Nikon has today announced the Coolpix 775, designed as an entry level digital camera it sports a 2 megapixel sensor with a 3x optical zoom lens. Loosly based around the popular 880 the 775 shares many of its features including pre-programmed scene modes, good news this time is that the Lithium-Ion rechargable battery and charger are included!

PS. Sorry this was posted a few hours late, I was told the deadline was 6 AM EST, looks like the other sites had no such limitations.

Nikon Coolpix 775 specifications

*Standard accessories may differ by country or area

Nikon US press release:

NIKON COOLPIX® 775 IS THE FIRST DIGITAL CAMERA WITH "ONE-TOUCH TO THE WEB" - CHANGING THE WAY PEOPLE SHARE PHOTOS AND EXPERIENCES

World's Lightest 3x Zoom Digital Camera Takes the Guesswork Out of Digital Photography

MELVILLE, NY, April 25, 2001 - Nikon (www.nikonusa.com), the world leader in photography, today introduced the Coolpix® 775, the first digital camera to feature a One-Touch button to allow users to upload digital images directly to the desktop or the Web. The ultra-compact Coolpix 775 packs a 3x zoom lens and 2.14 megapixel CCD into the lightest, pocket-sized point-and-shoot digital camera. The Coolpix 775 is perfect for capturing digital photos anywhere, anytime, quickly and easily, and packs a host of easy-to-use features in a package weighing a mere 6.5 ounces. Nikon has always been known for advancing photography - the Coolpix 775 will reinvent the way people share digital photos.

"The Nikon Coolpix 775 truly takes the guesswork out of digital photography," said Deborah Sauer, general manager, marketing, Nikon Consumer Digital Products and Compact Cameras. "Its combination of shooting modes, One-Touch to the web capability and Nikon digital image quality and design really makes digital photography easy. Whether you're a proud parent waiting to shoot a baby's first steps or a college student sharing photos of spring break with friends, the Coolpix 775 ensures you won't miss an important shot."

One-Touch Transfer Button on the Camera Offers Immediate Uploading to Web

Sharing digital photos, emailing friends and family, printing digital photos and creating online photo albums has never been easier. The process is simple and easy: after pictures are taken, users connect the camera to a computer (with the included USB cable), press the "Transfer" button on the back of the camera, and photos can be automatically moved to the desktop or uploaded to NikonNet (www.nikonnet.com) through NikonView software. NikonView is included with the camera and can be easily installed on any compatible computer. Once photos are uploaded to NikonNet, the user can save the images, share them via e-mail or create online photo albums.

Great Digital Photos Just a Simple Click Away

The Coolpix 775 combines superior Nikon technology - the technology that people who know photography respect and use - with easy-to-use automatic operation to ensure users get a great picture with the click of a button, without having to worry about adjusting controls. To make sure the ideal shot was taken, the camera's quick review function allows users to view images captured on ¼ of the LCD monitor while simultaneously viewing the live action, ensuring you don't miss the next picture.

For added ease-of-use, the Coolpix 775 provides a number of convenient controls that offer one-touch simplicity when operating the camera. With a simple turn of the Mode Dial users can get the best photo in a variety of situations by allowing the camera to automatically focus, set exposure and balance color. Users can choose from one of seven Scene Modes including party/indoor, backlight, portrait, night portrait, landscape, beach/snow and sunset mode.

To provide added shooting flexibility, the camera offers a versatile zoom range which lets users get close to the action when objects are far away or zoom out when taking group photos or shooting in close proximity. At the heart of the camera's zoom capabilities is Nikon's exclusive 3x Optical Zoom-Nikkor lens, featuring a zoom range of 38-115mm (35mm equivalent).

To ensure crisp, clear and vivid images, the Coolpix 775 features 256-element Matrix Metering, advanced image-processing and 2.14-megapixel CCD that produces sharp and clean 8 x 10-inch pictures. The camera also offers a Movie Mode that allows users to create QVGA movies for up to 40 seconds at approximately 15 frames per second.

"On the Go" Digital in an Easy-To-Grip, Pocket-sized Package

Ultra-compact and light, the Coolpix 775 digital camera can be easily carried in a pocket or purse to ensure that users can capture life's spontaneous moments. Weighing a mere 6.5 ounces (not including battery or memory card), the Coolpix 775 is the lightest 3x zoom digital camera in the world. The camera also features a comfortable side grip for easy shooting and access to all the camera's controls.

The Coolpix 775 digital camera includes the new NikonView 4 software, which gives users ultimate control of how they save, view, store and use their digital images. For added image creativity, the camera features an easy-to-use suite of software from ArcSoft. PhotoImpression™ 2000, is a fun manipulation package that allows users to edit, retouch or apply special effects to photos. ArcSoft VideoImpression™ lets users edit and share their QuickTime movies. PhotoPrinter Pro 2000 makes it possible to create prints easily, in varying sizes on one sheet of printer paper. The Coolpix 775 also offers ArcSoft Panorama Maker 2000, which lets users easily stitch together a number of images to automatically create beautiful panoramic photographs ready to print or e-mail.

The Coolpix 775 comes with everything you need for quick and easy digital photography right in the box, offering a great overall value. In addition to the Coolpix 775 camera, users get a USB cable for plug-and play simplicity, an 8 MB Type I CompactFlash™ memory card and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery with charger (a $50 value). Available in stores in July 2001, the Coolpix 775 has an MSRP of $449.95.

Nikon Europe press release:

The Nikon Coolpix 775

"Turning Moments in Memories"

Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the arrival of the latest addition to its increasingly comprehensive and wide ranging COOLPIX digital compact camera lineup - the ultra-compact , portable and easy-to-use Coolpix 775 Digital Camera.

The Coolpix 775 has been designed to bring people closer together though the sharing of images, whether at work or for leisure, at home or abroad. Convenient to carry and simple to operate, with the Coolpix 775 Nikon introduces the concept of Shoot, Save, Send and Share to everyday life making the sending of an idea or a sharing of a memory as easy as phoning a friend.

In addition to enjoying the compact format and easy handling of the new camera the Coolpix 775 owner will discover Nikon's Total Image Quality promise of unforgettable pictures through pin-point sharpness and perfect colour reproduction.

The Coolpix 775's user can take and share photographs with just the simple click of a button or dial - click to turn it on; click to select the shooting mode; click to capture the image; and click to transfer the images to a PC. And after that, e-mail, printing or sharing on the internet follow with easy-to-use software designed for the busy person who is seeking the fastest route to the enjoyment that digital photography can bring.

This simplicity is backed by technical features that ensure superior picture quality including a high resolution 2.01-megapixel CCD (effective), newly designed 3x Zoom-Nikkor lens, 2.5x digital zoom capability and the camera's highly-accurate Coolpix Total Image Quality. Fully automatic exposure and focus ensures that the camera is ready to capture the moment, at any moment.

One of the great benefits of digital is the potential for the camera to cope with difficult photographic situations where film would simply fail. The Coolpix 775's seven Scene modes enable even novice photographers to produce impressive images - with a simple click of a dial, choosing a mode to match the scene - Beach, Night Portrait, Landscape etc - sets up the camera automatically just like a pro photographer would. The Coolpix 775 embodies all of Nikon's imaging know-how so that the camera does the work, the user just has to point and shoot.

With a camera full of images the question is always "what's next?". Nikon have an answer in the new Transfer button that automatically copies pictures from the camera to the computer, ready for saving, sending or sharing on one of Nikon's photo sharing web sites.

From a Company that is used to putting the most advanced camera technology into the hands of photo-enthusiasts all around the world, the Coolpix 775 is a new direction - where the worldwide sharing of photographs is now possible though the simplicity and immediacy of digital.

Users of any age or lifestyle will be able to enjoy the benefit of the Coolpix 775 as powerful and high quality, yet friendly and uncomplicated way of turning moments into memories that can be shared around the world.

Feature Highlights

• Easy, operation - Point and shoot operation with sophisticated image processing delivers exceptional results with a minimal need for photographic knowledge.
   
• Convenient Quick Review button to check image composition and save or reject. Immediate delete or save and continue.
   
• One-button picture copy from camera to PC via standard cable and simple to use software for viewing , printing and internet.
   
• Video output for viewing on TV or recording on Video.

Versatile Scene Modes

The large, easy-to-read Mode Dial on the camera top for selection ofseven scene modes enhancing the camera's versatility and creative potential. The modes are designed to match a wide range of holiday and lifestyle situations, including movie mode.

• Party/Indoor - For capturing details of a dimly light scene. If required, the Coolpix 775's built-in Speedlight will automatically fire.
   
• Back Light - The built-in Speedlight fires to avoid subjects turning out dark in backlit situations.
   
• Portrait - Ensures accurate skin tones and assists with good composition.
   
• Night Portrait - Slow Sync flash is used to illuminate a subject with a naturally exposed background.
   
• Landscape - For photograph distant scenes with postcard-like sharpness and clarity.
   
• Beach/Snow - Avoids the typical grayish tones caused by underexposure when shooting scenes with sea or snow in the background.
   
• Sunset - For capturing the glory and , natural beauty of a sunset.

COOLPIX Portability - The world's lightest, easy-to-use, 2.14-megapixel CCD 3x Zoom Digital Camera (as of April 1, 2001)

The ultra-compact Coolpix 775 is small enough to fit into today's busy lifestyle. The large mode dial and buttons ensure simple, mistake-free operation.

A high-performance 3x Zoom-Nikkor lens, the preferred choice of professional photographers worldwide, guarantees higher quality images with superior reproduction.

Long battery life allows approx 100 min.* from a single rechargeable Li-ion battery.
*When using LCD monitor.