Nikon announces Coolpix S52 and Wi-Fi enabled S52c

[David Rasnake]

Nikon unveiled a pair of new ultracompacts this evening: the Coolpix S52 and physically identical Wi-Fi enabled Coolpix S52c.

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The latest additions to Nikon's Style ("S") line, the new 9.0 megapixel cams use the 38-114mm 3x zoom from their predecessors, the Coolpix S51 models. A 3.0-inch LCD dominates the back of the new models, which continue Nikon's trademark "wave-surface" ultracompact body design.

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Both cameras use Nikon's optical Vibration Reduction technology and EXPEED image processing. The S52 and S52c expand on the low-light capabilities of their predecessors with sensitivity up to ISO 3200. Face detection, red-eye correction, Nikon's D-Lighting technology, and the Pictmotion advanced slideshow function add to the list of highlighted features.

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Wi-Fi image transfer is the S52c's headline attraction, allowing shooters to send images via email or upload them to Nikon's my Picturetown photo sharing site. We were a bit cool toward the last Wi-Fi enabled Nikon we reviewed, but the manufacturer continues to streamline wireless transfer functions and we're cautiously optimistic that this technology may finally come into its own in the near term - perhaps with this model.

Both cameras will be available in May. The S52 is priced at $249.95 and available in red or black, with the black-only S52c adding $30 to the base sticker price.

Nikon Coolpix S52/S52c Specifications:

Sensor	9.0 megapixel, 1/2.5" CCD
Lens/Zoom	3x (38-114mm) zoom, f/3.3-4.2
LCD/Viewfinder	3.0", 230K-dot TFT LCD
Sensitivity	ISO 100-3200
Shutter Speed	Not Specified
Shooting Modes	Auto, Scene, Movie
Scene Presets	Portrait, Night Portrait, Sports, Landscape, Party, Beach/Snow, Sunset, Dusk/Dawn, Night Landscape, Museum, Fireworks Show
White Balance Settings	Fluorescent, Incandescent, Flash, White Balance Preset, Auto, Daylight, Cloudy
Metering Modes	Not Specified
Focus Modes	Face-Priority AF, Auto AF
Drive Modes	Normal, Burst
Flash Modes	Slow sync, Red-eye reduction, Redeye reduction with slow sync, Flash cancel/ flash off, Auto, Auto with red-eye reduction, Anytime flash
Self Timer Settings	10 seconds, 2 seconds, Off
Memory Formats	SD, SDHC
Internal Memory	38 MB
File Formats	JPEG, AVI
Max. Image Size	3456x2592
Max. Video Size	640x480, 30 fps
Zoom During Video	Not Specified
Battery	Rechargeable lithium-ion, 200 shots
Connections	USB 2.0, AV output, DC input
Additional Features	Vibration Reduction optical image stabilization, D-Lighting, In-Camera Red-Eye Fix, Wi-Fi Image Transfer (S52c)