Nikon Rolls Out Coolpix P300 and P500 High-End Compact Digital Cameras

Beside the super-thin ultra-zoom camera we've already talked about, Nikon's Spring 2011 lineup also includes the P500 and P300 high-end compact digital cameras, both of which offer advanced photo shooting capabilities, designed for those wanting to learn more about photography without taking the step to a full-fledged DSLR.

The first product we'll talk about, namely the P300 camera, comes equipped with a NIKKOR lens featuring a fast f/1.8 aperture and a 4.2x zoom, as well as Nikon's High Refractive lndex glass to deliver sharp images with high contrast.

Moreover, the camera sports a 12.2 megapixel back illuminated CMOS image sensor and offers full manual controls with four exposure models, plus full HD video recording via a dedicated button.

The P500, on the other hand, designed to replace the P100 bridge camera, touts an impressive 36x zoom, as well as an ultra 22.5mm wide-angle to 810mm super-telephoto lens, Hybrid VR (Sensor-shift and Electronic Vibration Reduction), High ISO (up to 3200), Full HD video recording and plenty of other extras on the side.

Sander van Velzen, Product Manager for Consumer Products at Nikon Europe comments: "Discerning photography enthusiasts will love the new P300: not only does it look good, but the newly-developed super bright f/1.8, 24mm1 wide angle zoom lens produces stunning, true-to-life images with outstanding resolution and detail.”

“Meanwhile, the P500 has a versatility that fans of its predecessor will recognize, but offers an even bigger range, with 36x zoom from 22.5mm ultra wide-angle to 810mm super-telephoto coverage,” added Mr. van Velzen.

Given the features the provide, it shouldn't come as much of a surprise that these new P-series cameras are actually pretty expensive, the Coolpix P300 selling for around 300 pounds sterling/348 Euro starting with the 17'th of March, while the P500 will hit the shelves on the 3'rd of March for around 400 pounds sterling/464 Euro.