The CoolPix Conundrum - Why Nikon delivers uninspiring compacts?
The CoolPix Conundrum - Why Nikon delivers uninspiring compacts?
The CoolPix Conundrum - Why Nikon delivers uninspiring compacts? By Raphael Chieza
Ok… maybe I am being a bit melodramatic but given how well Nikon are doing in the DSLR segment, it is just so surprising that they can treat the consumer segment with such bland offerings. I mean just take a look at the range of cameras in its compact line. It's more boring than a line of granny knickers! If we discount the recent CoolPix S1000pj with its built-in projector, the CoolPix cameras are just a bunch of generic products which aren't even high in terms of performance, nor are they great buys from a cost perspective. So why is Nikon being so stingy on the consumer segment? Is it some kind of marketing ploy to screw more bucks from us simply by leveraging their brand name?
If you look at compact camera segment, you'll see plenty of strong performance compacts which deliver innovative features or high quality optics/sensor combinations. From Sony, we have compacts with sweep panorama photo taking and Party-shot self shooting capabilities such as the slim, stylish Cyber-shot TX1 or the Cyber-shot WX1 which comes with an f/1.9 G lens. From Canon, we have the high performance of the PowerShot G11 and PowerShot S90, both comes with excellent optics as well as superb noise handling. From Panasonic, we have the extremely popular Lumix LX3 while Ricoh offers the GR Digital III and the soon to be released GXR with its innovative slide-in interchangeable camera units. Definitely worth a mention are the Sigma DP1 and DP2 as well as another coming model, the Leica X1 which is also an APS-C sized sensor compact.
So where is Nikon in this group of select cameras? The Nikon P-series look like failed Canon G-series wannabes and their "Style" series appears more an oxymoron or a misnomer. Even Samsung excels, with its ST500/550 which offers a dual LCD body design, and helps to redefine your approach for self-portraits and kids photography. In fairness to Nikon, they did come up with a built-in projector compact camera, the CoolPix S1000pj. However, the application of this is more of a gimmick than one which will see continual use on a consistent basis. The remainder of the CoolPix cameras do leave something other than to be desired when you hold them out to the competition in the light of value for money. If you want to save some money, Pentax offers a range of extremely affordable compacts which are not too shabby. There are also other brands which cater to the price conscious or those who pride their cameras on simple usage, the Olympus FE-series for example. Here, the Nikon L-series is at least an acceptable alternative but it's sad to see the Nikon brand being lost in the crowd of faceless people.
Nikon, if you are reading this, step up and "EXPEED" our expectations of your CoolPix range.
Yes! I whole-heartedly agree! I own a Nikon D3 and has always been a fan of Nikon. But some how Nikon compacts never impresses me :( All my friends who own Nikon DSLR would definitely carry a compact as well; Nikon should consider enticing these "Nikonists" to buy her compact...come out somethings like Lumix LX3, or Canon Powershot S90 and my Nikonist' friends and I would be the first few who would be buying Coolpix! Nikon, do somethings about it!
Kristian From FINLAND
28 Dec 2009, 5:27pm
The article doesn´t answer the main question "why nikon delivers uninspiring compacts?" ....
It just tell that Nikon compacts are uninspiring, well we knew that thank you. Write about what you headline, thank you.
Walter Lee From HONG KONG
28 Dec 2009, 1:55pm
100% agree. I think the reason is circular -- Coolpix doesn't make money, and Nikon cuts the Coolpix team's budget, such that they can only rely on OEM factories such as Sanyo. The sale of these OEM products is poor, and thus Nikon cuts the budget further....
