Nikon has announced the new 13.5 MP CoolPix P6000, which carries the Global Positioning elements necessary to allow the location of the photo to be saved along with date and time. This feature has already been available through a separate unit from a number of manufacturers, but the P6000’s ability to ‘Geotag’ is one of the first instances of its inclusion in a compact camera.

Press release:

The camera’s superb image quality is guaranteed by an effective 13.5 megapixels, the wide-angle 4x zoom NIKKOR lens including 2 ED glass elements and Nikon’s image-processing system EXPEED. The built-in GPS, RAW support, and integrated Ethernet connector for image sharing via Nikon's ‘my Picturetown’ make it one of the most advanced compact cameras on the market today. Thanks to its attractive, intelligent design with an SLR-like grip for perfect handling, user-friendly button layout and 2.7-inch high-resolution TFT screen, it’s easy to use - allowing you to concentrate on the shooting.

Mark Pekelharing, Product Manager Consumer Products at Nikon Europe B.V, says: “This new compact camera sets new standards for the compact camera market. Nikon is known for introducing advanced features in both its D-SLR and compact cameras. With the introduction of this GPS model, Nikon proves to be at the forefront of technology once again. The high-quality materials and feature list otherwise only found in high-end cameras will appeal to the discerning user.”  

Only the best images
The COOLPIX P6000 is packed with groundbreaking technology to ensure the highest possible image quality from a compact body. Its 13.5 effective megapixels, the use of Nikon’s exclusive image-processing system EXPEED (originally designed for its professional D-SLRs) and a wide-angle 4x Zoom-NIKKOR lens with two ED glass elements (28-112 mm) leave nothing to be desired. The camera’s image quality is further reinforced by its ability to shoot images in RAW format, and Picture Control capabilities, taken from D-SLR products. Furthermore it features three functions to reduce image blur. High-performance Lens-shift Vibration Reduction (VR) allows sharp pictures with minimal blur and offers the equivalent of shooting at a shutter speed three stops faster. Its superior noise-reduction technology allows a sensitivity range up to ISO 6400. Nikon’s Best Shot Selector allows the camera to take a maximum of 10 sequential shots and automatically saves the sharpest image. This is ideal for macro close-up shooting when camera shake is most likely.

The easiest operation
To get the most out of the COOLPIX P6000’s technology, Nikon has invested the greatest care to ensure it is easy to use. For freedom in exposure control, there is a choice of four exposure modes (P/S/A/M) allowing the user to finely control the camera or to let the camera decide what's best. Fifteen Scene Modes, including modes for tough-to-shoot environments such as beach/snow, sunset, dusk/dawn and fireworks shows, mean you’ll capture even the trickiest subjects perfectly. There are six colour options for special colour effects similar to those obtained using a filter. The improved Face-priority AF recognises up to 12 faces for both superb portrait photography and crisp group images, even when faces are underexposed in backlit conditions or overexposed in strong sunshine. Should ‘red eye’ occur, the In-camera Red-Eye Fix activates at exposure and automatically reduces and corrects it.

D-Lighting automatically ensures images look natural, rescuing underexposed images caused by excessive backlight or insufficient flashlight. Distortion Control ensures precise subject reproduction and avoids the image distortion that occurs at wide-angle zoom settings or at the peripheries of an image. COOLPIX in-camera Picture Control, based on the technology from Nikon's award winning D-SLRs, allows the user to flexibly control shooting situations. The camera’s movie function, with the built-in time-lapse movie mode (at up to 640x480 pixels in 30fps), further strengthens the range of creative options.

Share your quality
The COOLPIX P6000 is the first consumer camera with a built-in Ethernet connector, allowing users to share images effortlessly. Upload images to Nikon’s ‘my Picturetown’ - simply connect the camera by LAN cable and share them with others over the internet. This is also useful as a backup when on the road. The camera’s incorporated GPS function will attach a Geotag with positioning information to image files which can then be used on Nikon's ‘my Picturetown’ website, ViewNX or any other website that can handle Geotags, to indicate the precise location of your images.

The COOLPIX P6000 inherits the design of Nikon’s award-winning P5000 series with further refinements. Its SLR-like grip, for example, is of perfect size, shape and texture for great handling. The ergonomic button layout has been designed considering finger movements during shooting and, to make sure it looks its best, the light and durable magnesium alloy on the front surface of the body will make the COOLPIX P6000 desired by all who recognise quality.  

The COOLPIX P6000 comes with a strap, rechargeable battery and AC adapter, USB and audio/video cables, COOLPIX software suite and free 2GB online storage at Nikon's ‘my Picturetown’.

The P6000’s RRP is £429.99 and the release date the 12th September 2008. For more information go to www.nikon.co.uk.