August 30, 2007 – Nikon today introduced two additions to its S-series point-and-shoots. The Coolpix S51 and Wi-Fi-enabled S51c boast higher 8.1-megapixel counts. The S51c now adds compatibility with Blackberry mobile devices and comes with a free 6-month subscription to T-Mobile HotSpot service for wireless photo transfer. The Nikon S51c has a suggested retail price of $329.95, and the S51 is priced at $279.95. The cameras will be available next month.
The S51 and S51c are similar, but the latter includes WiFi. The Nikon S51c enables users to transfer photos with wireless Internet connection. The S51c can now be used with Blackberries and also includes a free subscription to T-Mobile Wi-Fi service for half a year to be used at more than 8,200 HotSpot locations in the U.S.
“Not only does the S51c boast superior imaging abilities, but it also enhances the photo sharing experience for the consumer,” said Nikon Coolpix General Manager Marketing Bill Giordano in a company press release today.
Users of the Coolpix S51c can send their photos and movies directly from their camera to the online sharing site Flickr or
Picturetown, Nikon’s recently launched site. Along with gallery capabilities, Picturetown can store up to 2 GB of photos and videos. Users can also share their photos via e-mail using the S51c’s One Touch Email button.
The new S50 lacks the wireless capabilities of its S51c sibling, but it carries many other similar features including the Expeed image processor that promises reduced noise. The cameras each are equipped with a 3x optical zoom lens with Optical Vibration Reduction. The system compensates for low-lighting and has a sensitivity threshold of up to 1600 ISO like the older S50 and S50c models. The S51c and S51 are each fitted with a 3-inch LCD screen with a 160-degree viewing capabilities, down from the 170-degree angled viewing of the earlier cameras. Both new cameras also borrow the anti-reflective LCD coating to resist monitor glare.
Users can view customized slideshows with the Pictmotion feature that was also offered on the S50c and S50. Pictmotion can display up to 200 photos with music playback. The Coolpix S51c and S51 also borrow Nikon's In-Camera Innovations, a of functions: Face Priority AF for up to 5-face detection, In-Camera Red-eye Fix, and D-lighting.
The Nikon Coolpix S51c and S50 are compatible with SD and SDHC memory cards and accept Li-ion batteries.
