14 DAY TRIAL // Photokina 2014 just passed, leaving a big void in our hearts, but luckily the rumor mill has been quick to make a rebound, spurting out new, interesting information for us to hang on to until the next major product announcement.
Recently, we have seen a lot of so-called “premium” compact cameras and the best example is the Sony RX100 which is quite popular with consumers.
But the market is quite overcrowded with options. For example, Fujifilm has launched the X30, while Panasonic has the LX100. Canon just introduced an RX100 III competitor at Photokina 2014, in the form of the G7 X shooter.
Nikon is looking to go into premium compact too
But what about Nikon? The Japanese manufacturer has been quite silent in this department for the time being. But the rumor mill has been spurting out information according to which Nikon will unleash a host of new products in the first months of 2015.
Most importantly, we might get to see a premium compact camera come out under the Nikon banner. According to sources talking to Nikon Rumors, the device maker is in the process of developing a premium Nikon Coolpix compact that will take advantage of a 1-inch type image sensor.
We can expect to see the device in time for CES 2015 or at CP+ Camera & Photo Imaging Show 2015. The premium compact comes a little late, because the rumor mill was expecting it to arrive in at the biggest digital imaging event of the year in Cologne, Germany.
It seems Nikon bumped into some issues while working on the camera, so the launch has been delayed with a few months. Chances are we’re going to see it arrive in January or February 2015.
Possible specs for premium Nikon Coolpix compact
The sources move on to shed some light on the possible specs of the little shooter. The camera will take advantage of a 1-inch-type image sensor made by Aptina and will work hand in hand with an EXPEED 3 / EXPEED 4 image processor.
The body of the device will be manufactured from magnesium alloy and will have a grip reminiscent of the P5100 and P6000 Coolpix compacts.
The premium compact will be bundled with a 35mm equivalent lens of 24-120mm or 24-80mm, with max aperture remaining constant throughout the zoom range at f/2 or f/1.8.
The upcoming compact will come equipped with a 3-inch or 3.5-inch LCD on the back and offer P/A/S/M mode dial.
Last but not least, the device will have built-in Wi-Fi and GPS. An odd feature is mentioned – integrated Google Maps, so we must assume the device will run Android OS out of the box.
The camera is expected to go on sale with a price-tag revolving around $1,000 / €787.