Introduction

Nikon has today announced its second ultra-slim camera, the weatherproof Coolpix S2. It is very similar to the Coolpix S1; the only differences seem to be purely cosmetic. The most obvious difference on the 5.1 megapixel camera is that it features a sliding lens. It will only be available in silver and is slightly bigger and heavier than the S1. It will also have a different docking station (supplied). Other similarities include the same control layout, a 2.5-inch LCD, SD memory slot with 12MB internal memory and 35-105 mm equiv. zoom lens. It will be available in early summer priced around US$429.

Tokyo, May 18, 2005 ? Nikon continues to put innovation at the heart of its COOLPIX family of digital cameras today with the introduction of the COOLPIX S2, featuring a splash-proof body* which means it can be used in the most challenging weather conditions.

The COOLPIX S2 boasts stylish good looks, bright 2.5 -inch LCD screen, slim dimensions ? it?s just 22mm deep ? and a range of innovative, highly intelligent Nikon functions that actually make pictures more attractive in-camera.

Great images, whatever the weather

The aluminum exterior of the COOLPIX S2 not only lends it certain sophistication, but also provides it with the splash-proof water resistance facility that makes it such a compelling camera for outdoor users ? or those simply unlucky with the weather.

In addition to the good looks, the ?brains? of the COOLPIX S2 ensure sharp, clear results and faithful color thanks to 5.1 effective megapixels and a versatile 35-105mm 3x Optical Zoom-Nikkor ED? lens (35mm equivalent).

Making the most of your images

The COOLPIX S2 boasts a range of Nikon features that helps the user improve images in-camera. The D-Lighting function, for example, can be selected in Playback Mode to simply and automatically correct insufficient exposure by leaving properly-exposed areas alone while adding light and detail to darker areas of an image.

The clever Face-priority AF is another smart feature of the COOLPIX S2. By automatically detecting the presence of a human face in the frame, the feature provides sharp focus on the face resulting in better portraits without any extra hassle.

On the subject of portrait shots, the COOLPIX S2 features Nikon?s In-Camera Red-Eye Fix function, which detects red-eye caused by flash, and digitally corrects it in-camera.

In addition to these great features, the COOLPIX S2 also has a handy Blur Warning function, which alerts users if an image has been affected by camera shake so they can recompose and take another picture again before it?s too late.

Easy to use

The COOLPIX S2 features a ?right-angle? optics system so the lens functions without protruding from the camera body, and the inclusion of a large, bright 2.5-inch LCD monitor means there?s no need for a viewfinder. Add to that an easy-to-use Graphic User Interface (GUI) that allows the user to select functions by either name or icon, and a handy HELP button which displays explanations in the user?s choice of 12 languages, and you have an all-round, all-weather package that?s hard to beat.

Nikon has also designed the COOLPIX S2 with energy efficiency in mind, so the user can take up to 190 images with an EN-EL8 Rechargeable Battery (based on CIPA standard?). It also offers an accelerated startup time of just 1 second (approx.) and rapid continuous shooting at up to 1.8 frames per second (approx.), making it easier for users to capture fleeting images.

All-in-one package ? battery and COOL-STATION included

The COOLPIX S2 comes complete with the new COOL-STATION MV-12 docking station, which allows the user to charge batteries without removing them from the camera and connect the COOLPIX S2 to their TV or computer.

The COOLPIX S2 has a variety of Scene Modes for the most common photographic situations, four of which feature Scene Assist so the user can simply select the one best suited to the subject ? such as Sunset or Portrait ?and leave the camera to automatically select the optimal settings.

Although the COOLPIX S2 is compatible with widely available SD memory cards, it also has 12MB of internal memory so users can go on shooting even when they are not carrying any additional media.

For users wanting to record movies with sound, the COOLPIX S2 is an ideal choice with four movie modes capable of delivering 15 frames per second and VGA quality resolution. Once captured, the COOLPIX S2 can be connected to a TV to make it easy to view the results.

And when it comes to producing printouts, the COOLPIX S2 offers PictBridge compatibility so it can be connected directly to any compatible printer, dispensing with the need for a computer. Finally, the COOLPIX S2 comes complete with Nikon?s PictureProject software to help the user edit, organize and share images.

Sales release schedule: The camera is scheduled for release early summer 2005.

* According to Nikon test results, the body of the COOLPIX S2 offers ?splash-proof? water resistance equivalent to IEC 60529 IPX4. It is not waterproof and should never be immersed in water.
? Nikon?s ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass offers superior sharpness and optimal color correction.
? 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.

Nikon COOLPIX S2 Other Features

• Highly portable dimensions of 91.9 x 59 x 22mm (3.6 x 2.3 x 0.9 in.) (W x H x D)
• Minimized weight of approximately 140g (4.9 oz.) (without battery and memory card)
• BSS (Best Shot Selector) identifies and saves the best exposure automatically from ten sequential shots
• 4 of the 16 Scene Modes offer Scene Assist (Portrait, Night Portrait, Sports, Landscape)
• 3 movie modes with sound and Time-lapse movie mode
• Noise Reduction achieves more faithful color reproduction when used in combination with some
• Scene Modes
• Time zone function enables local time to be set regardless of where you are in the world
• Voice recording Mode saves up to 30 minutes of audio, or up to 5 hours with a 256 MB SD card
• All buttons are thoughtfully located on the camera back for easy access
• 4x digital zoom
• Single AF and Continuous AF are selectable in Movie Mode
• Choice of White Balance: Auto with TTL control, 5-mode manual (Daylight, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Cloudy and Speedlight) and Preset
• Playback options: Single, 4- and 9-segment thumbnail, Slideshow
• Built-in flash: features settings for Auto, Red-eye Reduction by pre-flash, Anytime flash, Flash cancel and Slow sync