Nikon Announces Coolpix P300 With F1.8 Lens

Nikon’s New High Performance COOLPIX P300 Overcomes Creative Constraints Even in the Most Challenging Lighting Conditions

COOLPIX P300 combines Nikon’s cutting-edge imaging technology with the fastest NIKKOR lens ever paired with a COOLPIX to create an exceptionally enviable pocket camera

Mississauga, ON, February 8, 2011 – Today, Nikon Canada announced the
COOLPIX P300, Nikon’s first compact digital camera to feature a super-fast wide-angle 4.2x Zoom-NIKKOR glass lens (24mm-100mm, 35mm equivalent) with a maximum aperture of f/1.8 for capturing stunning, tack-sharp images and full HD (1080p) video in a variety of lighting conditions. In addition to the widest aperture NIKKOR lens ever seen in a Nikon COOLPIX camera, the P300 also comes equipped with a 12.2-megapixel backside illumination CMOS sensor, as well as other Nikon core technologies designed to prevail in even the most challenging light.

Developed for photo enthusiasts who seek creative control without compromising image quality for portability, the versatile P300 features manual controls, optical Vibration Reduction (VR) technology, and ISO sensitivity up to 3200. These features help create low noise images and faster shutter speeds, which minimize motion blur in low-light conditions like night portraits, even when handheld.

“Nikon’s decades of experience in developing advanced optical technology for both cameras and NIKKOR lenses have reached new heights with the unveiling of the COOLPIX P300,” said Gregory Flasch, National Advertising and Communications Manager at Nikon Canada. “For users who need more control and creative freedom in a compact camera, the COOLPIX P300 offers them all of the necessary advanced features take creativity to a higher level.”

Stunning Image Quality in Low-Light Conditions
Demanding low-light conditions and creative barriers are no match for the new COOLPIX P300. Superior image quality in low-light settings is achieved because of the P300’s powerful combination of a 12.2-megapixel CMOS sensor, high ISO sensitivity, and the fast wide-angle f/1.8 lens. The CMOS sensor in the P300 is designed so that each pixel receives light more efficiently for superior performance. ISO performance of up to 3200 helps ensure that images have low noise and amazing clarity while the wide aperture increases the amount of available light to the sensor. Nikon’s EXPEED C2™ image processing engine also participates in this phenomenal feat, enhancing overall speed and performance to deliver sharp and colourful images.

Taking Creativity to New Heights
Designed to give users even more creative freedom in a compact body, the P300 comes equipped with several features commonly found in digital SLR cameras such as Aperture Priority (A), Shutter Priority (S) and Full Manual (M) Control. Easily accessed through a top mounted control wheel, users are able to capture images missed by other cameras, while obtaining a desired look and feel to images by adjusting shutter speed, depth of field, white balance and other settings. Users can also apply special effects to colours and filter effects such as a cross screen or fisheye lens. The P300 also includes Nikon’s new Easy Panorama mode, to simply create vertical or horizontal panoramic shots in-camera. Users can quickly and easily apply these settings, as well as review and share photos on the P300’s high resolution 921,000-dot 3-inch, LCD screen.

The new COOLPIX P300 also features several improved scene modes including Advanced Night Portrait mode, Night Landscape mode, and backlighting scene mode with an in-camera high dynamic range (HDR). When Advanced Night Portrait mode is engaged, the camera captures the essence of night scenes by combining multiple background shots along with a subject flash shot. In Backlight HDR mode, the P300 combines multiple shots at different exposures while Night Landscape mode combines multiple shots taken with a faster shutter speed for reduced noise and improved tonal range throughout the photo.

While image quality and low-light shooting are the COOLPIX P300’s primary strengths, the camera also has incredible video capabilities. The P300 records high-quality full HD 1080p movies at 30 frames-per-second (fps) with autofocus, stereo sound and the ability to use the optical zoom. With the P300, users will be able to easily access the camera’s video controls through its one-touch operation.

Additionally, the Special Effects mode and a Creative Slider mode will provide more creative freedom when recording both movies and still images. Users can also adjust the speed of recording to their movies to apply slow motion or high-speed special effects.

Additional COOLPIX Cameras Join the Low Light Line-up
In addition to the launch of the COOLPIX P300 today, Nikon Canada also launched several other COOLPIX low-light all-stars including the COOLPIX P500 and the S9100. Like the P300, the P500 and S9100 capture sharp, crisp images in demanding low-light conditions with accurate detail with the assistance of their backside illumination CMOS sensor and optical VR technology. The COOLPIX P500 also features Nikon’s first 36x wide-angle optical Zoom-NIKKOR ED glass lens with side zoom control, and is versatile enough to capture photos that other cameras would miss. The COOLPIX S9100 is a full featured camera with a high-power 18x wide-angle optical Zoom-NIKKOR ED glass lens packed with high performance in compact, sophisticated designs for superior portability.

Pricing and Availability
The COOLPIX P300 is scheduled to be available at Authorized Nikon Canada Dealers in late March 2011 at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $379.95. It is available in black.

The COOLPIX P500 is scheduled to be available at Authorized Nikon Canada Dealers in early March 2011 at an MSRP of $449.95. It is available in red and black.

The COOLPIX S9100 is scheduled to be available at Authorized Nikon Canada Dealers in late March 2011 at an MSRP of $379.95. It is available in silver and black.

Exclusive Canadian Warranty
Nikon Canada offers an exclusive two-year warranty for all COOLPIX digital cameras purchased from an Authorized Nikon Canada Dealer. Consumers’ investment is protected by Nikon Canada’s warranties with in-Canada service.

About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the Image™, is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Canada distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and System Accessories; Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras; COOLSCAN® digital film scanners; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics. At the heart of every Nikon camera is Nikon’s Exclusive EXPEED™ or EXPEED C2™ advanced digital image processing system technologies All Nikon Canada products are sold through a network of Authorized Nikon Canada Dealers. For more information on Nikon Canada and its products and services or to find an Authorized Nikon Dealer, visit www.nikon.ca.