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Nikon Coolpix P310 hands-on (video)
Of all the new Nikons announced today, the P310 is likely to be one of the most popular. Its 4.2x (24-100mm) focal length may not deliver the big bad zoom of the P510, and it can't do RAW like the P7100, but it compensates with some serious optical features instead. Among them is improved image stabilization, which Nikon says will let you take blur-free handheld shots at four stops below what would otherwise be possible. There's also a "market leading" f/1.8 maximum aperture, which further aid low-light shooting as well shallow depth-of-field shots. Finally, the form factor is really important. This camera is a lot smaller than either the P510 or the P7100 and it feels great in the hand: not quite pocketable, perhaps, but certainly portable, discreet and sturdy. We only had access to a very early pre-production sample, so we couldn't check out the menu system or take shots, but we gave the camera a good looking over in the hands-on video after the break, where you'll find some more initial impressions too.
Nikon unveils Coolpix P510 42x superzoom, P310 with f/1.8 lens
This evening's Nikon post is presented in partnership with the letter P. The Coolpix P-series welcomed a new pair today, with point-and-shoots that "pack a potent punch... and powerful performance" -- and a plentiful portion of P, as you'll notice in the press release past the break. The Coolpix P510 "breaks the zoom barrier" with a 42x 24-1000mm optically stabilized lens. It features a 16.1 megapixel BSI (backside illuminated) CMOS sensor, a 921k-dot 3-inch vari-angle LCD, can shoot 1080p HD video with stereo sound and supports ISO 100-3200 shooting with Hi1 (ISO 6400) and Hi2 (ISO 12800, monochrome) options. GPS functionality is also included, with support for tracking and photo geotagging.Those of you seeking a more-pocketable P-series may want to consider the Coolpix P310, which offers the same 16.1 megapixel BSI CMOS sensor, a 921k-pixel 3-inch LCD, a native sensitivity range of ISO 100-3200 (Hi1 of ISO 6400) and a 4.2x 24-100mm f/1.8 (maximum) optically stabilized zoom lens. As Nikon's high-end pocketable model, the P310 offers advanced exposure modes, including program, shutter- and aperture-priority, along with a full manual mode. There's also 1080/30p video capture with stereo sound and in-camera editing. Both cameras will be available in February, with the Coolpix P510 shipping in black and red for $430 and the black-only P310 running you $330. Oh, and don't forget about that plenary P-PR past the break.
LG debuts 13.3-inch XNOTE P310 premium laptop
LG may not have strayed to far from the outward appearance of the XNOTE P300 with its new P310 model, but it looks to have given the "premium" laptop a decent enough upgrade under the hood, with it now finally getting bumped up to the Centrino 2 platform. That upgrade also includes a speedier 2.53GHz Core 2 Duo T9400 processor, 3GB of DDR3 memory, 2GB of Intel Turbo Memory a 320GB hard drive, and some decent enough NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT graphics, not to mention the same LED-backlit 13.3-inch display as before. No word on a price just yet, but we're guessing it won't be too far off the €1,599 (or just over $2,000) its predecessor demanded.[Via Hallyu Tech]
Samsung P318+ sports gold for Olympics
Samsung's P310 -- the so-called "credit card phone" -- is still enough to turn heads in these parts, but the Korean manufacturer is busting out some considerably fancier units to celebrate Beijing's 2008 Olympics. China Mobile will be picking up the P318+ (or that's our guess, anyway, on account of the carrier's logo on back), offering the same diminutive case as its forebear but replacing the downright normal chrome and brushed aluminum accents with 18 karat gold. It's unclear whether the gold is solid or plated, but if solid, expect to pay Vertu-like prices for this one, which will also feature an array of Olympics-themed ringtones and graphics. So where are the silver and bronze versions, Samsung?
Hands-on with the Samsung SGH-P310
Without having used them, we've always assumed that Samsung's so-called "credit card phones" -- the SGH-P310 and the P300 before it -- were novelties more than they were usable phones. After all, the shape is a bit strange to be holding to your head, and the sheer level of miniaturization going on here leads one to figure that they're skimping on features. We recently had a crack at a P310, and while we're still not sure we'd carry it around as our primary mobile, we found ourselves pleasantly surprised with its performance. The keypad is totally usable (though the nondescript, circular d-pad takes a little getting used to), voice quality and reception both seemed good, and the display is fantastic. The UI is typical Samsung fare -- nothing special there -- but what really struck us was how solidly the phone seemed to be built. Though you obviously wouldn't actually put the phone in your wallet as you would a credit card, it almost seems sturdy enough to do just that if you really wanted to. Considering its fashion centric, high end target demographic, we suppose we'd expect nothing less. Hands-on with the Samsung SGH-P310
FCC swipes Samsung's SGH-P310 credit card phone
Granted, Samsung sends the lion's share of their handsets through the FCC's labs whether they're destined for North American shores or not, but we still can't help but stir a little to see their nifty P310 get a stamp of approval.The P310 is the successor to the P300, mercifully getting a makeover that leaves the final product downright attractive compared to the original. With a 2-megapixel cam and microSD slot on board, you don't give up much in the spec sheet compared to an average-sized candybar, either. From the looks of the FCC documents, we shouldn't expect any action on the GSM 850 band, but far be it from us to expect that to stop every last importer from hauling 'er in for a US sale or two.
Samsung's SGH-P310 credit card phone
Now that they've mastered the fine art of fitting a phone's guts roughly into the outline of a credit card, Samsung is turning their attention to beautifying the whole affair with the SGH-P310. Like the P300 before it, the P310 could theoretically squeeze into some wallets (though we certainly don't recommend sitting on it) -- but unlike the P300, the P310 loses the awkward-looking black cap in favor of a more refined gloss black / brushed stainless combo. Specs have likewise been boosted with a 2.0-megapixel camera replacing the old 1.3-megapixel unit, Bluetooth 2.0, and a microSD slot for when you don't find the phone's 80MB of internal storage adequate. We'll keep you abreast of release and pricing as it comes down the pike.[Via SlashGear]
