We all know that the race is on for the camera manufacturers to maintain relevance in the compact camera field.

We also know that for the most part, compact cameras actually do take better photographs.

So what to do?

Make cameras that are at a price point that gives you things like telephoto lenses, larger megapixel files, scene selections, etc., may be the best way to maintain.

Of course the toughest hurdle is the sharing aspect. Smartphones just own that space at this point.
With the exception of Samsung, all of the wi-fi enabled cameras have to stop off at a proprietary site before you share with Facebook, twitter, email or others.

The funny thing about all of this is that people know when you have made a better photo. A sweet smartphone shot is always called out because it’s not expected.

We use both/all. Smartphone, compact cameras, mirrorless cameras, DSLRs. And the quality difference is obvious between them all.
It’s all about what do you need the image to do.
So the major manufacturers, like Nikon, have come out with some amazing compact cameras for a low price point, and one even is the perfect outdoorsy compact camera.
Seriously, a 20megapixel camera fro $120.? Not bad.
And you won’t need a monthly plan to use em.
Wiat till you see what they came out with fro the pro and enthusiast.
Further down the post……..

The Nikon COOLPIX S5200: The Camera for Staying Connected
The COOLPIX S5200 is a versatile camera with a 16.0-megapixel backside-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor that captures high-quality images and video, even in low-light conditions. Featuring a wide-angle 6x (26mm to 156mm) optical zoom-NIKKOR glass lens, the compact and slim S5200 ensures crisp, detailed images in a pocketable body. Images and videos can be uploaded and shared instantly using the camera’s built-in Wi-Fi® capabilities1, allowing users to share images and videos with compatible smart devices via the Wireless Mobile Adapter Utility application1.

While sharing photos is fun, the COOLPIX S5200 makes creating flattering photos easy. Users have access to simple editing and shooting features including Best Smile Selector, a tool that automatically helps select the shot that best compliments the subject. In addition, an upgraded version of Glamour Retouch lets the user brighten faces using a variety of retouch effects. All shooting features, including Quick Effects and Target Finding AF, are accessible using the camera’s simple yet intuitive 3-inch TFT LCD monitor.

The Nikon COOLPIX L28: A Compact Camera for Everyday Life
The 20.1-megapixel COOLPIX L28 features easy-to-use shooting functions and streamlined operation that allow users to capture unique and expressive photos and videos effortlessly. Equipped with a 5x optical zoom (26mm to 130mm) and simple shooting functions such as Easy Auto Mode, this new COOLPIX camera allows the user to capture pristine still images and HD video at the touch of a button. The COOLPIX L28’s Smart Portrait Mode has six functions including Face-priority AF, Skin Softening, Smile Timer, Blink Proof and In-Camera Red-Eye Fix that allow users to take their creativity to new heights. For comfortable operation, the L28 also sports a 3-inch TFT LCD screen and an easy-to-hold grip and button layout that fits in a user’s hand comfortably. The COOLPIX L28 uses widely available AA-size alkaline batteries, so users can conveniently keep their cameras powered.

Pricing and Availability:
The COOLPIX S5200 will be available in February 2013 for a suggested retail price of $179.95* in Plum, Red, Blue and Black. The COOLPIX L28 will be available in February 2013 for a suggested retail price of $119.95* in Red, Black and Silver.



The Nikon COOLPIX AW110: Durable Performance for the Outdoor Adventurer
The COOLPIX AW110 is the ultimate point-and-shoot camera for the outdoor enthusiast that demands exceptional image quality and sharp, clear HD video from a compact body. Ready for the toughest conditions, this rugged camera sports a fun and innovative feature set designed to capture, preserve and share every moment of a user’s active lifestyle. Waterproof (up to 59 feet), shockproof (up to 6.7 feet) and freezeproof (down to 14° F), the AW110 is a versatile and feature-rich companion, above and below sea level. GPS technology is also enabled, allowing a traveler to track his or her adventure from beginning to end, down to the exact longitude and latitude where an image or video is captured. The COOLPIX AW110 also features built-in Wi-Fi® connectivity2, allowing the image data transfer of any outdoor adventure to compatible smart devices for upload to social networking services or sharing with friends and family through the Wireless Mobile Adapter Utility application. Wireless remote camera control is also possible using a compatible smartphone or tablet when using the application. Now this is cool! Imagine mounting your camera outside while you are warm and toasty in a car or home shooting away.

Beneath its rugged exterior, the AW110 features a 16-megapixel backside illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor that helps create sharp, beautiful images and HD video even in challenging lighting conditions. The camera also has a NIKKOR 5x optical zoom lens with lens-shift Vibration Reduction (VR) that allows the photographer to get close up to a subject from a distance, as well as the ability to record Full HD (1080p) movies with stereo sound. The COOLPIX AW110 features a 3-inch, OLED display for easy menu access and precise image preview, alongside an intuitive graphic user interface (GUI) that makes it easy to navigate several fun and intelligent shooting modes, including Easy Auto Mode and the Smart Portrait System, while Special Effects can be easily applied to still images and HD video.

Pricing and Availability:
The COOLPIX AW110 will be available in Orange, Black, Camouflage and Blue in February 2013 for a suggested retail price of $349.95*.

And for the pro:

Today, Nikon Inc. introduced the AF-S NIKKOR 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR super-telephoto lens and AF-S NIKKOR 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED ultra-wide-angle zoom lens, designed to assist FX-format photographers in capturing their subjects with clarity and precision. Specifically engineered for sports, wildlife and photojournalists, the 800mm f/5.6 offers the longest focal length of any NIKKOR autofocus (AF) lens, affording photographers the opportunity to get closer to their subject with extreme telephoto capability. Additionally, the compact and lightweight 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5 is an ultra-wide-angle lens option with a 1.9x zoom range is an ideal focal length for landscape photography and other wide-angle applications.

“The addition of the AF-S NIKKOR 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR super-telephoto lens and AF-S NIKKOR 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED wide-angle zoom lens to the FX-format NIKKOR lens lineup reaffirms Nikon’s commitment to the optical excellence and versatility that professional and enthusiast photographers have come to expect from Nikon,” said Bo Kajiwara, Vice President of Marketing, Planning and Customer Experience, Nikon Inc. “Whether shooting on the sidelines under stadium lights or composing a landscape in the early morning sun, the newest additions to the NIKKOR line of lenses provide the ability to shoot stunning still images or HD video with amazing sharpness and clarity.”

The Elusive and Iconic Image is Never Out of Reach
The new AF-S NIKKOR 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR super-telephoto lens provides professional photographers the opportunity to get close to a subject with the longest fixed focal length lens in the NIKKOR family. Designed for the needs of sports, wildlife and news photographers, the 800mm features a maximum aperture of f/5.6 and gives FX-format photographers the chance to capture intense detail and textures that fill the frame from a distance. Included with the new lens is the matched AF-S Teleconverter TC800-1.25E ED which has been developed exclusively for the 800mm f/5.6 lens. This is the first Nikon teleconverter to employ an ED glass element, and extends the maximum focal length 1.25x to 1000mm (1500mm when used with a DX-format camera) and maximum aperture to f/7.1 while maintaining full AF performance on D4, D800 series and D600 FX-format D-SLR cameras.

Originally trialed and tested under the demanding conditions of the 2012 summer games, the AF-S NIKKOR 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR maintains the handling, optical performance, vivid color reproduction and exceptional clarity that professional photographers rely on. This is the first Nikon lens constructed with two fluorite glass elements, combined with two ED glass elements and a Nano Crystal Coat, to help ensure outstanding performance with minimal chromatic aberration and flaring, all within a durable lens body. The addition of fluorite elements allows for consistently excellent optical characteristics while keeping the lens balanced and lightweight. The lens is comprised of 20 elements in 13 groups, and is one of few Nikon lenses to utilize an electromagnetic diaphragm mechanism that enables seamless mechanical control and enhanced stability in auto exposure control during continuous shooting. Vibration Reduction (VR) image stabilization is also implemented, with the equivalent of approximately four stops faster1 shutter speed correction.

and enthusiast:

An Ultra Wide-Angle Wonder for FX-Format Photographers
Nikon’s newest ultra-wide-angle NIKKOR offering, the AF-S NIKKOR 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED, features a useful wide-angle focal length of 18-35mm (1.9x zoom equivalent). This FX-format lens is ideal for large group shots, architecture and photographing or shooting HD video in tight interiors. Performance is optimized for ultra-high-pixel-count D-SLR cameras including the Nikon D800 series and D600, while providing close focus up to .92 feet (approx. 11 inches). The 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5 presents a new, lightweight wide-angle option for FX-format D-SLR shooters.

The AF-S NIKKOR 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED packs NIKKOR quality and performance within an extremely compact and lightweight 0.85 lb. (385g) body, making it easy to carry while on location or on-the-go. Constructed with 12 elements in 8 groups, Nikon’s newest wide-angle lens features a seven-blade diaphragm that allows for beautiful and precise image blur, ED glass to help ensure outstanding performance with minimal chromatic aberration while Nikon’s Super Integrated Coating (SIC) reduces ghosting even in backlit situations. Two focus modes are available including M/A (AF with manual override) and M (Manual) in addition to a Silent Wave Motor (SWM) that enables quiet AF operation.

Price and Availability
The AF-S NIKKOR 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR, supplied with the AF-S Teleconverter TC800-1.25E ED, will be available in April 2013 for the suggested retail price (SRP) of $17,899.95*. The AF-S NIKKOR 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED will be available in March 2013 for the SRP of $749.95*. For more information on these and other NIKKOR lenses as well as other Nikon products, please visit www.nikonusa.com.