As I've been predicting for awhile, Nikon announced a refresh of their Coolpix lineup. Apparently Nikon seems to think quantity is the answer (they announced 9 Coolpix models in 2004, 12 in 2005, 14 in 2006, and now 16 in 2007). Unfortunately, the latest group once again seems less than inspiring:
- P5100 (replaces the P5000) gets 12mp and the EXPEED image processing. Improved face-priority AF (on the camera with the most manual override?), but once again no raw files.
- P50 is a new camera modeled after the P5000/5100 but with only 8mp/EXPEED, software VR, a few less features, and uses AA batteries. It does have a 28mm lens, though.
- S700 is a 12mp/EXPEED, sensor-based VR in a small body.
- S510 is an 8mp/EXPEED update of the S500 with lens-shift VR that comes in silver, pink, and urban black. The press release makes a big deal about the "world's fastest response" (power-up of 0.7 seconds, shutter lag of .0005 seconds, and "high speed auto focus," features shared with a few other models.
- The S51/S51c are 8mp/EXPEED updates of the S50/S50c, with essentially the same updates at the other updated cameras (menu tweaks, AF tweaks, speed tweaks, etc.).
- The L14/L15 are the new entry-level Coolpix. Biggest claim: long battery life (1000 images out of two lithium AA).
Is improving the autofocus speed, adding the EXPEED processing system, and making minor tweaks enough to catapult the Coolpix line back into competetiveness? No. The Performance models (P prefix) need wider lenses and raw storage at a minimum. The Style models (S) need more style ;~). The entry models (L) are very me-too and uncompelling. And lithium AA batteries are expensive, so that seems the antithesis of what should be in the lowest cost camera.
Overall, I don't see these Coolpix models stealing any compact camera market share from Canon's offerings. The next round of Coolpix, just like the last three generations, needs some pizazz that sets them apart form the crowd.