Nikon touts improved versatility in its new Coolpix compacts

(Credit: Kenzi Ong/CNET)

Nikon has just announced four new compact cameras, the Coolpix P600, P340, P530, and AW120.

One of the key-enabling technologies for these shooters is a newly-developed advanced digital zoom function known as Dynamic Fine Zoom, which, unlike regular digital zoom, uses a special software algorithm to retain the image clarity.

A new fast-charge function reportedly shortens the time taken to fully charge the battery by as much as 60 percent in some models. The new Nikon Coolpixes now come with a micro-USB socket so users can juice up these cameras using the same portable battery pack for their mobile devices.

Except for the P530 that uses an optional adapter, integrated Wi-Fi connectivity provides wireless image transfer and remote operation through a free smartphone app. 1080p video recording at a frame rate of 30fps is also supported across all models.

The new Nikon Coolpix range is expected to launch in Singapore by the end of February with pricing to be confirmed.

Nikon Coolpix P600

The P600 has a 16.1-megapixel (MP) sensor and an articulated LCD display.
(Credit: Nikon)

The P600 features an all-new Nikkor lens with a super ED glass element, which is typically found in dSLRs, making it a first in Nikon’s range of compact cameras.

With 60x optical lens and Dynamic Fine Zoom, the P600 boasts an impressive 24mm to 2,880mm zoom range, though auto focusing (AF) was slower at higher magnification during our brief testing. However, this can be somewhat mitigated using an inbuilt manual-focusing mode.

This model is fairly lightweight at 565g and comes in black and red.

The Bird-Watching and Moon shooting modes automatically set the optimal aperture and shutter speed to help capture the fine details from afar.
(Credit: Nikon)

The P600 is great for landscape photography as its extensive focal length allows you to capture from different perspectives.
(Credit: Nikon)

Nikon Coolpix P340

The P340 has a 12.1MP sensor and a clean, sleek design.
(Credit: Nikon)

One of the major highlights of the P340 is its brighter F1.8 lens, which outclasses other comparable models in low-light performance according to the company. Furthermore, the ISO setting has been bumped up to 12,800.

A built-in Neutral Density (ND) filter also enables users to achieve more accurate exposure without compromising bokeh. The P340 is available in black and white.

The P340 allows macro shooting as close as approximately 2cm.
(Credit: Nikon)

Nikon Coolpix P530

The P530 has a 16.1MP sensor.
(Credit: Nikon)

The P530 appears to be a stepped-down version of the P600, featuring a 42x zoom lens and Dynamic Fine Zoom that still offers an extended 24mm to 2,000mm range. To take full advantage of the powerful zoom, this model also boasts a backside-illuminated (BSI) sensor and onboard vibration reduction.

On the other hand, macro shooting is available from as close as 1cm. The P530 weighs slightly lighter than the P600 at 494g and is available in black.

The P530 offers substantial zoom range.
(Credit: Nikon)

Nikon Coolpix AW120

The AW120 has a 16.1MP sensor and has supportive outdoor functions such as an altimeter and depth gauge.
(Credit: Nikon)

Like its predecessor, the ruggedized AW120 is waterproofed up to 18m deep, can withstand falls from around 2m high, and operates at temperatures as low as -10 degree Celsius. However, Nikon has given this model a brighter F2.8 lens and a new Pre-AF function.

Instead of standard contrast detection-based AF processing , Pre-AF works by detecting the camera movement to acquire proper focusing faster.

The onboard mapping system has also been improved and now supports Russian-based Glonass GPS network and over 220 million points of interest.

The AW120 is easily portable at 213g and comes in black, blue, orange, and a camouflage scheme.

The F2.8 lens allows for brighter close-ups with shallow depth-of-field.
(Credit: Nikon)

The new Save Location function lets you register up to 30 shooting locations on a map.
(Credit: Nikon)

Nikon touts improved versatility in its new Coolpix compacts