Nikon Coolpix P3 features include - 8.1 megapixels, 2.5 inch LCD, Wi-Fi, 10 step aperture priority mode, vibration reduction, in camera red eye fix, face priority auto focus, D lighting lightens dark pictures, and 200 shot EN-EL5 battery and charger.
Nikon Coolpix P3 Spec Sheet
[Nikon Coolpix P3 Specs at Nikon]
Nikon Coolpix P3 Owners Manual
[Nikon Coolpix P3 Users Manual]
Nikon Coolpix P3 Sample Pictures
[Sample Photos at Cameras.co.uk]
[Sample Photos at Pocket-lint]
[Sample Pictures at DP Review]
[Sample Pictures at DP Interface]
[Sample Pictures at Steve's Digicams]
[Sample Pictures at Photoxels]
Nikon Coolpix P3 User Reviews
[Nikon Coolpix P3 User Reviews at Photography Review]
Read More Nikon Coolpix P3
Imaging Resource - 10/18/2006 - has reviewed the 8 megapixel Nikon Coolpix P3 and they write - “While it’s easy enough for a beginner to capture great images, the real attraction of the Nikon Coolpix P3 is you can go a bit beyond its automatic control; creating rather than merely capturing images. Nikon’s Feature System helps the novice use the Coolpix P3, but tools like Vibration Reduction and fast shot-to-shot options make more choices available to anyone who turns them on. And with Wireless G transfers and printing, the Nikon Coolpix P3 is convenient and fun, too. Not a bad feature set to pack in your pocket or purse, and certainly a Dave’s Pick for its image quality, solid styling and enough options to make the Nikon Coolpix P3 a serious power photo tool.”
Photography Review - 8/30/2006 - has reviewed the 8 megapixel Nikon Coolpix P3 and they write - “Nikon’s Coolpix P3 is a proficient compact digital camera that produces pleasing 8-megapixel images at low ISO’s and good quality movies. Beginning digital photographers will enjoy the P3’s Auto and Scene modes. More advanced users will likely be disappointed with the camera’s lack of manual control and image quality at higher ISO’s. The WiFi and VR are a nice additions but I wouldn’t recommend purchasing the camera based on those features.”
Cameras.co.uk - 8/4/2006 - has posted a new review of the 8 megapixel Nikon Coolpix P3 and they write - “The Nikon Coolpix P3 is a solid if slightly unspectacular digital camera. It has eight megapixels, image stabilisation and also offers WiFi connectivity. Everything appear to be in the right place and picture quality is good as well.”
HardwareZone - 07/12/2006 - has a new review of the 8 megapixel Nikon Coolpix P3 and ws impressed with its “vibration reduction” system -
“To sum up, the P3 is a pretty handy camera that is well capable of helping you capture precious memories in vivid digital impressions. Of course, the noteworthy points are the VR modes and Wi-Fi connection, which considering its small and highly manageable form for ease of use when on the go.”
Pocket-lint - 07/04/2006 - has posted a new review of the 8 megapixel Nikon Coolpix P3 and think the camera is easy to use, has a good design and control layout, stylish, and plenty of advanced modes -
“Overall, image quality is superb, some frame filling shots of colourful rugs are so detailed and sharp that even stray carpet fibers are clearly defined in the photos.”
DP Review - 06/20/2006 - has posted a new review of the 8 megapixel Nikon Coolpix P3 and think the camera delivers pictures that way too soft and flat. They continue to write -
“The P3 is a better designed and more capable camera than the model it replaces. Ultimately though, for the majority of the target market, the images aren’t punchy enough, the shutter lag is way too slow for a 2006 model and - most importantly - the number of excellent alternatives from Nikon’s competitors, means the P3 will be of fairly limited appeal. A good camera, but unfortunately not a great camera, and one that just misses out on a recommendation, not because the final picture quality is poor, but because it can be quite a challenge getting there.
“Sadly, the P3 also has the same weaknesses as the P4 - namely poor battery life, no high sensitivity options and slow performance. Despite the limited manual controls, over aperture that is (among other things), there’s still no full manual mode or shutter speed control here. There’s no live histogram either. Thankfully for the new user, a wagon full of scene modes and built-in camera help are available.
Zone Numerique, - 05/29/2006 - a French site (Google translated) has completed their analysis of the 8 megapixel Nikon Coolpix P3 and they write - “Nikon Coolpix P3 is an apparatus which expresses all the know-how of Nikon in photography, ergonomics, optics and electronics. The ideal chart shows all the innovations of the moment: sensor 8 mégapixels, stabilized zoom, Wifi connectivity, large screen 2,5 “, D-Lighting, etc the list is long and the product is with final very effective. Its photographs are in the line of Coolpix 7900, that is to say excellent, and there is hardly but the unwanted noise which will come to waste a little the festival with 400 ISO. Side completion, it is great luxury.
DC Resource - 05/18/2006 - has completed their analysis of 8 megapixel Nikon Coolpix P3 and liked it but didn’t love it. they write -
“Camera performance was average in most areas, with decent but unremarkable startup, focus, and shutter lag numbers. Shot-to-shot speeds, battery life, and the P3’s continuous shooting mode were average as well. While the camera has an AF-assist lamp, I was frustrated with the difficulties I had getting the camera to focus in low light situations.
CNET - 05/10/2006 - has completed their analysis of Nikon’s Coolpix P3 and other than limited Wi-Fi capability the camera rates a strong 7 out of 10. “Like its older siblings, the P1 and P2, the Nikon Coolpix P3 has a limited Wi-Fi capability and excellent image quality. Better value and quicker performance can be found in the company’s non wireless offerings.
Steve’s Digicams - 04/14/2006 - has reviewed the Nikon’s Coolpix P3 and here’s the verdict -
“Nikon’s Coolpix P3 is a capable compact digicam that produces good quality 8-megapixel images and VGA sized movies. Beginners will enjoy its fully automatic and scene assist modes, while intermediate users will be able to get creative with Aperture priority and the range of adjustments available in Programmed auto mode.
Digital Camera Review - 04/02/2006 - has reviewed the 8 megapixel Nikon’s Coolpix P3 and here is their conclusion - “The Nikon Coolpix P3 is a high-quality camera targeted at the photographer who wants a bit more control over their shots. Its sister, the Coolpix P4, is identical except that it doesn’t have WiFi capability. Nikon has managed to provide easy access to camera settings by using the mode dial to change ISO, white balance, etc. Keeping them on the mode dial prevents the camera from getting too “buttony” and losing the ease of use for people who want to have simple operation.”
Photoxels - 03/22/2006 - has completed their review of the Nikon’s Coolpix P3 and they write - “The Nikon Coolpix P3 is point-and-shoot easy to use and, if you are an advanced amateur photographer, you now have Aperture-Priority mode to give you more control. Program Shift in Programmed Auto mode also adds more control. The Nikon P3 is just packed-full of practical features like VR that actually help you take better pictures and built-in Wi-Fi technology that increases the enjoyment of using the camera. Don’t make a purchase decision before trying out this camera first!”
Nikon Coolpix P3 Initial Press Summary
Nikon COOLPIX P3 / P4
Higher performance, further functionality and extended photo enjoyment in attractive body Tokyo – Nikon Corporation has further expanded its family of compact digital cameras with the introduction of the COOLPIX P3 and COOLPIX P4 models. Both combine an exceptional 8.1 megapixels of resolution with an array of advanced features, marking a leap forward in picture-taking enjoyment.
The COOLPIX P3 and P4 feature a 1/1.8-inch CCD and, because they offer 8.1 effective megapixels of image resolution, both cameras deliver outstanding imaging power that’s not only enough to show beautiful skin texture and capture the myriad colours of the human eye. It also means shots stay breathtakingly clear even when significantly enlarged.
Both models incorporate a high-quality 3.5x Zoom-Nikkor lens with a focal range equivalent to that of a 36-126mm lens in 35mm format. This provides ample opportunity to zoom in for close compositions, zoom right out to capture breathtaking scenery and even enjoy macro shooting from as close as 4cm.
Perhaps the most exciting element of the COOLPIX P3 and P4, however, is the inclusion of Nikon’s innovative VR (Vibration Reduction) capability. Originally developed for Nikon SLRs, lens shift VR capability is available in two modes that compensate for camera movement to realize a shooting experience akin to shooting at shutter speeds three stops faster.
VR Normal compensates for the minor movements that can happen all too easily during handheld shooting, while VR Active compensates for more pronounced movements – so you can even achieve rock-steady results while shooting from a moving vehicle, for example. Allowing photographers to shoot without blurring in lower light or when taking handheld macro shots, VR also extends to movie shooting ,and even helps support faster framing on the large 2.5-inch 150,000-dot LCD.
Delivering further photographic fun and freedom through built-in Wi-Fi capability, the COOLPIX P3 offers IEEE 802.11b/g LAN support. Surprisingly easy to set up and use, it lets users send images instantly to a selected computer as soon as they’re taken, or alternately send all images stored on memory to a computer in one go. Wireless freedom also extends to printing too, so users can carry out cable-free printing to PictBridge-compatible printers*.
A range of advanced imaging features make the COOLPIX P3 and P4 stand out from other compact digital cameras, giving photographers greater control to produce shots that match their discreet personal tastes. The 11 wide-area AF delivers more accurate autofocus by analysing a larger area of the frame so photographers can experiment with more imaginative compositions. For example, with main subjects positioned away from the centre or with multiple subjects, they can still be assured of crisp, sharp results.
Both cameras offer Aperture-priority Auto mode to let photographers benefit from aperture control in 1/3EV steps, so they can select large apertures for attractive background blurring or stop down to small apertures to extend crisp focus into the distance – all while the camera automatically selects the most appropriate shutter speed for optimized exposure.
For all kinds of shooting, an on-screen histogram provides analytical assistance for exposure. Surprisingly easy to understand, it displays shadow levels on the left and highlight levels on the right of the large LCD, so users can avoid under- and overexposure before they even press the shutter.
There’s also a range of Advanced Scene modes (9 Advanced Scene modes; 7 Scene modes) that help photographers capture a single scene with entirely different moods through the use of three effects that vary brightness, colour intensity, sharpness, noise reduction and more.
Helping photographers capture the action as it happens, the COOLPIX P3 and P4 also feature continuous shooting at up to 1.8 frames per second. This capability is also complemented by 5-shot buffer shooting that allows users to keep shooting in a continuous burst and have the camera record the last five images taken. Such functionality can be great when trying to capture an event that could happen imminently.
The COOLPIX P3 and P4 make it easy to shoot movies with sound, with a choice of three modes offering up to 30fps performance. There’s also a Time-lapse movie mode that uses pictures shot with the Interval timer shooting function to create a movie in which the action appears speeded up.
Images can even be improved in-camera through the use of three innovative Nikon functions. Face-priority AF** cleverly detects people’s faces to achieve sharp focus on them, no matter where they happen to be located in the frame. In-Camera Red-Eye Fix helps users make red-eye a thing of the past by detecting the annoying red-eye effect that can sometimes occur in flash photography and providing automatic compensation for more flattering, natural-looking portraits in low light. There’s also Nikon’s unique D-Lighting function, available in playback mode, which can improve underexposed images or shots taken with too much back light by creating a copy of an image with added light and detail wherever necessary, leaving well-exposed areas exactly as they were.
Operation of the COOLPIX P3 and P4 is exceptionally smooth and user-friendly. Icons are clearer and have optimal proportions, users can opt to select functions by either name or icon, and all menus and icons have been created with a new colour scheme that’s easier on the eye.
Design-wise, the COOLPIX P3 and P4 have been made even more desirable with exterior lines that convey a distinct air of simplicity and quality, yet which feel comfortable in the hand. The use of aluminum throughout the exterior builds on this sense of quality, while the lens and grip sections have been given a flatter, space-efficient form. Furthermore, various different materials have been incorporated into the design to provide visually appealing contrast.
Like all COOLPIX cameras, the P3 and P4 come bundled with Nikon’s complimentary and exclusive PictureProject software. Now featuring easy-to-use Wireless Camera Setup Utility, which uses a simple Wizard that will configure the cameras for wireless operation for use with the COOLPIX P3, PictureProject adds even more possibilities to digital photography. Complete with an interface that is as elegant as it is simple, it makes for simple image editing and supports easy image organization and sharing, while compatibility with a range of plug-ins lets users add exciting new capabilities on demand.
- Requires optionally available Wireless Printer Adapter PD-10. ** Face recognition capability may be limited in some shooting conditions.
Sales release schedule: This camera is scheduled for release in February 2006. Note: Specifications, design, product name, standard accessories, and release schedule may differ by country or area.
Nikon COOLPIX P3/P4 Feature Highlights
Vibration Reduction
The COOLPIX P3 and P4 feature the VR (Vibration Reduction) system originally developed for Nikon SLR cameras. Comprising two modes, it allows selection of VR Normal mode that compensates for the minor camera movement commonly encountered when taking handheld shots, and VR Active mode that compensates for more pronounced movements, such as when shooting from a moving vehicle. Providing a shooting experience akin to shooting at shutter speeds three stops faster, it enables photographers to shoot without blurring in lower light, keeps subjects clear when panning, and also helps support faster framing on the LCD. What’s more, the benefits of VR (Normal mode) assurance also extend to movie shooting so users can capture action with welcome stability.
Built-in Wi-Fi capability
The COOLPIX P3 comes with built-in Wi-Fi capability that’s easy to set up and virtually effortless to operate. Adding greater freedom and versatility to compact digital photography, such IEEE 802.11b/g support means users can send individual images from the camera to a computer the moment they are shot. Users can also send a whole batch of images to a computer simultaneously and even carry out cable-free printing with PictBridge-compatible printers*. * Requires optionally available Wireless Printer Adapter PD-10.
Advanced imaging features
The COOLPIX P3 and P4 also offer a range of imaging capabilities extending beyond the norm. Covering a broader area of the frame, 11 wide-area AF achieves better results in more diverse compositions – leaving photographers free to concentrate on the shot while the camera automatically achieves superior, sharp focus. Advanced Scene modes allow photographers to produce pictures better suited to their own personal tastes - offering a choice of three effects that vary brightness, color intensity, sharpness, noise reduction and more so that the same scene can be captured to convey entirely different moods. The COOLPIX P3 and P4 also offer the versatility of Aperture-priority Auto mode, which gives photographers control over aperture while the camera automatically selects the optimal corresponding shutter speeds, so users can choose larger apertures to achieve attractive background blur, for example, or select a smaller aperture to extend sharp detail into the distance.
Features for in-camera image correction
The COOLPIX P3 and P4 feature a selection of three Nikon innovations that give the photographer the ability to actually improve the quality of images in-camera. The Face-priority AF* function has the ability to cleverly locate the presence of human faces in the frame and then provide optimized focus accordingly for sharper portraits time after time. In-Camera Red-Eye Fix helps to eradicate the annoying red-eye effect that can sometimes be encountered during flash photography by detecting red eyes in the shot and compensating automatically. There’s also D-Lighting, which can improve underexposed images or shots taken with too much back light by creating a copy of a selected image with light and detail automatically added wherever necessary and well-exposed areas left exactly as they are. * Face recognition capability may be limited in some shooting conditions.
Nikon COOLPIX P3/P4 Other Features
Highly compact dimensions of (W x H x D) 92 x 61 x 31mm (3.6 x 2.4 x 1.2 in.) excluding projections Carry-anywhere light weight of approx. 170g (5.6 oz.) (without battery and SD memory card) USB connectivity enables fast data transfer to computers and other peripheral Battery Charger MH-61 supplied Ample 23MB (approx.) of internal memory, SD Card compatibility BSS (Best Shot Selector) identifies and saves the sharpest image automatically from ten sequential shots Date Search function makes it easy to locate a desired shot Menu available in a choice of 20 languages: German/English/Spanish/French/Italian/Dutch/Swedish/Japanese/ Simplified Chinese/Traditional Chinese/Korean/Russian/Thai/ Portuguese/Polish/Indonesian/Finnish/Danish/Norwegian/Czech Rechargeable EN-EL5 Li-ion Battery (supplied) can shoot approx . 200 shots on a single charge Direct printing with PictBridge-compatible printers via USB cable Macro Mode lets users compose as close as 4cm from the subject Noise Reduction produces better results when shooting in low light Time zone function enables the camera clock to be set to local time, anywhere in the world 4x digital zoom extends compositional freedom Continuous shooting at up to 1.8fps Choice of White Balance: Auto with TTL control, 7-mode manual (Direct sunlight, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Cloudy, Shade, Flash and White Bal. Preset
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