Nikon COOLPIX S-Series Keeps Compact Cameras Shining

Gobfuls of new Nikon compact cameras this morning, with a four-strong update to the COOLPIX range that promises something for everyone, whether you demand GPS tagging, lengthy zooms or sub-$140 pricing. The Nikon COOLPIX S9300 leads the charge, with an 18x optical zoom squeezed into a 1.5-inch thick body with a 16-megapixel backside-illuminated sensor for improved low-light performance.

There's also Full HD 1080p video recording and integrated GPS for geotagging photos while on the move.

Next up is the COOLPIX S6300, toting a 10x optical zoom and a 16-megapixel BSI sensor, also capable of 1080p HD video recording. It packs an Easy Panorama mode for creating either 180- or 360-degree landscape shots, along with various onboard effects that can be applied to both stills and video.

The Nikon COOLPIX S4300 offers a 3-inch 460k dot touchscreen and 16-megapixel sensor, along with a 6x wide-angle zoom. It has face-priority autofocus, identifying up to 12 faces in the frame, along with Smile Shutter and a smart auto mode.

Finally, the Nikon COOLPIX S3300 is the budget model, pairing the 16-megapixel sensor with a 6x optical zoom and 720p HD video recording. It still gets optical image stabilization, though, like its siblings.

The COOLPIX S9300 will be $349.95 and offered in black, red and silver, while the COOLPIX S6300 will come in at $199.95 in a choice of red, black, silver and blue. The COOLPIX S4300 is $169.95 in plum, black, silver, white and red, and finally the COOLPIX S3300 will be $139.95 in silver, black, pink, purple and red. All four will arrive in February 2012.