Nikon Coolpix 5000 - 5 megapixel

0600 EST: 0600 UTC: Nikon has today announced the Coolpix 5000. This all new five megapixel, three times optical zoom (28 - 85 mm equiv.) digital camera marks the new prestige in the Nikon line. There are many noticeable specifications: all metal case, flash hotshoe, new flip-out and twist LCD, record/play instant switch, rear status LCD, AE-L / AF-L button and dual speed continuous shooting plus all of the major features of the Coolpix 995. This article (part one of two) we'll examine the cameras specifications in detail as well as the full press release. Price: $1099

IN-HOUSE: We do have an early pre-production Coolpix 5000 in-house. This level of camera is not intended (nor is it ready) for review, therefore I have taken the decision (unlike other sites) not to review the Coolpix 5000 yet (there are simply too many pages which would be left blank). I will be writing a full review on a production Coolpix 5000 as soon as we receive one. Nikon have asked us not to publish sample images, menu captures or close-up shots (because of the current finish level) of the camera.

TIMEZONE: Note that we had been told that the embargo time was 0600 EST but it turns out that at 0600 UTC several other sites (including Nikon Japan) have published full Coolpix 5000 info.

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Nikon Coolpix 5000 specifications

Nikon US press release:

NIKON INTRODUCES ULTIMATE 5.24 MEGAPIXEL
COOLPIX® DIGITAL CAMERA

Coolpix 5000 Is Powerful Enough to Deliver Brilliant Images, Yet Compact Enough To Carry Virtually Anywhere

MELVILLE, NY, September 18, 2001 - Nikon (www.nikonusa.com), the world leader in photography, today added a new dimension to its popular Coolpix® digital camera line with the introduction of the Coolpix 5000, a digital camera featuring a 5.24 megapixel CCD (5.0 effective), 3x Optical Zoom-Nikkor lens and a top shutter speed of 1/4,000 second and shooting speed of up to three frames per second at full resolution. The high-speed Coolpix 5000 is designed for professional and amateur photographers looking for truly spectacular images. The camera is a perfect compliment to any photographer's existing digital or film SLR camera for those times when smaller is better.

The Coolpix 5000 takes the unique Coolpix swivel design to the next level with its 1.8-inch LCD monitor that swivels in virtually any direction for easy subject framing. The Coolpix 5000 also packs a Macro shooting mode to capture images as close as 3/4 inch and a Movie mode that shoots up to 40 seconds of video with audio, into a compact magnesium alloy body weighing a mere 12.6 ounces. Along with feature sets traditionally found only on professional digital cameras, the Coolpix 5000 is one of the most complete, versatile digital cameras on the market today.

"The Nikon Coolpix 5000 is a testament to Nikon's dedication to provide photographers with the ultimate digital experience," said Deborah Sauer, general manager, marketing for Nikon. "This camera appeals to both the professional photographer and photo enthusiast because of its advanced features, unique compact design and greater creative control options. With the introduction of the Coolpix 5000, Nikon now has a digital camera in the Coolpix brand family to meet the needs of every level of photographer."

Ultimate Digital Image Quality

Superior quality images start with superior quality glass and the Coolpix 5000 incorporates a high resolution, wideangle, 3x Optical Zoom-Nikkor lens with a 28-85mm focal length (35mm equivalent). Three aspherical lens elements minimize color blur and distortion, even in extreme close-ups. This lens is combined with a 2/3-inch 5.0 effective megapixel CCD and 12-bit Analog-to-Digital (A/D) converter resulting in sharp images with vivid color and excellent saturation.

The Clear Image mode of the Coolpix 5000 provides highly accurate color, low noise, smooth edges and wide dynamic range images at resolutions of 1280 x 960 and below. The camera also features additional custom mode settings to enhance picture-taking capability by putting the photographer in control.

Built-in Hot Shoe and Advanced Focus Maximize Shooting Capability

For greater flash versatility the Coolpix 5000 comes with a built-in Five-Mode flash, and also has a dedicated hot shoe to add a speedlight, such as the Nikon SB-50DX for maximum creative control and flash coverage.

The Coolpix 5000 comes equipped with Nikon's exclusive Five-Area Multi Autofocus system for quick focus and sharp, accurate image detail, as well as a Macro mode to produce crisp photos from as close as 3/4-inches. To ensure the desired shot is taken, the camera features multiple capture modes including continuous shooting of up to three frames per second in full size (2,560 x 1,920 pixels) and a top shutter speed of 1/4,000 second.

Unique New Features Enhance Creativity

The Coolpix 5000 features a fully articulating 1.8-inch color LCD monitor that tilts and swings to virtually any angle to allow for easier framing of subjects. Additionally, the Coolpix 5000 includes audio with its Movie mode function that captures 40 seconds of QuickTime™ video.

Greater Clarity Through Built-in Controls

Not only glass and pixels ensure an amazing image from the Coolpix 5000, the camera delivers accurate exposures with Nikon's exclusive 256-segment Matrix Metering in a four-mode through-the-lens (TTL) metering system, with center-weighted, spot and spot Autofocus capabilities. Exposure can be further controlled through programs such as Automatic with Flexible, Shutter-Priority Automatic, Aperture-Priority Automatic and Manual. The camera can reach an ISO equivalent of 800.

Simple to Use Right Out of the Box

Even with all of these professional style features, the Coolpix 5000 offers a completely simple out-of-box experience. The camera comes with a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery and charger, and also supports a new optional power pack that uses six 1.5-volt AA batteries and enables easier vertical shooting. Also included is a high-speed USB cable for plug-and-play simplicity and NikonView 4 software to store and enhance photos. A 32MB CompactFlash™ Card is included with the camera, and the Coolpix 5000 is compatible with CompactFlash Card types I and II for enhanced media versatility.

The Coolpix 5000 works with the full range of existing Coolpix lens and accessories as well as a new 19mm wideangle converter lens (35mm equivalent) designed exclusively for the Coolpix 5000.

The Coolpix 5000 will be available November 2001 at an MSRP of $1099.95.

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Nikon Europe press release:

Something Truly Special In Digital Photography

As Digital cameras become more and more part of daily life and find acceptance as among mainstream consumer devices, buyers are looking for products that not only meet their needs but which satisfy their desire to demonstrate individuality and discerning choice.

Nikon have maintained their position at the pinnacle of technical achievement in photography due to a passion for quality and a desire to apply the exacting standards demanded by professionals to the complete product range.

Now these two factors have been combined in a new camera that is designed to satisfy the advanced amateur or enthusiast for whom total quality, performance and convenience are the deciding factors in the decision-making process.

Total quality comes from the use of advanced materials and components - the 5 million pixel CCD sensor combined with a new Nikkor lens incorporating 3 aspherical elements ensures high resolution, distortion-free pictures. Nikon's advanced image processing means that tonal range and colour rendition is full, expressive and natural.

Performance is an essential factor to support quality - built from the same shell material as their professional cameras, the speed of operation of the Coolpix 5000 is also a reflection of this heritage, with a shutter delay short enough to rival SLR digital competitors and a new rapid Autofocus system.

Great photography is about being ready and prepared to take advantage of an opportunity as and when it presents itself. With this in mind, the rangefinder convenience of the Coolpix 5000 has the zoom range and resolution for most occasions and is supported by a range of accessories that can offer expansion into more adventurous photographic directions.

"The Coolpix 5000 has been designed as a top-quality camera for the discerning enthusiast." Says Sales and Marketing Manager Mr Takami Tsuchida, "We feel that it will soon become a recognized symbol that speaks of confidence and purpose in both the choice of equipment and the type of images that the owner will be taking." He continues "The Coolpix 5000 features a unique combination of philosophies for those who appreciate tradition yet expect innovation - traditional professional build quality expressed in modern materials, built in speedlight and external hot shoe, optical viewfinder and vari-angle LCD, high quality optical components and advanced image processing, 5 million pixel CCD still images and movies with audio. We feel that in this model we are able to offer something truly special in digital photography."

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For more pictures of the Nikon Coolpix 5000 click here