coolpix S7000 is part of a two-way attack on the superzoom market. The sleek S7000 is teaming up with the S9900. This camera uses the same 16 megapixel back-illuminated sensor as the S6900, but the zoom has been extended to a 20x optical which is supported by a 4-axis Hybrid VR. It's also extendable to 40x using the Dynamic Fine Zoom feature. However, there are vast differences between the “Ultimate Selfie Camera” S6900 and the S7000, that it may be a new strain, so to compare too many features may be detrimental to what looks like a pretty neat camera.

The S7000 is the slimmest and lightest superzoom and also taps into the ultras connectivity with WiFi and NFC support. However, it doesn't have GPS or World Maps. The video boasts FullHD and you can even make Time-Lapse videos. The S7000 has an RRP of £179.99 and will be available in silver, black, pink and gold. Sales are expected to start 26th February, 2015.

Nikon Coolpix AW130 and S33

Nikon have released two new cameras into the Tough stable, but with radically different perspectives. The AW130 represents what underwater cameras are all about. Improvements have been made to the ruggedness and waterproofing from its predecessor, the AW120.

The AW130 can now be taken down underwater to a maximum depth of 30m, which is the equivalent depth of a PADI Open Water Certification. That means you can go SCUBA diving and not have to worry about the camera leaking through pressure if you go too deep. This is because Nikon understand that the AW series of the Tough cameras appeal more towards the adventurous photographer, which is the main reason for the waterproofing increase of nearly double the AW120. Shock and Cold proofing have remained the same at 2m and -10 Celsius respectively. Connectivity has taken a massive upturn with both WiFi and NFC being added to the already present GPS tracker and in-built World Map. Nikon have also added a vibrant yellow colour to the range.

The Nikon Coolpix AW130 will come in yellow, black, orange, blue and camouflage with an RRP of £279.99. Sales expect to start on 26th February, 2015.

The S33 is the easy to use model and has seen criticism from photographers due to it being an underwater camera, but not being very high specification. However, Nikon are keen to point out that the S33 isn't meant for SCUBA diving. It's an extremely easy to use instrument and is aimed more at families wanting a camera that they can take away and let the children use without worrying about it getting wet in the pool or being dropped. The menu systems have been designed specifically with this in mind, bearing Child and Adult modes (Child mode uses beeps and chirrups when buttons are pressed to entertain children) and the price point means if it does get damaged, it's less painful on your pocket. Nikon saw “unprecedented demand” for the S32, so they want to build on the popularity of this type of camera.

The Nikon Coolpix S33 has an RRP of £89.99, is available in blue, white, pink and yellow. Sales are expected to start on 5th March, 2015.

Your Comments