Nikon Unveils Two New Cameras

Jan. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- At a time when digital photography continues to capture the imagination of photographers and a growing base of information-hungry consumers, Nikon today unveiled two stellar new cameras -- the 8-megapixel, 8x zoom Nikon Coolpix 8700 and the feature-packed 6.1-megapixel Nikon D70 digital SLR camera. Each of the cameras is designed to appeal to quality and performance conscious consumers within the rapidly expanding high-level digital camera market.

The high-end compact and SLR-type digital camera categories will see tremendous growth in 2004 and beyond, according to InfoTrends Research Group, and the new Nikon Coolpix 8700 and D70 digital cameras cement Nikon's position as the "gold standard" in these categories. The two dynamic new cameras are engineered to deliver Nikon digital photography at competitive prices, and respond to the public's growing desire for high-featured, easy-to-use digital cameras.

"Nikon has consistently offered revolutionary new products that create new possibilities for our customers and fuel their passion for taking pictures and creating lasting memories. The introduction of the Nikon Coolpix 8700 and the Nikon D70 digital SLR is a momentous occasion for Nikon, and reflects our commitment to bring cutting edge digital camera technology in both compact and SLR formats to our customers at affordable prices," said David Lee, senior vice president at Nikon Inc. "While the spotlight is on digital technology, it is the pictures that ultimately matter to our customers. With the Coolpix 8700 and the D70, Nikon is leading the way in setting a new and elevated standard for quality and performance for high-end digital camera customers."

Nikon Coolpix 8700 - Digital Photography to "The Power Of 8"
The new Nikon Coolpix 8700 (www.nikoncoolpix.com) is an 8.0-effective megapixel compact digital camera with a powerful 8x Optical zoom-Nikkor ED lens giving its user a zoom equivalent of 35-280mm in a package that weighs only 17 oz. A new flagship model for Nikon's popular Coolpix line of cameras as well as the high-end compact digital market, the Nikon Coolpix 8700 offers impressive performance and stunning images, making it the most versatile and capable compact digital camera available today. The Nikon Coolpix 8700 is at the top of its class with cutting-edge features and maximum control combined with legendary Nikon quality and design at an MSRP of only $999.

The Nikon Coolpix 8700 is the perfect camera for serious photographers who demand the highest level of detail, quality and control from their compact digital camera. The camera's unique 8.0-megapixel CCD produces image sizes of up to 3,264 x 2,448-pixels for prints greater than 20x30-inches in size. The camera is also PictBridge compatible to allow direct printing to compatible printers, regardless of brand. The Coolpix 8700's 8x Optical Zoom-Nikkor lens, with Nikon's professional-grade Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass, is designed to get the photographer close to the subject without sacrificing image quality, color representation or sharpness. Other benefits include RAW capture (NEF file format), Macro-shooting capabilities as close as 1.2 inches, 12 pre-programmed Scene Modes and a host of accessory lenses.

Nikon D70 Digital SLR: More per Camera
The D70 (www.nikonslr.com) is Nikon's next step in expanding the digital SLR camera market. Designed for a variety of consumers ranging from experienced and amateur photographers to beginners taking their first steps into digital SLR photography, the D70 offers an extensive and advanced feature set that is unmatched by any other camera in its class. The D70 will be available either as an Outfit or a Set. The D70 Outfit includes the camera body, rechargeable battery, charger, Nikon Picture Project software, neckstrap and the new high-performance AF-S DX Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED lens. The D70 Set includes all items mentioned above except the lens.

The Nikon D70 offers tremendous value to consumers by incorporating many advanced features and new innovations that make digital photography with the D70 faster, easier and better. Its next-generation DX format 6.1-effective megapixel CCD sensor is optimized to deliver images with excellent sharpness and clarity, while a new advanced System LSI processor ensures images with vivid color, accurate white balance and low noise. Nikon's phenomenal new Dynamic Buffer technology allows the D70 to continuously take up to 144 pictures, at a speed of three pictures per second (when using JPEG NORMAL - Large settings, and a SanDisk 256 MB Ultra II CompactFlash card). Additional features such as exclusive new Digital Vari-Program modes, simultaneous RAW and JPEG writing capabilities, and new i-TTL flash compatibility with sync speed of 1/500 second further enhance the D70's versatility and make it ideal for a variety of picture taking situations. Available for a remarkably affordable anticipated street price of $999 (for D70 Set) and $1299 (for D70 Outfit including the new AF-S DX Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED lens), the D70 will become Nikon's largest selling digital SLR camera this year.

With the addition of the Nikon Coolpix 8700 and the Nikon D70, consumers will enjoy an extensive range of Nikon digital cameras to choose from, based on their picture taking needs and level of experience. The Nikon Coolpix 8700 will become available at Nikon authorized dealers in February 2004, while the Nikon D70 will become available in Spring 2004.

For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the web's most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.

Source: Nikon Inc.