Nikon launches Android-powered Coolpix camera

Google officially made the jump from smartphones and tablets to the world of cameras as Nikon debuted its first wi-fi compact digital camera.

 

Nikon said its new COOLPIX S800c allows users to "instantly share great images" using a device that combines the features of a camera and a smartphone or tablet.

 

"Designed for the always connected individual, the S800c delivers the high picture quality and superior performance expected from a Nikon camera coupled with communication functions and app-based versatility of a smartphone or tablet," Nikon USA said in a press release.

 

The S800c will be available in September 2012 in both white and black for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $349.95, Nikon added.

 

It said the S800c is for users who want to capture photos and HD video —and a platform to post them on social networks and popular imaging applications using Google's Android.

 

“Now users can connect easily and instantly with their social networks through the wireless connection, and take advantage of the vast possibilities of the Android Operating System. The new S800c is truly the easiest way to share amazing images on the spot,” said Bo Kajiwara, Vice President of Nikon's Marketing, Planning and Customer Experience unit.

 

Nikon said the Android-powered camera allows a 10x NIKKOR zoom lens and a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor, even in challenging lighting conditions.

 

It has a wide-angle 25-250mm feature, "so either the largest group or action from afar is captured with clarity that can only be accomplished with a quality lens."

 

The lens is bolstered with Nikon’s VR optical image stabilization for blur-free photos and stable HD video, even while handheld, it added.

 

Nikon said its 16-Megapixel Backside Illuminated (BSI) CMOS Sensor, much bigger than the CCD sensor in smartphones or tablets, can meet challenging lighting conditions and can produce vivid colors, low noise and exceptional contrast and sharpness.

 

But the biggest come-on is the Android OS, whose connection features allow users to connect, browse and upload to their social networks.

 

"Users can also take advantage of the full functionality of Android technology to surf the web or even download applications and games onto their S800c. Just like a smartphone or tablet device, the camera has the opportunity to run camera-specific photo and video applications, yet enables the various benefits of shooting with a real camera," it said.

 

The camera also captures Full HD 1080p HD video with full stereo sound, and lets video clips be instantly uploaded to popular video sites such as YouTube and Vimeo.

 

It has built-in GPS for geotagging and finding shooting spots, allowing the recording of shooting location information on stills and movies.

 

The camera can also transmit images and videos wirelessly to a smartphone or tablet if there is no open wi-fi connection.

 

"For maximum creativity, the S800c has 18 filter effects, including the new Toy Camera effect, Pop and Super Vivid color filters, as well as Cross Process and Peripheral Darkening filters," it added.

 

Other Coolpix products Nikon announced included:

 

— TJD, GMA News