Connectivity
Software
The Nikon Coolpix P3/P4 ships with Nikon’s PictureProject software that assists in transferring images from camera to computer, organizes photos and offers different designs. The software also offers several slide shows with sound for display on a TV or computer and can create movie presentations with music. For the P3, PictureProject assists with the camera’s WiFi capability.
Jacks, Ports, Plugs
The P3/P4 has a USB port for transferring images to a computer or for hooking into a compatible printer for direct printing on PictBridge compatible printers. It also includes a port for A/V in/out.
Direct Print Options
Along with direct tethered printing on any PictBridge-enabled printer, the P3 can transfer images wirelessly to PictBridge printers for direct printing. Consumers, however, have to purchase a separate device – the Nikon Wireless Print Adaptor (PD-10) for $49.95 – to do this.
Battery
The P3/P4 uses a rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL5 with a battery life of 200 shots, according to CIPA standards.
Memory
Manufacturers are including internal memory on more cameras in general this year. The P3/P4 includes 23 MB of internal memory, which is not a lot, but is certainly better than nothing and useful for those occasions when a memory card is not on hand.
Other Features
Noise Reduction - An NR mode available through the menu system is designed to minimize digital artifacts in long exposures.
Vibration Reduction – This comes in two flavors, Normal and Active, but more testing is necessary to see if this technology lives up to Nikon’s claim of being able to capture “rock-steady images at shutter speeds of up to three stops slower than could normally be hand held.”
WiFi - The P3 model, like the P1 and P2 before it, is 802.11b/g with a range of up to 30 meters. The WiFi capability in the P3 ups the price by $50 from the P4, which has no WiFi capabilities.
