Nikon expanded its COOLPIX lineup with two new models offering exceptional optical zoom capabilities, from 24-1440mm, 4K UHD and Full HD video capture and Hybrid VR for smooth and steady footage.

Both dressed in black, the new models will be available in the U.S. market this March. The COOLPIX A1000, and COOLPIX B600 priced at $479.95 and $329.95, respectively, are Nikon’s newest high-power point-and-shoot cameras with exceptional zoom capabilities built-in. Designed for the everyday photographer who wants optical capabilities that far exceed a smartphone, they are the ideal solution for any Nikon shooter who wants to pack a camera for leisure time, although they can also be used as support camera, anywhere you go.

It’s a battle against the dissemination of smartphones as picture and video shooting machines, and while phone cameras are good, none beats the specifications and quality a camera like these COOLPIX can offer. Nikon, as other brands, expects people looking to upgrade from a smarthpne experience to choose one of these models. If you’ve ever tried to enlarge a picture taken with your smartphone, you’ve probably realized that, no matter how much technology has evolved, a real camera continues to be the best option if you enjoy – better – quality in photography and video.

A camera is better than a smartphone

“Customers looking for a compact camera are seeking features smartphones simply cannot deliver, including amazing zoom and the low-light capabilities to capture the moments that matter most,” said Jay Vannatter, Executive Vice President, Nikon Inc. “The COOLPIX A1000 and COOLPIX B600 are the ideal tools to deliver just that, by providing the photo, video and optical power that users need to take their photography to the next level.”

The COOLPIX A1000 is a good example of what a compact camera can offer over a smartphone. The 35x optical zoom covers an expansive 24-840mm range, which can be extended, through Nikon’s Dynamic Fine Zoom, to a focal length equivalent to approximately 1680mm (in 35mm format). The zoom works in tandem with a 16-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor with an ISO range of up to 6400 (when using P/S/A/M modes), and allows users to capture uncompressed RAW (NRW) images for easier editing and post-processing using Capture NX-D, Nikon’s RAW processing software.

Macro mode focus at 1cm

The 24-840mm f/3.3-6.5 lens allows users not only top bring distant subjects closer, it also features a macro close-up mode that allows users to enjoy macro photography when shooting as close as 1 cm (0.4 in.) to the lens at the maximum wide-angle position. The lens comes with lens-shift vibration reduction (VR) function to produce sharp images, even without a tripod.

A 1166k-dot electronic eye-level viewfinder that aids in the framing process, enabling users to compose their shot even in bright light situations is present, and the COOLPIX A1000 features Snap Back Zoom and Side Zoom controls to comfortably adjust camera settings while using the viewfinder. With five pre-set Creative Modes and 20 different image effects for photographers who want to enhance their images in-camera, this compact from Nikon has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity that makes sharing  images easy when using the Nikon SnapBridge app and a compatible mobile device.

4K UHD and Hybrid VR

As a video machine, the COOLPIX A1000 can record 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160) videos with full stereo sound and Hybrid VR functionality for smooth and steady footage. The camera features Nikon’s Active D-Lighting function for enhanced photo quality in high-contrast scenarios, such as shooting backlit portraits. The function, which reduces the loss of details in highlights and shadows in scenes exhibiting great contrast, can also be applied during movie recording, except with HS 720/4x (1280 x 720) recording.

The second camera introduced by Nikon is the COOLPIX B600, built around a 60x optical zoom NIKKOR lens that covers an impressive focal length range equivalent to 24-1440mm f/3.4-6.9, which can be extended to 120x with Dynamic Fine Zoom… that’s 2880mm! In fact, with pure digital zoom, you can go as far as 5760mm equivalent in 35mm format, although that may be too much. On the other end the camera offers a Macro mode, which allows users to enjoy macro photography with shooting as close as 1 cm (0.4 in.) to the lens at the maximum wide-angle position.

COOLPIX B600 is Full HD only

A 16-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor and advanced EXPEED image-processing engine is the “heart” of the camera, and users have a choice of 19 scene modes that automatically optimize camera setting according to the scene a user is trying to capture, such as the Multiple Exposure Lighten mode that captures dramatic nightscapes and light paths – like the flow of car lights. Users can also select from 36 different creative effects and filters to easily bring a creative vision to life.

Video capture is limited to Full HD in this model, and users can record up to high-quality 1080/60i (50i) and 1080/30p Full HD movies with stereo sound. The COOLPIX B600 features built-in Vibration Reduction (VR) mechanism capable of reducing camera shake to the same degree as a 3.0-stop increase in shutter speed with still photography, and 4-axis Hybrid VR that effectively reduces blur with movie recording, for smooth videos.

As usual, built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity are present, allowing, through the use of Nikon’s SnapBridge app,  to automatically transfers images to a compatible smart device while the user continues shooting. The COOLPIX B600 supports the ML-L7 Remote Control, which is capable of a variety of operations over a Bluetooth connection to the camera, and Nikon adopted the EN-EL12 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery, which can be charged over USB while inserted in the camera.