Nikon Coolpix SQ

[mcdomik]

Hmm...

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0302/03020902nikoncoolpixteaser2.asp

Well, that's what it's going to look like, anyway.

Tomorrow we'll get the rest of the story from Nikon.

Mike McDowell

http://www.mailbag.com/users/maverick/

[Andy Bright]

I've posted a few bits that I've picked up on this new camera.... basics like 3mp, 3x optical zoom, high speed use (start-up, hopefully shutter-lag?) and a new fangled monitor that can be seen in bright light.
Then again.... it's probably all mis-information ;)
Digiscoping prospects would seem o.k, lens system cp9** type. But could you go out in public with a camera looking like that?
Andy

[mcdomik]

Andy,

It is sort of ugly looking. Only 3MP will be disappointing if true, IMHO.

Mike McDowell

p.s. Thanks for moving the thread. I guess I should spend a little more time exploring this expansive website!

[Andy Bright]

I certainly couldn't go back to 3mp after having 4mp in the cp4500..... my only interest is prints and the step up (from cp990) has made more difference than I'd have imagined, certainly feather barbule detail.
New SQ is supposed to be very small.... the photo doesn't give that impression, unless that is a tiny lens.

I don't remember moving this thread.... probably the work of an unseen hand.
Let me know where things are when you've had a good look around this site, I'm lost most of the time 3:-)
Regards,
Andy

[Andy Bright]

Formally announced.
DP Review's look at the Nikon SQ (http://www.dpreview.com/news/0302/03021804nikoncpsq.asp)
Andy.

[Booga]

well the new screen has to be good, though a screen guard is a less expensive option.

I reckon that this camera is aimed at the 'Nokia posse' the kind of people who want a phone with zillions of gizmos you will never use but want them just the same. It's obviously a good camera but Just because it's a new coolpix, it doesn't mean it's the best.

Having said that I don't own a Nikon and have only this preview/press release to go on. As someone about to upgrade from my (now antiquated0 Kodak dx3600 I'm not really sold on this, I'm going to get me a CP4500 as soon as. Even sooner if I get the job next week.

Cheers for the post Andy

[Chuck A Wulla]

Looks like they're going for the compact Casio market. 3 mega pixel is actually ok, but definitely not an upgrade from the 4500. With all the stuff I haul now, the size of the camera is the least of my worries. I only wish I had greater light sensitivity and faster operation, otherwise leave the 4500 the way it is. Another couple of mega pixels would be nice but not necessary.

[Andy Bright]

I'm not sure that this camera has the same sized lens as the 9** series.... it really doesn't look big enough to have the 28mm accessory thread, and there's no mention of it's ability to use the standard Nikon teleconverters.

It doesn't appear to be aimed at the serious user (serious!! they'd be using DSLR's), but I'm not sure how much manual control it allows. I can't see it as a replacement for the cp4500, Nikon knows that these cameras are used extensively for specialist uses (digiscoping is just one) and the users don't want fashion statements... so maybe they have something else planned.
I'm not convinced that the cp9**/4500 lens is capable of being stuck in front of a high res ccd (4mp is probably pushing it).

Funny how the lens of the SQ has got slower?? The cp990 was f2.5 at wide-angle, the cp995/4500 are f2.6. and now the SQ is f2.7. There isn't an external flash option, but there is AF assist lamp!
I've got a feeling that it will be o.k. for digiscoping ... the improved speed of use will certainly cheer up some people and there's no reason why you can't get a step-up ring to get a 28mm thread for putting an adapter on (presuming the SQ has a filter thread).
I wonder how much you'll have to pay for the design?
Andy

[peteh]

On that french site that had pictures of the SQ
It had down that the lens is 26mm

[tonyh]

its closer to the minolta dimage X than any of the casio's on the market
be nice if it had a lens protector !
i expect it will be around £399 to start with until everyone starts to carve the a** out of the price !
just my humble opinoin of course :-)