Compact camera sales have been slowed by smartphones, especially at the lower end of the cost spectrum, but there’s still a solid market for go-anywhere, waterproof compacts. The new Coolpix W300 is the replacement for the older AW130. There aren’t a ton of changes—it uses the same 1/2.3-inch 16MP CMOS image sensor and 5x (24-120mm) zoom lens.
There’s still a GPS, altimeter, and depth gauge, and the camera is still waterproof to 100 feet and freezeproof to 14°F. The drop rating has been improved, to 7.9 feet, and the camera now uses the SnapBridge app to interface with an Android or iOS device with support for Bluetooth, NFC, and Wi-Fi.
Other changes include a slightly larger handgrip and angled shutter button, and the addition of 4K video capture at 30fps. Video features a pause function, which isn’t common, in case you want to stop a clip without breaking it up into multiple files. And there’s a frame extract option which pulls an 8MP still image of any video frame.
The W300 is bright orange, priced at $389.95, and will ship this summer.
The remainder of the announcements are in the Nikkor lens family. The first is a low-cost ultra-wide zoom for DX (APS-C) SLRs. The AF-P DX Nikkor 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR costs just $309.95 and covers a 15-30mm (full-frame equivalent) angle of view. It includes image stabilization, focuses to 8.5 inches, and sports a pulse motor for quieter autofocus when recording video.
It’s joined by two premium lenses, both with support for FX (full-frame) cameras. The AF-S Fisheye-Nikkor 8-15mm f/3.5-4.5E ED is very similar to a lens that Canon shooters have had access to for a while, the EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM.
Nikon’s take features a variable aperture design, but also captures a fully circular image at 8mm and zooms to a more traditional fisheye look at 15mm. It features top-end finish, including a design that protects the lens and camera from dust and moisture, a Nano Crystal Coat to reduce flare and ghosting, and a fluorine coating on the front and rear elements to make them easier to keep clean. It’s priced at $1,249.95.
Finally there’s a new f/1.4 prime, rounding out the company’s line-up of premium wide-aperture lenses. The AF-S Nikkor 28mm f/1.4E ED sports the same dust and moisture protection, Nano Crystal Coat, and fluorine protection as the 8-15mm. It supports 77mm front filters, and focuses to about 11 inches. The 28mm is priced at $1,999.95.