With New Exclusive Features and Smile Mode, This Camera is Primed for Portrait Photography
Nikon is pleased to introduce the COOLPIX S550, a stylish new camera that elegantly packs high performance and advanced functions into an ultra-compact body. The S550 boasts 10 effective megapixels of sharp resolution, a 5x Zoom-NIKKOR lens, Electronic Vibration Reduction (VR) Image Stabilization and two new modes that enhance portrait photography: Smile Mode and Blink Warning. The COOLPIX S550 will be available in an array of new colors – plum, cool blue and graphite black – allowing consumers to not only express themselves with their photos, but with their cameras as well. 
“We are excited to enhance the consumers’ photography experience by incorporating Smile Mode and Blink Warning into the new COOLPIX S550,” says Bill Giordano, General Manager, Marketing, COOLPIX for Nikon Inc. “With these two features, it will be easier than ever to take perfect portraits of friends and family.”
Built on a custom application of Nikon’s innovative EXPEEDTM image processing system for enhanced noise reduction and improved the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio and incorporating the precision optics of a NIKKOR lens, the COOLPIX S550 brings new ease and fun to capturing smiling faces and special moments. 
A first for the COOLPIX camera line, the S550 will feature Smile mode, which automatically fires the shutter when the subject smiles as well as a Blink Warning, which displays a warning message when the subject has blinked. In addition to the aforementioned features, the COOLPIX S550 incorporates Electronic VR Image Stabilization technology, which is designed to help produce sharper and clearer images, especially in lower lighting conditions or when capturing moving subjects. It also offers high ISO capabilities (up to 2000), ideal for capturing images in low-light situations. For consumers that might be unsure about the correct ISO settings for their photos, the S550 is equipped with Automatic Sensitivity Control and High-Sensitivity Mode, which selects the optimal ISO setting for the environment and automatically adjusts to reduce blur. 
For sharing and composing, the S550 has a bright 2.5-inch LCD monitor, with an anti-reflective coating and protective acrylic panel, easing the composition of photos and preventing scratches and scuffs. Ideal for sharing photos in a group setting, the COOLPIX S550’s LCD monitor features a 170-degree horizontal and vertical viewing angle.
The S550 continues Nikon’s tradition of including its unique image innovations in its COOLPIX cameras. The S550 features enhanced Face-priority AF*, which can now detect and focus on up to 12 faces in a single shot; In-Camera Red-Eye Fix, which can automatically detect and correct red eye in a photo; and D-Lighting, which compensates for excessive backlight or insufficient flash in images.
The COOLPIX S550 is compatible with SDHC cards and utilizes the ultra-compact EN-EL10 rechargeable Li-ion battery. The camera comes bundled with the new COOLPIX Software Suite for editing, organizing and sharing images. 
The COOLPIX S550 will be available at photo-specialty stores nationwide beginning February 2008 at an MSRP of $229.95**. For more information about these and other COOLPIX cameras, please visit www.nikonusa.com.
*Face-recognition capability may be limited in some shooting conditions.
** Estimated selling price listed is only an estimate. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.
About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the Image™. Nikon Inc. is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and system accessories; Nikon COOLPIX compact digital cameras; COOLSCAN digital film scanners; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics. Nikon D Series digital SLR cameras are recognized as “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Digital SLR cameras,” according to the latest J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Digital Camera Satisfaction Study. Nikon Corporation, the parent company of Nikon Inc., recently celebrated its 90th anniversary and announced the production of over 40 million NIKKOR SLR interchangeable lenses. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the Web’s most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.
For J.D. Power and Associates award information go to jdpower.com
