Equipment and Software Reviews

Nikon has updated its photographer-friendly P series with the Coolpix P510 and P310. The P510 gains GPS and an extended zoom, now reaching from 24-1000mm equivalent. This 42x range is likely to be quite a challenge for its VR image stabilization system, so we'll be interested to see how it performs. The P310 is a more subtle upgrade of the P300. Like the P510 it gains a 920k dot LCD and moves to using a 16MP back-lit CMOS sensor, with all the high-speed, multi-shot image processing modes it enables. More than any of the technology changes, we're most interested to see the addition of a 'Fn' button on the front - if this can be set to control useful functions, it may improve the handling of an already pleasant-to-use camera.

Both cameras offer 1080p30 with stereo sound recording. The fast sensor also allows them to offer a Night Landscape mode that combines multiple shots to average out noise, and an Advanced Night Portrait mode that does much the same thing, but includes a flash image of your subject to prevent the 'my friends in a coalmine' effect. There's also an in-camera HDR option.

The Coolpix P510 will have a suggested selling price of $429.95, while the P310 will cost around $329.95

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Press Release:

NIKON'S NEW COOLPIX P-SERIES PAIR PACKS A POTENT PUNCH OF OPTICAL EXCELLENCE AND POWERFUL PERFORMANCE

Nikon Coolpix P510 - also available in red

The 42x COOLPIX P510 is the Ultimate Ultra-Long Zoom Camera, While the Fast Aperture Lens of the COOLPIX P310 Makes it the Advanced Photographer's Compact Companion

MELVILLE, NY (Jan. 31, 2012) – Today, Nikon Inc. introduced two new COOLPIX cameras into the P-series, providing photographers with amazing optics from compact offerings for their next adventure-packed outing. Breaking the zoom barrier, the new COOLPIX P510 brings the action close with an impressive 42x optical Zoom-NIKKOR ED glass lens, from a wide 24mm to an amazing 1,000mm* focal range. When the adventure begins once the sun sets, the new COOLPIX P310 tackles demanding low-light conditions with a 16.1-megapixel Backside Illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor and a fast f/1.8 maximum aperture, NIKKOR glass lens. From the expansive Serengeti horizon, thunderous waterfalls of the Amazon to the jazz-infused nightlife setting of New Orleans, Nikon's new COOLPIX P-series cameras enable photographers to capture any adventure with astounding clarity.

"With the new COOLPIX P-series cameras, Nikon is raising the bar for performance and image quality to better accommodate the needs of advanced photographers looking for a compact companion," said Bo Kajiwara, director of marketing, Nikon Inc. "Both the COOLPIX P510 and P310 combine Nikon's legendary NIKKOR lenses and advanced features to challenge photographers creatively in environments that call for portability and easy access."
COOLPIX Technology

At the core of these powerful new COOLPIX cameras are Nikon's world-class NIKKOR lenses, delivering accurate detail, brilliant color and amazing clarity. Further enhancing color and sharpness, Nikon's EXPEED C2™ high performance digital image processing engine is implemented and custom-optimized for each COOLPIX model to ensure high-quality pictures and movies.

The New COOLPIX P510: Setting a Higher Zoom Standard

Shattering the conventional zoom barrier, the new COOLPIX P510 features a staggering 42x Wide-Angle NIKKOR glass zoom lens. The astounding zoom range of 24mm to 1,000mm with advanced optical Vibration Reduction (VR) image stabilization ensures that the photographer captures their intended subject with exceptional image quality. With this kind of extreme focal length, the need for superior image stabilization becomes essential for photos and HD video. Photographers are given increased stability with the additional zoom control located on the side of the lens barrel.

To further enhance image quality and help combat challenging low-light conditions, the COOLPIX P510 includes an advanced 16.1-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor. Utilizing the high-speed continuous shooting performance (capture five images at full resolution in approximately one second) of the CMOS sensor and fast autofocus (AF), the COOLPIX P510 makes it possible to capture even the most spontaneous moments.

This full-featured compact camera also comes complete with built-in GPS capabilities, allowing photographers to track their adventures and geotag photos. The COOLPIX P510 also includes Full HD (1080p) movie recording with stereo sound and the ability to utilize the expansive zoom range during recording with AF for dynamic videos. A 3-inch high resolution (921,000-dot) vari-angle monitor makes it easy to compose images and movies from difficult angles. Additionally, The COOLPIX P510 features a variety of advanced functions for the sophisticated user seeking smooth handling with intuitively placed controls such as the mode dial that enables easy setting of frequently used functions on the fly.

The New COOLPIX P310: Low Light, No Problem

The new COOLPIX P310 achieves superior image quality in low-light settings thanks to the powerful combination of a 16.1-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor, wide ISO range up to 3200 (Hi1 6400 equivalent) and a fast, wide-angle maximum aperture f/1.8 lens. The COOLPIX P310 further fights blur by incorporating advanced optical VR image stabilization and makes shooting in low-light a breeze with several scene modes including Advanced Night Portrait mode, Night Landscape mode and Backlight/High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode. The Advanced Night Portrait mode combines consecutive images of the background while the subject is captured using the flash, while the Night Landscape mode combines a series of consecutive shots taken at a fast shutter speed into a single image with reduced noise. The Backlight HDR mode merges images of the same scene at different exposures to achieve a single image with a broad range of tonal detail.

Designed to be the serious photographer's compact companion, the COOLPIX P310 comes equipped with several features found in D-SLR cameras including manual exposure control (P/S/A/M) and a new Zoom Memory function that enables the selection of popular prime focal lengths during shooting. Through an easily accessible top-mounted control wheel, users are able to adjust shutter speed, aperture and other settings in order to achieve their preferred look. For more creativity, the COOLPIX P310 also includes special effects and filter effects that can be added to photos in-camera for a quick artistic touch. To facilitate easy composing, viewing and playback, the COOLPIX P310 features a 3-inch high resolution (921,000-dot) LCD screen.

Understanding the demand for a capable multimedia camera, the COOLPIX P310 also sports incredible video capabilities. With the ability to capture Full HD (1080p) video at 30 frames-per-second (fps) with AF, stereo sound and the use of the optical zoom while recording, the COOLPIX P310 also lets users edit movies in-camera for a seamless moviemaking experience.

Nikon Coolpix P510 and P310 specifications

Additional images

Nikon Coolpix P310

Nikon has refreshed its line of S series style compact cameras, which ranges from $140 6x zoom models through to bells-and-whistles-including 18x compact superzoom. The range is topped by the S9300 which offers that 18x, 25mm-450mm equiv. stabilized lens, 16MP back-lit CMOS sensor, 1080p30 with stereo sound recording and built-in GPS. The S6300 is a slim, 10x 25-250mm equiv camera built around the same sensor. The S4300 and S3300 are more modest, CCD-based affairs with 6x, 26-156mm equivalent zooms.

It's the S6300 that looks interesting to us. The S8300 is a continuation of a likeable enough family of models but the S6300 is able to offer the same sensor with a still useful zoom range for a lot less money. The inexpensive compact superzoom has been something of a trend in the past few months, as camera makers try to offer capabilities that smartphones can't match. At a list price of around $199.95 the S6300 loses the S8300's high-res screen (making do with 230k dots rather than 920k) and stereo recording, as well as some zoom range. But it's also a lot less expensive than the S8300, which will sell for around $349.95.

The S4300 and S3300 will sell for around $169.95 and $139.95 respectively, with the extra money buying you a 460k dot touch-sensitive screen. Their 16MP CCD chips limit them to 720p video.

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Press Release:

NIKON'S NEW S-SERIES COOLPIX CAMERAS ARE THE SLIM, STYLISH AND SMART WAY TO CAPTURE LIFE'S GREAT MOMENTS

Nikon Coolpix P8300

With Super-Zoom Capabilities and Compact Design, New COOLPIX Cameras are User-Friendly and Feature Technologies to Inspire Creativity

MELVILLE, NY (Jan. 31, 2012) – Today, Nikon Inc. introduced four new digital cameras to the COOLPIX S-series lineup to give consumers new ways to go super-zoom or super chic. These new cameras deliver on Nikon's rich optical heritage and benefit from new technologies poised to create an amazing camera experience for any user, such as GPS and enhanced resolution.

The Spring 2012 line of Nikon COOLPIX cameras help capture memories with advanced features including extraordinary low-light capabilities, powerful optics and HD video recording with full stereo sound. Added features such as the built-in GPS of the COOLPIX S9300 and Easy Panorama mode of the COOLPIX S6300 bolster the S-series lineup, in addition to the easy-to-use, slim and stylish COOLPIX S4300 and S3300. These cameras also include Nikon core technologies for amazing photos, including Nikon's Smart Portrait System for flattering portraits and HD video capability across the line.

"The new COOLPIX S-series cameras are super slim and easy to carry around for all of those special 'can't miss' moments that matter in a person's life," said Bo Kajiwara, director of marketing, Nikon Inc. "These cameras complement a personal style while providing amazing image and video quality easily."

The Ultra-Zoom That Fits in a Carry-on

The COOLPIX S9300 is deceptively slim (approximately 1.5-inch body), but hides a super-zoom secret with an outstanding 18x optical Zoom-NIKKOR ED glass lens (25mm-450mm). Vibration Reduction (VR) image stabilization lets users capture far-off horizons or up-close action, making the COOLPIX S9300 a packing priority for any trip. The camera features a 16.0-megapixel Backside Illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor for capturing low-light images with stunning clarity and sharpness. Nikon's BSI sensor technology increases the flow of light to the sensor's surface, which improves image quality and reduces noise. Whether traveling around the globe or enjoying a night out on the town, users can also record Full HD (1080p) movies with full stereo sound and enjoy high speed frame rates for slow and fast motion effects. Further adding to the COOLPIX S9300's credibility as the ultimate travel camera, built-in GPS has been added to provide the user with accurate geotag data of adventures and even displays a map as to where the user has been.

The Super-Zoom Goes Super Thin

The slim COOLPIX S6300 bundles a 10x optical zoom with a compact body and VR technology, so users can quickly zoom in to the action without worrying about blurry photos. A 16.0-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor captures fast action and scenarios in challenging lighting, such as faces around a dimly-lit birthday cake or sun soaked days at the lake. The COOLPIX S6300 also records full HD (1080p) movies for memorable moments without missing a beat. Additionally, 180º and 360º views of the world, including stunning landscapes or amazing interiors, are simple to create and share with the Easy Panorama mode. Creative color options let the user add their own personal touch in-camera with effects like Low key, High key, Nostalgia Sepia, and even Selective Color, putting a little punch to images and movies.

The Touch Screen to Set Trends

For those looking for a no-frills touch screen camera that captures amazing photos and HD video, the 16.0-megapixel COOLPIX S4300 is the camera that fits the bill. It features a wide-angle 6x (26mm-156mm) optical Zoom-NIKKOR glass lens, plus VR image stabilization for maximum versatility. The 3-inch touch screen LCD makes it easy to compose, focus and capture moments quickly, and subjects come alive with 460,000-dot detail. Additionally, multiple Scene Modes immediately adjust settings for optimum results, while the Auto Scene Selector can identify scenes automatically and set the camera accordingly. The COOLPIX S4300 also features Nikon's Smart Portrait System, which includes the intelligent Smile Shutter function that automatically recognizes when a subject is smiling and releases the shutter for picture-perfect results every time. The Face-Priority AF can find and focus up to 12 faces, making the COOLPIX S4300 the ultimate party accessory

A Fashionable Zoom for Any Occasion

The Nikon COOLPIX S3300 answers the call for a cost-efficient 16.0-megapixel camera with a 6x (26mm-156mm) optical Zoom-NIKKOR glass lens for near or far photos on any occasion. The slim design of the camera makes it effortless for traveling, while the easy-to-use interface is always ready to capture photos and video. The camera has 19 Scene Modes, including the Scene Auto Selector which analyzes a scene and automatically selects from one of six scene modes. With the COOLPIX S3300, the party can be relived in glorious HD with 720p movie recording, while optical VR minimizes the effects of camera shake for sharp, high-quality images.

Nikon Coolpix S9300, S6300, S4300 and S3300 specifications

Additional images

Nikon Coolpix S6300

Nikon Coolpix S4300

Nikon Coolpix S3300

Nikon has updated several of its simpler compacts with the launches of the Coolpix L810, L26 and S30. The L810 is a mid level 26x superzoom with a 920k dot LCD and 23-585mm equiv zoom. A 16MP CCD helps keep the cost down to around $279.95 but also means the L810 can only capture 720p video. Meanwhile the S60 is a shock- and water-proof 10MP camera with 3x, 29-87mm equiv lens. Finally, the L26 is a pretty standard AA-powered entry-level camera with a 16MP CCD and 26-130mm equiv stabilized lens. It will sell for around $119.95.

At around $119.95, the S30 is extremely inexpensive for a waterproof camera but its very small 1/3" 10MP sensor gives us cause for concern. This, combined with a 230k dot screen and lens only going as wide as 29mm equivalent, suggests that its rounded edges aren't the only corners to have been cut.

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Press Release:

NIKON MAKES IT EASY FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY TO ENJOY COOLPIX VERSATILITY AND PERFORMANCE FOR STUNNING PHOTOS AND HD VIDEO

Nikon Coolpix L810

Easily Capture Special Moments with Spectacular Photo Quality and Have Fun While Doing It

MELVILLE, N.Y. (Jan. 31, 2012) – Today, Nikon Inc. introduced a new line of COOLPIX digital cameras that combine affordability and convenience with performance and versatility to create a lineup of cameras that are ideal for the modern, fast-paced and connected family. Perfect for any type of family adventure from the sidelines to the backyard, the COOLPIX L810, L26 and S30 each offer a simple, convenient and fun way to capture great photos and HD movies with ease.

Expanding on Nikon's outstanding long zoom reputation, the COOLPIX L810's extremely powerful zoom (26x) offers a chance to capture every detail without giving up the convenience of a compact point-and-shoot camera. The COOLPIX S30 is a new type of camera from Nikon, providing worry-proof construction with a simple to use interface and an affordable price point so any family can enjoy photography with a camera that instills confidence. The COOLPIX L26 is ideal for casual photographers and streamlines photo-taking with intelligent Nikon technologies like automatic Scene Modes and easy-to-understand controls. All three cameras are AA battery compatible for the ultimate on-the-go convenience. "Today's family spends time together in more places than the dining room table; they are on adventures and vacations together, constantly in motion and creating memories," said Bo Kajiwara, director of marketing, Nikon Inc. "Nikon's latest COOLPIX cameras combine Nikon's renowned image quality, advanced performance and superior technology to offer simple and affordable cameras for every member of your family."

COOLPIX L810: Zoom That Goes the Distance

Whether at the game or in nature, users need a camera that can go the distance to get in close to the action. The COOLPIX L810 sports a powerful 26x (22.5mm-585mm) zoom that makes it possible to capture every detail with extraordinary precision. This latest affordable ultra zoom continues in a long line of superb Nikon compact long zoom cameras and features a super wide 22.5mm wide angle lens with VR image stabilization technology to help eliminate blur in photos and movies, regardless of focal length. Nineteen Scene Modes optimize camera settings automatically for picture-perfect results, while the Smart Portrait System helps make every portrait flattering and pictures priceless. Additionally, the COOLPIX L810 features a Sports Continuous Shooting mode to capture fast moving subjects. If still images aren't enough to tell the whole story, begin recording 720p HD movies with stereo sound through a simple one-touch control button and play them back on a 3-inch, 921,000-dot high resolution LCD display.

COOLPIX S30: No Muss, No Fuss - Ready for Action

A wonderful addition to any family, the COOLPIX S30 makes it easy and fun to preserve memories from the priceless to possibly messy, including a baby's first steps, first swim or first plate of spaghetti. Boasting a shockproof* (up to 2.6 feet) and waterproof* (up to 9.8 feet) exterior, the COOLPIX S30 affords a chance to capture all of their favorite moments without hesitation or worry. A 10.1-megapixel image sensor produces high quality images and HD video that can be easily e-mailed, printed and framed for family and friends. A 3x wide angle zoom lens, HD video capabilities and extremely easy-to-use modes like the Smart Portrait System make the COOLPIX S30 simple, durable and affordable.

COOLPIX L26: The Simple Way to Great Photos and Movies

Let the camera do the thinking while marveling at the great images taken with the COOLPIX L26. Simply point, shoot and let the camera do the rest with easy-to-use and intelligent automatic Scene Modes, helping bring out the user's inner photographer. Featuring a 5x (26mm-130mm) optical Zoom-NIKKOR lens for close to intermediate distance shots, the COOLPIX L26 is fun and easy to use whether snapping photos on a field trip or capturing 720p HD video of a birthday party. A wide and bright 3-inch LCD screen, vibration reduction and Smart Portrait technology make this the ideal camera for the beginner or casual photographer who might not use a camera often, but knows they want amazing image quality when they do.

*More information at www.nikonusa.com/S30info

Nikon Coolpix L810, S30 and L26 specifications

Additional images

Nikon Coolpix S30

Nikon Coolpix L26

Tokina has announced an updated version of its highly-regarded 11-16mm F2.8 wideangle zoom for APS-C SLRs. The AT-X 116 PRO DX II adds a 'Silent Drive-Module' (SD-M) focus motor that enables it to autofocus on all Nikon SLRs. The latest version also includes improved surface coatings (which are particularly important for wide-angle lenses) and adds a 'GMR' sensor to locate the focus element's current position, to speed up autofocus - a technology first introduced on the AT-X 16-28 F2.8 PRO FX full-frame wide-angle. US distributor THK Photo tells us the Nikon version should be available around April with a Canon version following around August.

Unlike version 1 of the lens, there is no mention of a Sony version.

Click here for more detail (translated from Japanese)

Tokina has announced an updated version of its highly-regarded 11-16mm F2.8 wideangle zoom for APS-C SLRs. The AT-X 116 PRO DX II adds a 'Silent Drive-Module' (SD-M) focus motor that enables it to autofocus on all Nikon SLRs. The latest version also includes improved surface coatings (which are particularly important for wide-angle lenses) and adds a 'GMR' sensor to locate the focus element's current position, to speed up autofocus - a technology first introduced on the AT-X 16-28 F2.8 PRO FX full-frame wide-angle. US distributor THK Photo tells us the Nikon version should be available around April with a Canon version following around August.

Unlike version 1 of the lens, there is no mention of a Sony version.

Click here for more detail (translated from Japanese)

DxO Labs has added the Canon S100 and Panasonics' GF3, G2 and G1 to the list of cameras supported by its DxO Optics Pro software. The cameras are added to both the Standard and Elite versions of the Optics Pro v7.2, that the company says are more stable than before. Version 7.2 also gains the ability to import Optics Pro v6 databases containing the image processing settings for existing images.

Press Release:

DxO Optics Pro v7.2 supports 4 new cameras and allows importing of version 6 database

New version features greater stability.

Special 33% discount good through January 31, 2012.

January 25, 2012 - DxO Labs announces the immediate availability of DxO Optics Pro v7.2 for Mac and Windows. Both the Standard and Elite editions support the following additional 4 cameras:

• Canon Powershot S100
• Panasonic GF3
• Panasonic G1
• Panasonic G2

The production rate of DxO Optics Modules is accelerating, thanks to the recent optimization of its calibration processes. This means that DxO Labs is now able to provide support for new cameras more quickly, all while consolidating its modules library by adding camera models already on the market - notably compact hybrids. Since January 1st, more than 250 camera/lens combinations have been added.

NEW FEATURES

This new version includes a tool that allows users to import all their projects and image processing information from DxO Optics Pro 6, and to integrate them into DxO Optics Pro 7 by merging both databases.
This DxO Optics Pro update also includes greater general stability as well as giving users the ability to crop photos in a more intuitive way.

LAST DAYS FOR SPECIAL DISCOUNT

DxO Optics Pro for Windows and Mac is available in the DxO Labs online boutique (www.dxo.com) and at photo resellers at a special discount price good through January 31, 2012:
USD:

• DxO Optics Pro 7 Standard Edition: $ 99 instead of $ 169
• DxO Optics Pro 7 Elite Edition: $ 199 instead of $ 299

EUR: (Suggested retail prices, including VAT)

• DxO Optics Pro 7 Standard Edition: 99 € instead of 149 €
• DxO Optics Pro 7 Elite Edition: 199 € instead of 299 €

GBP: (Suggested retail prices, including VAT)

• DxO Optics Pro 7 Standard Edition: £ 89 instead of £ 135
• DxO Optics Pro 7 Elite Edition: £ 179 instead of £ 269

This update is free for all owners of DxO Optics Pro 7 as well as for photographers who acquired a license for DxO Optics Pro 6 on or after September 1, 2011. Other users can take advantage of a special discount on all upgrades from now until January 31, 2012, directly from their customer account.
A fully-functional trial version of DxO Optics Pro, good for one month, is available on the DxO Labs website (http://www.dxo.com/intl/photo/free_trial_version).

Canadian lens interface experts Conurus and Sino-Japanese adapter maker Metabones have created an electronic 'Smart adapter' for using Canon EF lenses on the Sony NEX's E-mount. The adapter is manual focus-only but allows control of aperture and the use of the image stabilization on Canon IS lenses. Full lens information, including focal length, aperture and lens IS is reported back to the camera for EXIF, allowing the use of all P,A,S and M modes. The adapter also features a 'Wide Open' button that opens the aperture up for fine focusing, with the lens otherwise stopped-down to the chosen aperture, giving accurate depth-of-field in live view. It will cost $399.

Press Release:

Vancouver, Canada, January 18, 2012 - Metabones forms a strategic partnership with Conurus of Vancouver, Canada to jointly develop, manufacture and market a new Smart Adapter(TM) series of products featuring electronic interfacing with the lens.

The partnership is shipping its first fruition of collaboration today, a Smart Adapter that integrates a Canon EF mount lens to a Sony NEX camera body. Electronic aperture is directly controlled by the camera body and all exposure modes are available. Image stabilization (if the Canon EF lens supports it) and EXIF are supported, but there is no autofocus. This new smart adapter is marketed under the Metabones brand name and may be ordered directly from conurus.com or from a Metabones distributor in Japan, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong or China for US$399.

Metabones is known for mechanical design that is already significantly ahead of the competition, as can be seen with the Contax G lens adapters for Micro 4/3 and Sony NEX with ultra-wide focusing rings and smooth manual focus action, and the ALPA lens to Leica M adapter with rangefinder coupling. Now, incorporating leading-edge electronic technology from Canada brings forth a new breed of adapters that not only truly integrates the lens with the camera body but offers the best workmanship, accuracy and reliability as well.

Just Posted: We've spent a couple of days shooting with a pre-production Canon PowerShot G1 X. We've prepared a 30 image gallery, shot in a range of lighting conditions and using a variety of focal lengths, ISO settings and apertures, in addition to the studio examples we've already posted. The G1 X may look like an existing G-series compact but fits a near DSLR-sized sensor into its slightly brick-like body. So what does this mean for image quality and does its f/5.8 maximum aperture at the long end of the zoom rob it of its low-light potential? Click here to judge for yourselves.

We've also shot three 1080p24 sample videos:

Click here to see the Canon PowerShot G1 X video samples

Canon Powershot G1 X preview samples gallery

There are 30 images in the samples gallery. Please do not reproduce any of these images on a website or any newsletter / magazine without prior permission (see our copyright page). We make the originals available for private users to download to their own machines for personal examination or printing (in conjunction with this review), we do so in good faith, please don't abuse it.

Unless otherwise noted images taken with no particular settings at full resolution. Because our review images are now hosted on the 'galleries' section of dpreview.com, you can enjoy all of the new galleries functionality when browsing these samples.

Canon PowerShot G1 X pre-production samples gallery - posted 16 Jan 2012

We've spent a bit more time with the Canon PowerShot G1 X, and will be publishing a samples gallery from a pre-production camera in the near future. In the meantime, we've taken the chance to expand our preview based on our further experience and some real-world shooting with the camera. This includes observations about its behavior and a chart showing the camera's maximum aperture at key focal lengths. If you have any burning questions about the camera's behavior, write a comment and we'll do our best to answer when we publish our samples gallery (but do please read the updated preview first, to see if the answer's there).

Click here to read our updated Canon PowerShot G1 X preview

Canon PowerShot G1 X sample images (pre-production camera) - posted Jan 13 2012

Note that these images were taken using a pre-production camera, and may not be fully representative of final image quality.