Nikon launches longest superzoom camera

Nikon has launched nine new Coolpix cameras , including the P510: the world's longest superzoom digital camera.
http://www.mobilemag.com/2012/02/01/nikon-coolpix-p510-sports-42...

The amateur shutterbug in us all have at one point or another wished we had one of those big zoom lens DSLRs to capture a nice eagle in the distance, a bit beyond the abilities of our point-and-shoot cameras don’t ya think?

Those days will be a thing of the past with Nikons launch of their Coolpix P series; including a Nikon Coolpix P-510 and Coolpix P-310. The P-510, with its unprecedented super zoom (42x optical), doesn’t compromise image quality at all. Its Nikkor glass lens is capable of capturing action from a wide 24mm to an amazing 1000mm focal range and the 16.1 MP CMOS sensor will ensure nothing is lost in transit from the lens to the memory stick.

But zoom is the real selling feature of this model. The P510 replaces the P500 which has a zoom of 36X while the nearest competition in the segment, Canon’s Powershot SX40 HS comes with a 35x zoom. The P510 can also capture 1080 videos and its purpose-built supercharged image stabilizing system practically reduces blur to a minimum even with the zoom pushed to its limits.

The P310 on the other hand comes alive in the night. It tackles demanding low- light conditions with ease with a 16.1-megapixel backside Illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor and a fast f/1.8 maximum aperture lens.

Both the cameras are set to be out in the market by the middle of February with the P310 likely to cost around $350 USD while the P510 will come with a price tag of $430 USD.
The Nikon P510.

The Nikon Coolpix P510 has a massive 42x optical zoom: the lens stretches from 24mm to an astounding 1000mm equivalent. It's the first camera to break the 40x mark and the first to reach a four-figure focal length. That spec alone will put it at the top of plenty of shopping lists, especially among amateur sports photographers and wildlife buffs.

It has plenty of the other trappings that come along with high-end superzooms, too. It's built around a 16-megapixel backside illuminated sensor, which enables a five frames-per-second high-speed shooting mode and 1080p HD video, and could contribute to quick autofocus and good indoor and low-light image quality.

Other features include a 3-inch, tilting LCD, an electronic viewfinder, full manual control, and on-board GPS. Image stabilization is included as well, though it'll need to be pretty strong to steady such a long zoom lens.

This is the second year in a row that Nikon has held the longest-zoom title. Last year's Coolpix P500 topped the charts with its 36x optical zoom. The P510 will hit shelves in March for $429.95 in black and red.

The latest in "mine is bigger than yours" and "size does matter"...

yes, but what's the f-stop at 1000mm?

This would be cool in a compact format for quickies.

Meh....
Just a marketing ploy. Truly aimed at "the amateur shutterbug", because somebody with understanding of basic photography won't take a second look at this.

- you can't possibly hope to take a handheld picture 1000mm
- this has a small sensor, i.e. noise issues at high ISO
- fstop 5.9 at 1000mm
- all these limitations boil down to longer shutter speed i.e. useless for sports or even birds
- stabilization system does not do you much good for sports

So, calling it a "sports camera" is like putting a spoiler on Ford Escort and calling it a "Sports Car"

Nikon's dumbing down their product line for those who believe that more megapixels and longer zoom are the only 2 features that make a good photo.

Aleck, it's on the lines of building a Chevy Nova Sport Edition.

Y'all are overthinking this with your big egos and etc. These cameras are killer money makers and great for the average person looking for exactly what they're advertising, Zoom and MP.

There are camcorders with 65x optical zooms.