New from Nikon: 80-400 Telephoto Zoom Lens, COOLPIX A, P330 and S3500 Point-and-Shoot Cameras

Nikon has announced not only a new version of its wonderful 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 lens, but three new point-and-shoot cameras, including the new flagship COOLPIX A digital camera with a large DX-format sensor.

AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Telephoto Lens

The versatile telephoto zoom lens, the AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR, has been introduced as the successor to the 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED VR and remains Nikon’s broadest range telephoto zoom lens with lengths from portrait to super telephoto and a minimum focus as close as 5.7’ at all focal lengths. A DX- and FX-format compatible lens, it is ideal for those who need to cover a wide range of situations and do so without carrying a bagful of lenses. For a lens with such a broad focal length range, it is relatively compact and easy to handle. In addition, its internal focus (IF) mechanism keeps the lens compact because it does not extend when focusing and the front lens elements do not rotate when focusing, which is important when using various filters.

The lens offers three focus modes: A/M, which is AF priority autofocus with manual override; M/A, which is MF priority autofocus with manual override; and M, which is straight manual focus. Silent Wave Motor (SWM) technology provides not only fast autofocus but smooth and quiet operation, which is important for many applications, not least of which is shooting video, where lens-motor sounds can drown out the sound you want to record. With this 80-400mm lens, autofocus is possible when using a 1.4x tele-converter when attached to an f/8.0-compatible camera such as the D4, D600 and the new D7100.

The “VR” in the 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR lens designates Nikon’s second-generation Vibration Reduction technology and is a premiere image stabilization system that offers up to 4 stops of compensation against camera shake, which is a one-stop improvement over the previous 80-400mm incarnation. This is very beneficial when shooting at long focal lengths when even slight camera movement can blur a shot, and it provides unparalleled sharpness when shooting in low light. This new lens’s version of VR also features “Tripod Mode” in which the lens automatically detects the presence of a tripod and delivers specialized VR correction.

Again, as an enhancement over Nikon’s earlier version of its 80-400mm, the 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR brings with it a newly developed optical design that features not just ED (Extra-low Dispersion) elements, but one super ED element, four ED elements and Nano Crystal Coating for high-contrast images with reduced aberrations and optimal light transmission with minimal flare and ghosting.

Nikon COOLPIX A

The Nikon COOLPIX A Digital Camera is a 16.2MP advanced point-and-shoot camera with a DX-format (APS-C) CMOS sensor, which is the sensor format utilized on many Nikon DSLR cameras. This handsome camera, with a slightly retro style, looks to be a real breakthrough for Nikon with its compact form and large-camera sensor. Its DX sensor, designed without an optical low-pass filter, provides superior image quality and is particularly effective in producing low-noise images. In addition to a DSLR-sized sensor, the COOLPIX A utilizes the EXPEED 2 Image Processor and a 28mm equivalent fixed focal length lens with a maximum aperture of f/2.8. The combination of this large sensor and fast lens in a compact body should impress many. And if that alone does not, its low-light performance and ability to focus fast and create images with sharp details and fine tonal gradation will.

Full HD 1080p video with built-in stereo sound is supported by the COOLPIX A, and with the included EG-CP16 cable you can connect your camera directly to an HDTV to immediately view your videos (and photos) with remarkable clarity. A 3.0” Ultra-High Resolution LCD with a 921k pixel count provides image composition and playback, its integrated panel with glass structure and five-level brightness adjustment make for clear visibility, even in bright sunlight. An electronic virtual horizon and grid display assists in keeping your images at straight angles and a hot shoe mount optical viewfinder is compatible as an optional accessory. Nikon's WU-1a Wireless adapter, also an optional accessory, allows you to connect the COOLPIX A to your smartphone or tablet for instant image sharing.

With 14-bit RAW file format, manual exposure control, 4 fps continuous shooting, a hot-shoe mount and Nikon’s Active D-lighting, as well as an aluminum-alloy body with magnesium alloy top plate, the COOLPIX A reads more and more like a DSLR than a point-and-shoot, but its compact form factor and numerous assistive features leaves no doubt that despite its impressive spec list, this is Nikon’s next great compact camera. It is available in silver and black.

Nikon COOLPIX P330

The COOLPIX P330 Digital Camera, available in black or white, is another new Advanced Performance compact camera from Nikon. It features a 12.2MP Back Side Illumination CMOS sensor and a 5x optical zoom lens for focal lengths approximately equivalent to 24-120mm in the 35mm format. Its maximum aperture is an impressive f/1.8, making it highly effective in low light and able to create lovely shallow depth of field images. Like the COOLPIX A, it is RAW capable, has manual exposure control and fully automatic modes as well. It supports Full 1080p HD video and has a 3.0” 921k-dot LCD. Its EXPEED C2 image processor offers fast response time and works with its BSI CMOS sensor for fast autofocus, detailed imaging and accurate colors. Vibration Reduction provides image stabilization for sharp images even in low light, and Active Mode VR stabilizes images even when you are walking or in a moving car. A built-in GPS function allows you to geo-tag your images and the optional WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter enables Wi-Fi on the P330 for instant transfer between the camera and your smart devices.

Nikon COOLPIX S3500

The COOLPIX S3500 Digital Camera is a sleek point-and-shoot with a 20.1MP CCD sensor and 7x optical zoom lens that is equivalent to a 26-182mm lens in the 35mm format. With Nikon’s lens-shift Vibration Reduction technology, this lens can provide consistently sharp images even at the telephoto end of its zoom. With the EXPEED C2 Image Processor, the S3500 reacts fast and provides not only clear photos but HD 720p video. A 2.7” rear LCD provides composition and playback viewing and a built-in flash offers additional light when needed. Features such as Scene Auto Selector adjust the camera to its optimal settings based on scene recognition, while Subject Tracking keeps focus locked on a moving subject. Befitting its cool form, the COOLPIX S3500 is available in silver, purple, red, orange or decorative pink.

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