Nikon has made D-SLR performance in a compact body more accessible than ever before, incorporating a large, DX-format 16.2-megapixel CMOS sensor (23.6 x 15.6 mm) and an EXPEED 2 image processing engine into the new COOLPIX A, for capturing professional images on the go.
Meanwhile, the new COOLPIX P330 raises the standard for advanced compact cameras, with a bright f/1.8 NIKKOR 5x optical zoom lens, large back-illuminated 12-megapixel CMOS sensor (1/1.7-in.), advanced lens shift vibration reduction, Full HD movie recording, RAW (NRW) data processing and Wi-Fi compatibility (via an optional dongle).
James Loader, Product Manager for Consumer Products at Nikon UK, comments: “With an impressive high definition NIKKOR fixed wide-angle 28mm f/2.8 lens, DX-format CMOS sensor and high ISO capability, the COOLPIX A is an impressive camera that combines convenience with performance; making it ideal for reportage photography. Creative photographers will enjoy the creative effects of the P330 which delivers pin-sharp images in any light with its backlit, 1/1.7-in. CMOS sensor and full manual controls. Both new models are WiFi compatible, so high quality images can be uploaded via a dongle to any smart device for easy sharing*.”
The COOLPIX A — The professional choice of compact camera
Ideal for any photography enthusiast, the 16.2-megapixel COOLPIX A is the world’s smallest camera to feature a DX format sensor, and handles demanding shooting situations with ease. In pursuit of high resolution and high definition of the entire image, the COOLPIX A adopts a sensor unit that does not incorporate an optical low-pass filter. The result is an optical system that makes the most of the potential of the high-definition NIKKOR lens and the resolution of the DX-format sensor. Combined with the EXPEED 2 image processing engine, also used in DSLR models, the COOLPIX A guarantees superior performance and maximum image quality, all while consuming minimal energy.
When taking pictures in low light or capturing fast-moving subjects, a high ISO (100-6400, extendable to 25600) light sensitivity ensures superbly detailed images with minimal noise. When you want to control the quality of light, you can turn to the camera’s six different settings of active D-lighting, attach a compatible external Speedlight flash unit, or use the optional UR-E14 adaptor ring to create different effects by attaching lens filters (46mm) or an optional lens hood (HN-CP18) to reduce peripheral light.
Photographers used to shooting with digital SLR cameras may also enjoy using a traditional optional optical viewfinder for a clearer view, attachable via the hotshoe. Whatever light conditions you are shooting in, advanced Nikon lens technology ensures outstanding precision, sharp resolution and high contrast.The NIKKOR fixed wide-angle 18.5 mm f/2.8 lens (28mm equivalent) offers exceptional definition throughout the entire aperture range and all optical aberrations (e.g. spherical or coma) are minimised without the need for digital compensation. The seven blade rounded iris diaphragm reduces light where necessary and gives beautifully natural background blur.
Full creative control
PSAM exposure modes enable greater creative control, and two user modes let you recall your preferred camera settings instantly. A customisable function button means you can bypass the menu and set shortcuts to your favourite camera settings for fast setup, and the lens focusing ring enables manual focus and manual override when in Auto focus mode.
The COOLPIX A also supports 14 bits compressed RAW (NEF) image data, conveniently in line with the format used in DSLRs. Pure, unprocessed images can be edited in-camera, on the large 7.5-cm (3.0-in. 921k dot) LCD monitor. Picture Control allows you to adjust the contrast and colour settings (Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait, Landscape, and Custom) to match your situation. For those who want to have some fun with their images, photos can be enhanced on the spot with a wide range of filter effects such as Selective Colour mode, which converts images to monochrome and then adds a splash of the colour of your choice.
P330 — An exceptional performer
Worthy of any serious photographer looking for portability with performance, the COOLPIX P330 has a bright NIKKOR 5x optical zoom lens (24–120mm) which offers fast f/1.8 aperture at wide angle, HRI glass and a seven blade iris diaphragm for natural background blur, while a Neutral Density filter enables greater exposure control.
Worthy of any serious photographer looking for portability with performance, the COOLPIX P330 has a bright NIKKOR 5x optical zoom lens (24–120mm) which offers fast f/1.8 aperture at wide angle, HRI glass and a seven blade iris diaphragm for natural background blur, while a Neutral Density filter enables greater exposure control.
A highly sensitive, backlit, 1/1.7-in. 12-megapixel CMOS sensor produces superb results in all manner of tough shooting situations, while Nikon’s second-generation vibration reduction system reduces the effect of camera shake in real time, allowing the use of shutter speeds up to four stops slower. A new Active mode ensures clear shots even from moving vehicles.
Give full expression to your creative side in manual mode and access your favourite setting instantly with the ergonomic function button. To shoot movies, Full HD (1080p/60i) filming is available at the touch of a button, at 60, 50, 30 or 25 fps and it’s also possible to shoot in RAW (NRW) format. You can use the optical zoom with autofocus when recording, and film in slow or fast motion using speeds of up to 120 fps.
Creative features like Macro mode allow you to focus on subjects really close-up to capture the smallest of details, while Easy Panorama 360°/180° makes capturing breathtaking vistas as simple as panning the camera vertically or horizontally to take in the view.
For travellers on the go, a built-in Global Positioning System (GPS) records the exact location (latitude and longitude) of images as a ‘geotag’, and allows review of point-of-interest (POI) information in playback. To share adventures with friends and family, the camera’s Wi-Fi capability enables the transfer of high-quality images and movies to a smart device* via an optional Wi-Fi dongle (WU-1a).
Additional Key Features of the COOLPIX A
Full HD (1080p) movie recording: in 30, 25 or 24 fps and in stereo, through the built-in stereo microphone.
Advanced GUI: employs a graphical user interface (GUI) inherited from Nikon’s DSLR range.
Continuous shooting at 4 fps (up to 26 frames): capture fast-moving action at 4 frames per second.
Optional external optical viewfinder: for those who prefer a traditional viewfinder, this optional attachment (DF-CP1) offers an alternative to the LCD screen. The ‘hot shoe’ can also be used to attach a more powerful External Speedlight flash unit.
Compatible with Optional GPS (GPS-1): allowing you to record the exact location (latitude and longitude) of images as a ‘geotag’.
SD card compatible: increase storage capacity by using SD cards (SDHC, SDXC and UHS-I compliant) to save your images and movies.
Additional Key Features of the P330
High ISO (100-6400) light sensitivity (manually extendable up to 12800 using the Hi2 setting): enables faster shutter speeds for finely detailed images with minimal noise when you shoot fast-moving subjects or take pictures in low light.
Auto HDR mode: capture images with impressive tonal detail in any situation when you shoot in HDR mode. The camera combines two shots taken at different exposures during a single shutter release to create an image with wide dynamic range and rich color gradation.
High-speed continuous shooting: shoot up to 10 full-resolution shots at 10 fps, or up to 30 full-resolution shots at 1 fps.
Fast and accurate AF: when you want to capture complex subjects, you can shoot with a 99-point autofocus system for extra-sharp results.
Subject Tracking AF: capture sharp shots of subjects that can’t or won’t stay still. Subject Tracking AF keeps the camera focused on the selected subject even if it is moving around.
Retouch menu: enhance your photos on the spot with a wide range of filter effects. Examples include Selective Color, which converts your image to monochrome and then adds a splash of the color of your choice, while Cross Screen adds a starry effect to bright objects.
20 scene modes: automatically optimize the camera settings for popular photographic styles, effects and locations. Achieve great shots just by selecting the mode that matches your situation.
EXPEED C2: Nikon’s fast and powerful image processing system provides high-speed operation, enhanced movie recording, high-sensitivity performance and maximum image quality.
* Requires installation of the Nikon ‘Wireless Mobile Utility’ application (iOS and Android™ compatible) on your smart device.
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Glyn Ridgers Photography 