14 DAY TRIAL // Compact digital cameras are becoming obsolete as the mirrorless market continues growing and offering customers a wide range of choices for almost any budget.
Although this segment of the market is on decline, companies like Sony, Canon or Nikon have already announced a few bridge and compact camera models on the first day of CES 2014 in Las Vegas.
Besides the new entry-level D3300 DSLR and the four new COOLPIX L-series cameras, the Nippon giant has also announced 5 COOLPIX S-series digital cameras (S6800, S6700, S5300, S3600 and S2800) today, which aim the low-end consumer segment.
The new Nikon S6800 comes equipped with a 16MP 1/2.3'' CMOS sensor, 25-300mm (35mm equivalent) 12x optical zoom lens and up to 99-Point Autofocus. Moreover, the camera is capable of capturing 1080i Full HD video footage at 30 frames per second and has a high ISO sensitivity of up to ISO6,400.
The S5300 comes with a slim body that packs the same 16MP 1/2.3'' CMOS sensor and a smaller 8x optical zoom lens (25-200mm), but is also capable of capturing 1080i Full HD video footage like the S6800. Both models come with built-in Wi-Fi that allows you to easily share your pictures and videos on any smart device, as well as control the cameras remotely via smartphone or tablet.
Nikon S6700 features a 20.1MP image sensor and a 25-250mm optical zoom lens that allows you to take superior quality images. The camera can also use Dynamic Fine Zoom to increase its range up to 20x.
COOLPIX S3600 has the same 20.1MP image sensor as the S6700 and benefits from a 8x optical zoom NIKKOR lens that can double its reach using the Dynamic Fine Zoom feature. The camera also packs over 50 different special effects that give you the possibility to quickly edit your images as you see fit.
All the aforementioned cameras come with 4-axis vibration reduction that compensates camera shake and helps you get clear, sharp images in almost any shooting conditions.
As for the S2800, Nikon prepared a 20.1MP CCD sensor, 5x optical zoom lens, a wide variety of picture effects and will probably be the cheapest of them all.
Nikon S6800, S6700, S5300, S3600 and S2800 cameras are now available for pre-order at select retailers, at a price of $219 / €161 for the S6800, $179 / €131 for the S5300 and $139 / €102 for the S3600. Nikon S6700 and S2800 prices are yet to be announced.
