Nikon unveils its Android-enabled S800c, compact S7700, and beginner-friendly S01

Ahead of Photokina, Nikon unveils a handful of new Coolpix consumer cameras.

The new camera parade continues as Nikon just announced a trio for very different photographers, including the first Nikon digicam featuring the Android OS. While the $349 Coolpix S800c is pretty cool (details to follow), the updated version of the S7100—the S7700—will give enthusiasts something to chew on as they consider buying it or the Canon G12 or Panasonic LX7.

The new S800c is Nikon’s latest Wi-Fi-enabled digicam. With Android onboard, social networks aren’t far behind as you can connect to Google+, Facebook, and Twitter to upload much higher-quality images than your basic smartphone. You can also surf the Web and download apps and games from Google Play. We didn’t get the chance to connect with our Wi-Fi network (the camera is due next month) but hopefully it’s easier than Nikon’s earlier efforts. Internal memory holds up to 680MB of apps.

Although you can’t make calls, the S800c’s photographic capabilities blow away any smartphone. It has a 16MP BSI CMOS sensor and a 10x optical zoom (25-250mm). This glass lens is far superior to plastic smartphone lenses and their digital zooms. Like a smartphone, the S800c has a built-in GPS. It has a nice 3.5-inch touch screen too using OLED technology rather than a typical LCD. 

Yes, we all know Compact System Cameras and DSLRs get all the headlines but we’re rather fond of fixed lens digicams with quality zooms and enhanced imaging sensors. This class of camera is designed for shooters comfortable with apertures and shutter speeds—and don’t mind spending $500 to capture images. The Canon PowerShot G12 is the clear leader here but Nikon and Panasonic have quality offerings. (We’re leaving the Canon G1 X and Sony RX100 off the list as they’re much more expensive.)  The new Nikon Coolpix S7700 ($499) should be a winner—but we’ll withhold final judgment until we get a production sample to review. The new model has a 12MP 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor, 2 megapixels more than the S7100 which featured CCD technology. Switching to CMOS also speeds up response.

The S7700 has a 7.1x optical zoom (28-200mm) just like its predecessor but with a much wider aperture of f/2.0 versus f/2.8 of S7100. This helps you take better shots in low light. The CMOS chip lets you grab photos at up to 8 frames per second (for 6 shots) and video is improved to 1080p from 720p.

It has a 3-inch vari-angle LCD screen rated 921K-dots, lets you capture RAW files and gives you access to P/A/S/M (program, aperture, shutter, and manual priority) so you can make adjustments to your heart’s content.

Rounding out the list is the Coolpix S01, a $179 camera Nikon claims is one of the thinnest and lightest available. We didn’t handle it but the tiny digicam weighs 3.4 ounces and measures 3.1 x 2.1 x .7 (WHD, in inches). Since it’s so small, you’ll make your adjustments via the 2.5-inch touchscreen. Beyond the dimensions, the S01 won’t make your inner techie swoon as its uses a 10MP CCD sensor and a 3x zoom (29-87mm), decidedly unimpressive specs for a 2012 digital camera. 

Don’t worry, the announcements aren’t over yet…

Source : digitaltrends[dot]com

Is Nikon’s Android-based Coolpix S800 camera coming in August?

Nikon could launch the Coolpix S800c, a camera that uses Google Android as its operating system, at the end of August.

In the wake of Nikon announcing the new J2 and Coolpix L610 cameras, a rumor has emerged that the company may be considering something a little different for its next Coolpix model — a Google Android operating system.

Details of the Coolpix S800c appeared on Indonesia’s electronics regulator’s website right at the end of last month, and Nikonrumors.com has since published a set of possible features for the camera.

Android 2.3 Gingerbread is expected to run the show, and complete access to the Google Play store will be provided, so the only restriction on the apps able to be downloaded will be down to the device itself.

With no data connection of its own, the Coolpix S800c will have built-in Wi-Fi, plus GPS for geo-tagging your photos. A 3.5-inch OLED screen will be your window into Android’s world, and the camera will likely be equipped with a 25-250mm lens.

Cameras that use Android are a tempting proposition, but all we’ve really seen so far are unusual camera/phone hybrids such as the Polaroid SC1630, which can’t decide whether it’s one thing or the other, much like Nokia’s 808 PureView.

According to the leaked spec, the Coolpix S800c only has Wi-Fi connectivity, making it a camera first and an Android device second. This sounds like the right approach, as there are many great Android camera phones, but so far no great Android cameras.

But for Android to make sense on a camera, it needs to be utilized correctly. If Nikon can develop its own interesting apps — meaning something other than adding filters — or attract developers to do the same, consumers will see a reason for its existence, and not simply as another way to play Angry Birds.

The report concludes with an estimated announcement date of August 22, which is just a few weeks away and if true, would see Nikon get a head start over Samsung and Panasonic, both of whom have been rumored to be toying with the idea of an Android-based camera.

Source : digitaltrends[dot]com