Wrap Up Your Holiday Shopping with Nikon Canada's Top Five Gift Ideas

Feature upgrades and added capabilities make these the perfect presents for under the tree

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Dec. 16 /CNW/ - Nikon Canada today announced its top five featured models for the 2010 holiday season, setting out its selection of new and enhanced digital SLRs and COOLPIX cameras ready to be placed under your tree or hung by the chimney with care.

"With the advances in camera technology over the last year, Nikon Canada is pleased to introduce some of its most sophisticated, user-friendly models to date, in time for budding photographers and enthusiasts to experience this holiday season," said Gregory Flasch, National Advertising and Communications Manager, Nikon Canada. "Our digital SLRs and COOLPIX cameras have redefined the success of their predecessors with new and enhanced features, and continue to complement the range of Nikon cameras."

Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

A world of possibilities has opened up with the advancements to Nikon's latest digital SLR cameras. Originally, the D-series cameras were primarily geared toward the photography enthusiasts of the world. Now, more amateur users are able to enter the digital SLR category with the help of new, more intuitive features and operation. One major new feature is the addition of HD video capabilities, which allow the aspiring photographer to become the aspiring filmmaker. In addition, many of the familiar, innovative functions from previous models have been upgraded and improved. For example, the Enhanced Guide Mode is so intuitive it's like having a photography tutor inside your camera.

Nikon D3100 - Get photography lessons from your camera

Packed into a lightweight, compact body, the Nikon D3100 is the world's first digital SLR featuring full-time auto-focus in Live View and D-Movie Mode. This enables users to easily maintain the critical focus required for shooting full 1080p (or 720p) HD video for up to 10 minutes per clip. The D3100 Movie-Mode shares all the features of the D7000, including Face Detection technology for up to 35 faces, on-board video clip editing and CEC compatibility through the HDMI output. For users new to the digital SLR world, the enhanced in-camera Guide Mode walks users through the steps needed to achieve their desired images and HD video results conveniently displayed on the camera's LCD monitor.

The D3100 also features Nikon's EXPEED2™ image processing engine and 14.2-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor. With high-speed shutter response and an 11-point AF system, the D3100 puts the power to produce exceptional-quality photos in the hands of the novice user. Even poor lighting conditions are not a challenge for the camera's ISO 100-3200 range (expandable to Hi-2 12,800).

Using the 420-pixel RGB colour sensor and 3D Matrix Metering System II (with over 30,000 images in its database) the D3100 can employ its Scene Recognition System, which will auto-adjust the settings of the camera for optimal performance. A similar feature has been integrated from the COOLPIX line incorporating the Auto Scene Selector feature in Live View. When active, the setting will auto-select the best scene mode for the current shooting conditions allowing the user to capture the best possible images with ease.

MSRP: D3100 Set with AF- S NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR image stabilization lens - $699.95

Nikon COOLPIX Cameras

Every COOLPIX model offers users a fashionable, compact camera with the versatility to meet the needs of the point-and-shoot photographer. Blink Warning and In-Camera Red-Eye Fix™ help people look their best in any pose. Nikon's Vibration Reduction (VR) stabilizes images in low-light (or fast action) shooting conditions. The Scene Auto Selector chooses from one of six modes (Portrait, Night Portrait, Landscape, Night Landscape, Close-up or Backlight) for capturing the optimal shots. Additionally, Nikon's Smart Portrait System uses Face Priority AF, capable of tracking up to 12 faces in a single shot, an ideal feature for documenting family gatherings.

Nikon COOLPIX S1100pj - It's a time for giving: share photos, movies and slideshows on the go

Clearing the bar set by its predecessor, the sleekly designed 14.1-megapixel COOLPIX S1100pj is the ultimate portable image recorder and projector. The 14-lumen internal projector has a brightness increase of 40 per cent and is topped off with an intuitive touch screen interface and a built-in stand. When connected to a computer via USB, the camera can double as a projector for whatever is on the computer's screen, making the S1100pj ideal for everything from family slideshows to business presentations from a laptop. Holiday home videos recorded with its one-touch 720p HD movie mode can also be projected. All images and videos display at up to 47 inches from over seven feet away.

The large, 3-inch Clear Colour LCD touch screen with 460,000-dot display provides bright, crisp viewing and playback and the newly added Paint function works with the pre-existing editing software, allowing users to draw on projected images in real-time. Other new additions to the in-camera Retouch functions include photo-stamping and rating, Soften, Selective Colour, Cross Screen, Fisheye Effect, Miniature Effect and Makeup Effect. These additions essentially remove the need for an external computer to apply creative changes.

With a 5x Wide-Angle Optical Zoom-NIKKOR glass lens (28-140mm) and Nikon's 5-Way VR Image stabilization system working in conjunction with ISO settings up to 6400, users will be able to capture sharp images in low light and other difficult conditions. To accommodate most other photo needs the S1100pj also features 17 scene modes, Subject Tracking and Easy Auto Mode, letting users simply turn on the camera and start shooting.

The COOLPIX S1100pj is available in black. MSRP: COOLPIX S1100pj - $349.95

Nikon COOLPIX S8100 - In the snow or under twinkling lights, get the best picture every time

The COOLPIX S8100 features a 12.1-megapixel backside-illuminated CMOS sensor for improved performance in low-light conditions, such as during a candlelight dinner, and high-speed image captures, such as shots of kids racing down a toboggan hill. The enhanced performance, quality and HD video capabilities are also supported by Nikon's exclusive EXPEED C2™ image processing engine.

Taking high-speed shots with a compact camera has never been easier. The S8100 uses both a pre-shooting cache (recording up to two shots before the shutter-release is fully pressed), and high-speed shooting at five full resolution frames and at up to 10 fps. When switched to Sport Continuous Mode, fast action shots are recorded closer to 120 fps.

The S8100's unique CMOS sensor makes low-light shots a breeze. In either Night Portrait or Night Landscape mode, the 100-3200 ISO range, combined with the 4-Way Vibration Reduction (VR) Image stabilization system, helps reduce blurring. Additionally, the Night Landscape setting is capable of compiling five consecutive shots taken at high shutter speeds into a single image with enhanced quality.

For shooting those special holiday videos, the S8100 offers full 1080p HD video with one-touch recording, in-camera editing (including snapping stills while filming) and stereo sound recording for a cinematic feel.

The COOLPIX S8100 is available in red, champagne and black. MSRP: COOLPIX S8100 - $319.95

Nikon COOLPIX S4000 - One-touch ease for capturing any holiday moment

It's all about one-touch operation with the COOLPIX S4000. Incorporating the Touch Shutter feature into its design, the 12-megapixel S4000 lets users select a subject on the 3.0-inch, 460,000-dot Clear Colour LCD Display with one touch. From there, focus and exposure can be adjusted before the shutter automatically releases. The touch screen can also be used to activate and follow a subject using the Subject Tracking function.

With a 4x wide-angle Zoom NIKKOR glass lens, ISO 3200, 720p HD video recording and 4-Way VR Image stabilization system, the S4000 is ready to handle any day-to-day shooting requirements. Included in the camera are all the standard features of the COOLPIX lineup (Nikon's Smart Portrait System, Scene Auto Selector and preset scene modes).

The COOLPIX S4000 is available in black, red and pink. MSRP: COOLPIX S4000 - $159.95

Nikon COOLPIX L110 - An ideal choice for the sports lover on your list

To capture action close-up or at a distance without the complication of excessive manual controls, the COOLPIX L110 is the photo-enthusiast's affordable, fully featured long zoom camera. The 15x Optical Zoom-NIKKOR glass lens covers a focal range of 28-420mm super-telephoto and can capture images in almost any shooting scenario. For sports fans, the L110 is a must-have on the sidelines at any game. The L110 will enable approximately 840 still shots or up to 7 hours of HD (720p) video with auto-focus and stereo recording.*

The COOLPIX L110 is available in black or red. MSRP: COOLPIX L110 - $229.95

* Recording stops automatically after 29 minutes. This figure is based on Nikon Corporation testing standards and stated for recording at 25C with AA size Energizer® Ultimate Lithium batteries. Actual results may vary greatly depending on factors that include differences in ambient temperature, and amount of zoom and autofocus operations used.

Exclusive Canadian Warranty

Nikon Canada offers an exclusive two-year warranty for all COOLPIX digital cameras and select digital SLR cameras purchased from an Authorized Nikon Canada Dealer. Consumer's investment is protected by Nikon Canada's warranties with in-Canada service.

About Nikon

Nikon, At the Heart of the Image™, is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Canada distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and System Accessories; Nikon COOLPIX^® compact digital cameras; COOLSCAN^® digital film scanners; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics. At the heart of every Nikon camera is Nikon's Exclusive EXPEED™ or EXPEED2™ advanced digital image processing system technologies. All Nikon Canada products are sold through a network of Authorized Nikon Canada Dealers. For more information on Nikon Canada and its products and services or to find an Authorized Nikon Dealer, visit www.nikon.ca.

**Photos are available upon request

Note: Specifications, design, product name, standard accessories and release schedule may differ by country or area. Pricing is subject to change: Refer to www.nikon.ca for the latest pricing.

To see the full range of Nikon COOLPIX cameras and digital SLRs, visit www.nikon.ca.

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