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Nikon unveils S1200pj and AW100 cameras, we go hands-on
In case you were distracted by all the Sony fuss this morning, Nikon also chose today to announce a gaggle of fresh cameras. Most of the new models are incremental updates that will demand in-depth reviews when they're released in September. In the meantime, however, two cameras stand out as warranting a bit of quick hands-on attention. Firstly, there's the Coolpix S1200pj priced at $430, which is the third generation of Nikon's line of projector cameras and appears to house some significant improvements. Next up, we have the $380 AW100, which represents Nikon's first foray into the all-weather niche since the days of celluloid. It's a rugged Rambo of a camera that is waterproof down to ear-stinging depths and is a heck of a lot more expensive than the Fuji FinePix XP30 we just took fishing. So, it was only proper that we harpoon pre-release versions of both these cameras in order to provide you with some initial impressions and videos, which you'll find directly after the break. %Gallery-131609% %Gallery-131611%
Nikon announces Coolpix P7100, ruggedized AW100 and four S-series point-and-shoots
Camera manufacturers seem to have forgone the straw method for deciding which order to push out their press releases this time around, opting for old-fashioned alphabetical order instead. Yesterday Canon announced a trio of new PowerShots, and now Nikon is doubling down with six new cams, to be followed very soon by ... another company later this morning. First off the assembly line is the $500 Coolpix P7100, with its 10.1 megapixel CCD sensor, 7.1x zoom lens, 921k-dot tilting LCD, and manual controls. Photogs looking to jump in the pool, point-and-shoot in tow will probably be more interested in the $380 AW100, which includes a 16 megapixel CMOS sensor, 5x lens, 1080p video capture, built-in GPS, and water resistance to 33 feet. Next up is the $430 S1200pj (pj, for projector). We've never actually seen anyone using the built-in projector in Nikon's digicams, but it's a fun gimmick nonetheless. This model adds iOS compatibility, letting you project 60-inch iPad videos at a whopping 20 lumens. It also has a 14.1 megapixel sensor, 5x zoom, 720p video, and a 3-inch LCD. If style is your game, the $300 S100's sleek design won't go unnoticed, regardless of whether you opt for red, black, purple and gold (oh, definitely go with the gold). There's also a 16 megapixel sensor, 5x zoom, 1080p video, and 3D capture. If a superzoom is in the cards, the $330 S8200 is worth a look, with its 14x Nikkor lens, 16.1 megapixel CMOS sensor, 1080p video, and 3-inch 921k-dot LCD. Its thinner sibling, the S6200 is also less expensive, retailing for $230. You'll need to settle for a 10x optical zoom, 16 megapixel sensor, 720p video, and a 2.7-inch LCD, however. All six digicams are slated to ship in September. Jump past the break for a trio of Nikon press releases, detailing each model.%Gallery-131435%
