Nikon Introduces 3 Ultra-Zooms

2016.02.24

Nikon keeps delivering new and interesting cameras this year. Today, their first press release shows 3 new ultra-zooms part of 2 new Coolpix series of compact digital cameras. These models are all based on a standard-size 1/2.3" CMOS sensor which lets them pack incredibly long zooms relative to their size.

The Nikon Coolpix A900 is a travel-zoom with an unprecedented reach of 35X for a compact digital camera. At only 4cm thick, the A900 manages to fit a lens covering 24-840mm. This advanced travel-zoom offers full manual-controls and dual control-dials for efficiency.

The A900 is based around a high-speed 20 megapixels sensor which can record 4K Ultra-HD video at 30 FPS. It can also shoot continuously at 7 FPS for up to 7 frames. There is a 3" LCD with 920K pixels on the back which oddly only shows 98% coverage. Built-in WiFi, NFC and Bluetooth is included for remote-control and enhanced sharing.

An entry-level ultra-zoom appears as the Nikon Coolpix B500. This model offers a 40X optical zoom combined with a 16 megapixels CMOS sensor capable of full 1080p HD video. The lens has an incredibly wide 22.5-900mm coverage.

Its comfortable body offers no control-dials but dual zoom-controllers. There is also built-in WiFi, NFC and Bluetooth connectivity. This model is powered by AA batteries which give it an incredible battery-life of 1240 shots-per-charge when using Lithium batteries.

The new prosumer ultra-zoom is Nikon Coolpix B700. This digital camera pairs a 20 megapixels CMOS sensor with 4K Ultra-HD capability and an extremely long 60X optical zoom lens, equivalent to 24-1440. The sensor in this camera can capture full-resolution images at 5 FPS for up to 5 frames.

While it looks much like the entry-level B500 from the front, the B700 is clearly an advanced offering. Its body includes a 0.2" EVF with 920K pixels and a built-in Eye-Start Sensor, plus dual control-dials. This one returns to using a proprietary Lithium-Ion battery which lasts 350 shots-per-charge.

These models will be available sometime in the spring of this year. The A900 carries a suggested price of $399 USD or $499 CDN. The B500 should go for $299 USD or $339 CDN. The B700 for $499 USD or $579 CDN. Check the links above for offers and pre-ordering options.

• Digital Camera