Nikon announced the COOLPIX P500 with a 36x zoom, the longest zoom ever integrated into a COOLPIX camera.
Whether capturing photos or HD video up close or from afar, Nikon's new super-zoom COOLPIX cameras are ideal for cramped quarters or the great outdoors. The new COOLPIX P500 is a full-featured compact camera complete with an expansive 36x zoom for photo enthusiasts looking for their next big adventure.
The COOLPIX P500 features a 36x wide-angle optical Zoom-NIKKOR ED glass lens, shattering the conventional zoom barrier to create the “ultra-telephoto” premium compact. From shooting super wide-angle 22.5mm to a staggering 810mm (35mm equivalent), the COOLPIX P500 is the best bet to capture the user's intent with exceptional image quality, even in challenging low-light conditions thanks to the 12.1-megapixel backside illumination CMOS sensor.
A first for the COOLPIX line of digital cameras, the P500 features the EXPEED C2 dual image processor that greatly enhances performance, reduces noise and corrects distortion in both movies and still images. With a 36x zoom, the need for an exceptional image stabilization system is essential for capturing steady subjects at such long focal lengths. For sharp photos and video, the COOLPIX P500 meets that need with its hybrid vibration reduction (VR) stabilization system comprised of both image-sensor shift VR and electronic VR. To further combat the effects of camera shake, an additional zoom control has been added to the side of the lens barrel to increase stability while shooting photos and video while handheld.
Utilizing the high-speed continuous shooting performance (capture five images at full resolution in approximately one second) of the CMOS sensor, the COOLPIX P500 includes Backlighting scene mode with an in-camera high dynamic range (HDR) function, which merges images of the same scene at different exposures to achieve a single image with a broad range of tonal detail. For additional low-light performance, the Night Landscape mode combines a series of consecutive shots taken at a fast shutter speed into a single image with reduced noise when taking handheld shots in night scenes. Additionally, the advanced Night Portrait mode combines consecutive images of the background while the subject is captured using the flash to deliver beautiful night and indoor scenes.
To help users stay one step ahead of the action, a new shooting mode button facilitates quick setting of continuous frame shooting, in addition to the pre-shooting cache that starts to snap photos before the button is fully depressed. Additionally, The COOLPIX P500 features a variety of advanced functions for the sophisticated user seeking smooth control with intuitively placed controls such as a new mode dial that enables easy setting of frequently used functions on the fly.
Other notable functions include full HD (1080p) movie recording with stereo sound and the ability to capture still images during recording, as well as the ability to utilize the expansive zoom range while recording with autofocus. The camera can also adjust recording speed to create slow motion or high-speed special effects. The P500 also features a new Easy Panorama mode that creates dynamic panorama photos with a choice of directions and angles, automatically. To facilitate easy composing, viewing and playback of images and HD movies, the COOLPIX P500 also features a 3-inch high resolution (921,000-dot) vari-angle monitor.
Pricing and Availability
The Nikon COOLPIX P500 will be available in March 2011 for $399.95 in black and red.
Nikon COOLPIX P500 Specifications
| Effective pixels | 12.1 million |
| Image sensor | 1/2.3-in. type CMOS; approx. 12.75 million total pixels |
| Lens | 36x optical zoom, NIKKOR lens; 4.0-144mm (angle of view equivalent to that of 22.5-810 mm lens in 35mm format); f/3.4-5.7, Digital zoom: up to 4x (angle of view equivalent to that of approx. 3240 mm lens in 35mm format) |
| Focus range(from lens) | [W]: Approx. 1 ft 8 in. (50 cm) to infinity, [T]: Approx. 7 ft 3 in (2.2m) to infinity, Macro close-up mode: Approx. 4 in. (10 cm) to infinity (when Flower symbol lights in green and the zoom indicator is on the wide-angle position (triangle symbol), and from approx. 0.4 in. 1 cm to infinity (at three increments from the wide-angle position to the telephoto position) |
| Monitor | 3-in., approx. 921,000-dot, wide viewing angle TFT LCD monitor with anti-reflection coating and 5-level brightness adjustment, tiltable 82° downward, 90° upward |
| Storage media | Internal memory (approx. 102 MB), SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card |
| ISO sensitivity | ISO 160, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200 Auto (auto gain from ISO 160 to 800) High ISO sensitivity auto (ISO 160 to 1600) Fixed range auto (ISO 160 to 200, 160 to 400) |
| Interface | Hi-Speed USB |
| Power sources | One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL5 (supplied) AC Adapter EH-62A (available separately) |
| Battery life (EN-EL5) | Still pictures: Approx. 220 shots Movies: Approx. 1 h 20 min (HD 1080p (1920×1080) |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | Approx. 4.6 x 3.3 x 4.1 in. ( 115.5 x 83.7 x 102.5 mm) (excluding projections) |
| Weight | Approx. 1 lb 1.5 oz. (494 g) (including battery and SD memory card) |
| Supplied accessories | Camera Strap, Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL5, Charging AC Adapter EH-69P, USB Cable UC-E6, Audio Video Cable EG-CP16, Lens cap LC-CP23, ViewNX 2 CD-ROM |
