K
klaus harms
Guest
Tokyo — Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of the COOLPIX S3, one of the new “S series” of highly portable COOLPIX cameras. Hot on the heels of the exceptionally popular COOLPIX S1 and COOLPIX S2, the COOLPIX S3 has a slim, elegant ultra-portable design made possible by Nikon superior engineering. Furthermore, it offers the higher shooting performance of 6.0 effective megapixels and features innovative Nikon functions that enable the user to improve images in-camera.
The aluminum exterior makes the COOLPIX S3 every bit as comfortable in the hand as it is attractive to the eye. What’s more, it’s also available in a range of appealing colors comprising Ivory white, Matte black, Brown red and Platinum silver*. And despite packing a powerful 35-105mm 3x Zoom-Nikkor ED lens† (35mm equivalent), the COOLPIX S3 retains a surprisingly slim depth of just 19.7mm. The lens also makes use of Nikon’s “right-angled” optics system, which enables the lens to function throughout its focal range without ever protruding from the camera body. A large, bright 2.5-inch LCD monitor does away with the need for a viewfinder, while making it easy to playback shots on the spot. And the COOLPIX S3 also offers extremely easy operation, with a choice of Graphic User Interface (GUI) that gives the user the ability to select functions by either name or icon, and a handy HELP button that displays easy-to-understand explanations for functions on the main menu. Furthermore, all information can be displayed in the user’s choice of 12 different languages.
Designed to deliver swift and efficient performance, the COOLPIX S3 lets the user take up to 190 shots (approx.) with a single Rechargeable Battery EN-EL8 (based on CIPA standard‡), while delivering a speedy start-up time of just 1 second (approx.) and continuous shooting at up to 1.6fps (approx.). Together these factors mean the user is ready to shoot more of the time to capture unexpected moments.
A range of exciting Nikon features makes it possible to improve recorded images in-camera, producing pleasing shots even in challenging conditions. The D-Lighting function, for example, can be easily selected in Playback Mode to rescue shots with insufficient exposure. Allowing the user to select shots taken with insufficient flash or excessive backlighting, this function automatically creates a copy of the shot with added detail and light wherever necessary. Nikon’s clever Face-priority AF function is available in Portrait Mode. Automatically detecting the presence of a human face in the frame, this function then achieves sharp focus accordingly to produce pleasing portraits, regardless of where the subject is located in the shot. The COOLPIX S3 also features the In-Camera Red-Eye Fix function, which has the ability to detect the red-eye effect that can sometimes be caused by flash, then automatically corrects for it in-camera. The COOLPIX S3 is additionally equipped with the convenient Blur Warning function. Assisting the achievement of the best possible results, it alerts users whenever an image has been affected by camera shake, giving them the chance to recompose and shoot again before leaving the scene.
The COOLPIX S3 also comes complete with the COOL-STATION MV-11/MV-11B. More than a mere charging cradle, the COOL-STATION allows batteries to be charged while they are still in the camera and provides a direct USB connection to a computer. What’s more, it can also be connected to a TV or straight to a compatible printer for PictBridge-enabled printing that does away with the need to use a computer.
Making operation even easier still, the COOLPIX S3 offers a range of Scene Modes that make it simple to achieve pleasing results in a wide range of common shooting situations. There are an impressive 17 different Scene Modes to choose from in all. Four of them feature Scene Assist, which makes composition a cinch and one of the Scene Modes is the Underwater Scene Mode, which achieves true-to-life colors when used in combination with the optional Waterproof Case WP-CP5§. Operation of all of these Scene Modes is as simple as ever — just select the mode most appropriate for the shot you want to take and let the COOLPIX S3 automatically select all the optimal settings.
Featuring 12MB of internal memory, the COOLPIX S3 lets users go on shooting even if they are not carrying any memory media. Such internal memory also makes it possible for users to transfer images between SD memory cards. The COOLPIX S3 has the ability to shoot high-quality movies too, offering four different movie modes with 15fps performance — three with sound, plus a Time-lapse mode that allows you to capture action taking place over longer durations.
Taking the fun and versatility even further still, the COOLPIX S3 also comes complete with Nikon’s proprietary PictureProject software — making it easy to edit, organize and share images with a wide range of user-friendly functions.
* Color availability varies according to region.
† Nikon’s ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass offers superior sharpness and optimal color correction.
‡ Industry standard for measuring life of camera batteries. Measured at 25ºC (77ºF); zoom adjusted with each shot, built-in flash fired with every other shot, image mode set to Normal.
§ Not available in some countries or areas.
Note: Specifications, design, product name, standard accessories, and release schedule may differ by country or area.
Nikon COOLPIX S3 Feature Highlights
High-level performance in a slim, stylish body
The latest in the new “S series” of COOLPIX compact digital cameras, the COOLPIX S3 features the same attractive design, smooth lines and practical aluminum casing as its predecessors, making it a pleasure to own as well as use. What’s more, it offers impressive 6.0 effective-megapixel shooting performance and features a powerful 35-105mm 3x Zoom-Nikkor ED lens (35mm equivalent) that can function throughout its entire focal range without protruding from the camera body as a result of employing Nikon’s innovative “right-angled” optics system.
More efficiency means more shots
Delivering exceptional energy efficiency, the COOLPIX S3 can take up to 190 shots with a single EN-EL8 rechargeable battery, so users spend more time shooting and less time charging.
Fast, responsive performance
The COOLPIX S3 has also been specially designed to offer accelerated performance. Starting up in only 1 second (approx.) and offering continuous shooting at up to 1.6fps (approx.), it makes it much easier for users to capture unexpected moments.
Innovations to improve images in-camera
The COOLPIX S3 features a range of unique Nikon functions that enable the user to improve images automatically, in-camera. The D-Lighting function can be selected in Playback mode to rescue images with insufficient exposure — allowing the user to choose shots with excessive backlight or insufficient flash, it automatically creates a copy of such shots with added light and detail wherever necessary. Available in Portrait mode, the Face-priority AF function automatically detects human faces in the frame to achieve sharp focus regardless of where the subject is located in the shot. In-Camera Red-Eye Fix detects the unfortunate red-eye effect that can sometimes be caused by flash and compensates for it automatically to produce more satisfying portraits in low-light conditions. The COOLPIX S3 also features a Blur Warning function too, which lets the user know when a shot has been compromised by camera shake, allowing him or her to recompose and shoot again before leaving the scene.
Nikon COOLPIX S3 Other Features
Highly portable dimensions of 89.9 x 57.5 x 19.7mm (3.5 x 2.3 x 0.8 in.) (W x H x D)
Minimized weight of approximately 118g (4 oz.) (without battery and memory card)
BSS (Best Shot Selector) identifies and saves the best exposure automatically from up to 10 sequential shots
4 of the 17 Scene Modes offer Scene Assist (Portrait, Night Portrait, Sports, Landscape)
Noise Reduction produces clearer results during use of Dusk/Dawn and Night landscape modes
Time zone function makes it easy for users to set the camera to local time, anywhere in the world
Voice recording Mode saves up to 29 minutes of audio, or up to 5 hours with a 256 MB SD card
All buttons are located on the camera back for convenient, easy access
4x digital zoom offers further compositional freedom
Single AF and Continuous AF are available for selection in Movie Mode
Choice of White Balance: Auto with TTL control, 5-mode manual (Daylight, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Cloudy and Flash) and Preset
Playback options: Single, 4- and 9-segment thumbnail, Slideshow
Built-in flash: features settings for Auto, Auto with Red-eye Reduction (In-Camera Red-Eye Fix), Anytime flash, Flash cancel and Slow sync.
Nikon Digital Camera COOLPIX S3 Specifications
Type Compact digital camera
Effective pixels 6.0 million
CCD 1/2.5-inch type (6.4 million total pixels)
Image modes High (2816*), Normal (2816), Normal (2048), PC (1024), TV (640)
Lens 3x Zoom-Nikkor ED; 5.8-17.4mm (35mm [135] format equivalent to 35-105mm); f/3.0-5.4; 12 elements in 10 groups; Digital zoom: up to 4x
Focus range 30cm (12 in.) to infinity (8), 4cm (1.6 in.) to infinity (8) in Macro Mode
LCD monitor 2.5-inch type, 110,000-dot TFT LCD monitor with brightness adjustment
Storage Media Internal memory: approx. 12MB, SD memory card
Shooting Modes Auto, Scene Assist (Portrait, Landscape, Sports, Night portrait), Scene (Party/Indoor, Beach/Snow, Sunset, Dusk/Dawn, Night landscape, Close up, Museum, Fireworks show, Copy, Back light, Panorama assist, Voice Recording, Underwater), BSS (Best Shot Selector), Color Options, Blur Warning, Date Imprint, Self-timer (10 sec.)
Movie With sound: TV movie (640) at 15fps, Small size (320) at 15fps, Smaller size (160) at 15fps; Without sound: Time-lapse movie at 15fps
Capture modes 1) Single, 2) Continuous (approx. 1.6fps), 3) Multi-shot 16 (16 frames 1/16 in size)
Number of frames
(w/ Internal memory)
6M: High (2816*) approx. 4, Normal (2816) approx. 9, 3M: Normal (2048) approx. 16
Built-in flash Range: 0.3-2.5m/ 1 ft. – 8 ft. 2 in. (W), 0.3-1.4m/ 1 ft. – 4 ft. 7 in. (T); Flash modes: Auto, Auto with Red-eye Reduction (In-Camera Red-Eye Fix), Flash cancel, Anytime flash and Slow sync.
Interface
(via COOL-STATION MV-11/MV-11B):
USB, Audio Video output
Supported languages German/ English/ Spanish/ French/ Italian/ Dutch/ Swedish/ Japanese/ Simplified Chinese/ Traditional Chinese/ Korean/ Russian selectable in menu display
Power requirements One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL8 (supplied), AC Adapter EH-63 (supplied)
Battery life (approx.) Approx. 190 shots with Rechargeable Battery EN-EL8 (based on CIPA standard*)
Dimensions (W x H x D) Approx. 89.9 x 57.5 x 19.7mm (3.5 x 2.3 x 0.8 in.)
Weight Approx. 118g (4 oz.) (without battery and memory card)
Supplied Accessories† COOL-STATION MV-11/MV-11B, Strap, USB Cable UC-E10, Audio Video Cable EG-E5000, AC Adapter EH-63, Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL8, PictureProject CD-ROM
Optional Accessories COOL-STATION MV-11/MV-11B, USB Cable UC-E10, Audio Video Cable EG-E5000, AC Adapter EH-63, Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL8, Battery Charger MH-62, Waterproof Case WP-CP5‡
* Industry standard for measuring life of camera batteries. Measured at 25°C (77°F); zoom adjusted with each shot, built-in flash fired with every other shot, image mode set to Normal.
† Supplied accessories may differ by country or area.
‡ Not available in some countries or areas.
PictureProject System Requirements
OS Macintosh: Mac® OS X version 10.1.5 or later (version 10.2.8 or later required for Burn Disc option)
Windows: Windows® XP Home Edition / Professional, Windows® 2000 Professional, Windows® Me, Windows® 98SE pre-installed models
RAM Macintosh: 64MB or more recommended
Windows: 64MB or more recommended (128MB with muvee option)
Hard disk 60MB required for installation
Display 800 x 600 or more with 16-bit color (full color recommended)
Others CD-ROM drive required for installation
Only built-in USB ports are supported
Microsoft® and Windows® are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Macintosh® and QuickTime® are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Apple Computer Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. The FotoNation logo is a trademark. The SD logo is a trademark. PictBridge is a trademark. D-Lighting technology is provided by Apical Limited. Face-priority AF technology is provided by Identix®. Products and brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
Specifications and equipment are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer. September 2005
©2005 Nikon Corporation