Coolpix is a complete line of small, digital cameras produced by Nikon. The cameras are divided into three series: performance, style and life. Performance is the higher end of the line, aimed at more serious amateur photographers. The Style series is directed at users who want visual controls and effects to create unique images easily. The Life series is the lower end of the line, for casual consumers who still want quality images.
Smart Portrait System
Coolpix cameras feature a variety of technologies that make up, what Nikon calls, the Smart Portrait System. The cameras automatically make corrections to help the user take the best portraits possible. The technologies include eliminating red eye, recognizing and focusing on faces, warning the user if the subject blinked and adjusting color to soften skin tones.
Image Stabilization System
All three Coolpix series also feature image stabilization systems. Recent models such as the Coolpix P7000, released in the fall of 2010, combine five separate technologies to ensure a sharper image. The camera compensates for any vibrations of the camera during the shot by automatically adjusting the lens and electronically altering the picture to compensate. Also, the P700 knows tell when the subject of a photo is moving and will adjust the shutter speed and ISO, sensitivity to light, for the best image. Additionally, a technology Nokia calls, Best Shot Selector, takes up to 10 shots in rapid succession, and automatically selects and saves the sharpest image.
Photography
Each Coolpix camera is equipped with a wide angle lens. The zoom varies among models, varying between 5x and 26x. The images are captured with the aid of a CCD sensor. Image sizes vary among the Coolpix series. While most models range from 10 to 12 megapixels, the S100pj, released in mid-2010, features an image size of 14.1 megapixels.
HD Video
Performance and style models of the Coolpix line have the ability to capture high definition video. Most models feature a resolution of 720p, that is, 720 lines of pixels. However, the P100 captures video in full 1080p. The P100 also has the capacity to record video in slow or accelerated motion. All Coolpix cameras with a video function can transmit the video to a computer, through the use of additional software, or simply played on a computer of HD TV through an HDMI cable.
LCD Display
Coolpix cameras have LCD displays for viewing media, measuring around 3 inches diagonally. Some models, such as the S80, a member of the style series, have touchscreen technology.
