[NewsPoster]

Nikon has revealed three new Coolpix cameras, including its first with a DX-format CMOS sensor. The Coolpix A aims to offer customers the image quality found in a DSLR but inside a compact camera, while the P330 expands on the groundwork done by the Coolpix P310, and the S3500 provides an upgraded feature set to the Coolpix S line, including lens-shift vibration reduction.

Housing a DX-format 16.2-megapixel sensor, the Coolpix A uses an all-glass 18.5mm prime lens that is a 28mm equivalent, with an aperature of f/2.8 for shallow depth-of-field shots. It can use multiple scene modes, the usual PSAM manual exposure controls, a manual focus ring, and a 4fps burst mode. It can also shoot RAW/NEF files, and while it is capable of shooting at an ISO range of between 100 and 25,600, it does not come with the optional viewfinder. The Coolpix P330 uses a larger 1/1.7-inch, 12.2-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor instead of the 1 /2.3-inch used in the P310. Using an f/1.8 24mm-120mm lens, the P330 can now capture NRW/RAW images, while the PSAM controls are joined by an Easy Auto Mode, various scene modes, and full HD video recording with stereo sound triggered by a dedicated button. It also has a built-in GPS for geotagging. The S3500 includes a new 20.1-megapixel sensor with a wide-angle 7x optical zoom Nikkor lens, as well as the vibration reduction technology, into the budget camera. The rear LCD has a 320x240 resolution, and it is capaoble of shooting 720p video. All three cameras will be going on sale later this month. The S3500 will cost $140 and the P330 at $380. On its own, the Coolpix A will have a pricetag of $1,100, while the optional viewfinder will cost an additional $450.

[fordbailey]

The Coolpix A is not full frame, it has an APS-C sized sensor.

[dseidel]

$1100 ?! It better have a built-in 1080p projector and Apple TV function for $1100. Even if the quality matches a DSLR, who's gonna pay 3x price of a D3200 for the convenience of pocket? Good luck selling those. Nikon fan for many years, but scratching my head as they continue to get disconnected with their customers and the market for goods. Can anyone say "Kodak"?

[dseidel]

But wait...there's more. A viewfinder attachment for ....$$$ 450. LOL ! Where do they get such comic material?

[JBracy]

Let's see Nikon CoolPix-A with an APS-C sensor and fixed lens 28mm equivalent for $1100 or a Canon EOS-M with an APS-C sensor and interchangeable lenses for $799 (including 22mm lens).

Let's clear things up.
- Full frame in Nikon world is FX. This is a DX.
- A Nikon DX sensor is larger (slightly) than a Canon APS-C. The Nikon crop factor is 1.5. Canon's is 1.6.

I just can't see why this is so expensive? The sensor isn't - it's the same one as in the D3200. So what makes this worth $1100?

[Malcolm Owen]

Thank you for the corrections, the words "Full Frame" have been removed from the post.