UPDATED: 8am PST 15/Feb/1999 - full press release & more detailed specs now online, I've had some questions as to "how" I'm "allowed" to publish this information, the cameras were launched today (15th) in Japan (official press launch), and I was lucky enough to be furnished with a full press pack this morning by Nikon Singapore and given full permission to publish the information today, 15th (Singapore time) along with a 'sneak preview' of Nikons all new digital SLR based on the F100/F5 - see below.

For those people who are confused about the new Digital SLR please re-read below.

(This is the official announcement, pictures, full specifications and sample images below - also news of a new Nikon Digital SLR)

Tokyo, Japan, February 15, 1999 - Advancing its heritage at the forefront of compact digital photography, Nikon Corporation introduces the COOLPIX 950 and COOLPIX 700 compact ultrahigh-resolution cameras.

With optical and digital innovations including 2.11 megapixel picture quality and superior-speed performance, the new Nikons let photographers explore their professional potential. The COOLPIX 950 inherits the unique, practical swivel-lens design of the COOLPIX 900 series, and its magnesium body makes it extra-small and light. Even smaller and lighter is the COOLPIX 700, which looks like a conventional 35mm compact camera for familiar handling from the start.

The COOLPIX 950/700 both feature an advanced 1/2" high density CCD for ultra-high-definition 1600 x 1200 images. The COOLPIX 950's new 3 x Zoom Nikkor lens and the COOLPIX 700's new Nikkor lens enhance image sharpness, clarity and colour. Digital Zoom function provides 1.25x, 1.6x, 2x or 2.5x magnification.

The cameras' high-precision autofocus (4,746 steps for the COOLPIX 950 and 127 steps for the COOLPIX 700) also contributes to superior overall picture quality. Manual focus allows presetting of focus distances to any of 10 steps from 10cm (3.9") to infinity.

Both models employ three intelligent exposure metering systems: 1) Nikons exclusive 256-segment matrix, 2) Center-weighted and 3) Spot metering.

White Balance can be controlled automatically or set manually to any of six settings, presetting is also possible.

Effortless quick starting (around 2 seconds after power is switched on) and short shutter release time lag (approx 0.1 seconds from the time the shutter release button is lightly pressed) enhance speedy performance so you don't miss a precious moment. COOLPIX 950/700 capture modes, including Continuous mode for 1.5fps, shooting for full-size images in Normal compression mode and Multiple Continuous mode for shooting of up to 16 1/16-size frames, also distinguish these cameras' performance.

Each cameras' LCD monitor (2" low temperature, polysilicon TFT for COOLPIX 950 and 1.8" TFT for COOLPIX 700) displays menus and also functions as a viewfinder (providing approx. 97% frame coverage, and which can be used besides the real-image optical viewfinder), a play-back monitor and a function setting device.

A built-in Speedlight for both models offers a variety of flash modes such as 1) Auto Flash, 2) Flash Cancel, 3) Anytime Flash, 4) Slow Sync, 5) Red-Eye Reduction. The COOLPIX 950 is also equipped with a multi-flash sync terminal for external Nikon Speelight(s).

With Custom Setting function, up to three user-setting groups selected in M-REC mode can be memorised and recalled after power goes off, then on.

Other unique advanced features include Best-Shot Selector (BSS) for automatic selection of the "sharpest" image. Auto File Numbering of PC-downloaded images, Pause Display for 10 second freeze frame monitoring. Sensitivty Control for low-light shooting, and Tone Compensation in five modes.

Three Converters (Telephoto / Wide angle / Fish eye) are optionally available for shooting from various perspectives.

COOLPIX 950

(Click here for higher resolution image: 57Kb)

For all you who have been waiting for information here it is, the 2.1 Million Pixel Coolpix 950, magnesium case and a host of new features make this one of the most interesting new cameras this year.

COOLPIX 950 information / specifications sheet

COOLPIX 950 Sample Images

Detailed specifications can be found in our comparison database

COOLPIX 700

The 700 is based on the same engine and CCD as the 950 but is smaller, has no zoom and has less features, and would therefore be priced accordingly.

Detailed specifications can be found in our comparison database

Compare the New Coolpix 950 and Coolpix 700 side by side

Compare the New Coolpix 950 and Old Coolpix 900s side by side

The "unnamed" Pro Digital SLR

(click for larger image)

Nikon SLR information sheet