While I doubt this would be a principle camera for many here it does serve as an indication on how rapidly the technology is changing and the prices dropping.
13.5 megapixel,GPS and Ethernet port are among the features for $500 US.
http://www.europe-nikon.com/product/en_GB/products/broad/1635/overview.html
"Additional shooting innovations engineered to maximize image quality and offer greater control over the final results include Nikon's original COOLPIX Picture Control System and a new NRW* (RAW) support. The COOLPIX Picture Control System features intuitive controls that enable users to adjust their images to pre-set parameters such as Standard, Neutral, Vivid and Monochrome and apply tweaks to image sharpening, tone compensation, brightness, overall tone and saturation. Furthermore, images shot in the all-new NRW* (RAW) format can be opened and viewed in Nikon ViewNX Software (available early October 2008) for increased editing abilities."
The new NRW RAW format will only be supported by the new Nikon ViewNX software that will only able to be used on a pc running Vista. If you're a Mac user, you're out of luck and if you like to use alternative RAW converters, you are also out of luck.
Sounds like the same thinking that came up with the decision to encrypt the white balance information.
As impressed as I am with the advances Nikon made with their technology in recent years, this Mac user will unfortunately not be buying a Nikon camera any time soon.
I've been in the market for a high end pocket model, and waiting to see the latest crop before buying. While I have uses for both the ethernet and GPS features, the Mac limits stop me cold. Looks like I can scratch Nikon off the list of possibles.
Posted by Basil Greber on August 8, 2008 at 1:11 PM
Nikon screwed it big time. Congrats. Their DSLRs are awesome (love my D300), but what they do on the P&S market is just horrid. As much as I'm convinced by their DSLR line-up, I'd never recommend a Nikon P&S to anybody. Which apparently won't change soon.
Basil, sometimes P&S cameras offer some indications of where the next pro SLRs are going (proof of technology). I hope Nikon doesn't plan to hang its future raw formats on Windows Imaging Components and shutting out 3rd party converters or non-Windows users.
That's what Fuji did with much of their software Guy, and look where it got them. We waited 5 years for a promised Mac version of their trend setting studio management software. Not that big of a deal for anyone not running studios, but it sure fits the mould with a lot of other decisions by the company. I share your concern about Nikon.
Posted by Basil Greber on August 12, 2008 at 3:43 AM
Guy, what you say is true. But I can't imagine that Nikon would essentially kill Capture NX (or NX 2.0 or whatever version present at that time) by releasing a pro body that doesn't support it, or a successor of it. Remember - we Nikon shooters pay real money for the RAW converters. Unlike Canon, Nikon doesn't deliver anything serious with their cameras...
Discussion
10 replies13.5 megapixel,GPS and Ethernet port are among the features for $500 US.
http://www.europe-nikon.com/product/en_GB/products/broad/1635/overview.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/07/technology/personaltech/07camera.html?_r=4&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&ref=personaltech&adxnnlx=1218125731-Y1OESouN8mP75qIssTtD/Q&oref=slogin
Some concern about a new file format though.
"Additional shooting innovations engineered to maximize image quality and offer greater control over the final results include Nikon's original COOLPIX Picture Control System and a new NRW* (RAW) support. The COOLPIX Picture Control System features intuitive controls that enable users to adjust their images to pre-set parameters such as Standard, Neutral, Vivid and Monochrome and apply tweaks to image sharpening, tone compensation, brightness, overall tone and saturation. Furthermore, images shot in the all-new NRW* (RAW) format can be opened and viewed in Nikon ViewNX Software (available early October 2008) for increased editing abilities."
What inflation?
Nikon, what are you thinking
Pete D.
Sounds like the same thinking that came up with the decision to encrypt the white balance information.
As impressed as I am with the advances Nikon made with their technology in recent years, this Mac user will unfortunately not be buying a Nikon camera any time soon.
Guy
For reactions from other reviewers, click here.
Basil
Guy
BG