New "high-end" Nikon Coolpix camera(s) with 1" sensor

Photobug

According to the main blog Nikon is developing a New "high-end" Nikon Coolpix camera(s) with 1" sensor. The preliminary rumor specs:

The new camera will most likely use a new 1" Aptina sensor (first Coolpix with 1" sensor)
At least Expeed 3 imaging processor (Expeed 4 is also a possibility)
Magnesium body
Comfortable grip similar to the Nikon P5100 and P6000 models
24- 120mm or 24-80mm equivalent fast lens (f/2, maybe even f/1.8) with 3 ED and 1 ASP glass elements
3.0" or 3.5" LCD screen
P A S M mode
Built-in GPS with Google maps
Built-in Wi-Fi
Price: under $1,000

Is this something you would be interested in buying? What would it replace and why? Would you expect this to draw additional new users to the Nikon franchise? What do you think of the specs?

Photobug

Amen @PitchBlack regarding the Coolpix name. When Marketing picked that one for the entry level cameras it was fine but as you said, it needs a new name.

BTW, tell your girl friend that the Limited Edition Pumpkin Spice Creme Oreo coolies are terrific.

NSXTypeR

This better be a better camera than the Panasonic LX100 and the Sony RX100. The originally RX100 is selling for $500.

That's a lot of competition to get around.

I just bought my cousin's RX100 for $200 as a camera for my dad. I think Nikon should have thought about this, it might be a little late now.

WestEndBoy

Then it should be an update to the Coolpix A with a DX sensor.

donaldejose

Nikon has great DX sensors. They should market a compact "pocketable" (like suit coat or jacket pocket) mirrorless moderate zoom starting at f2.8 camera. Produce something serious shooters would like to carry around when they leave their DSLR at home. For example, try to copy the Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 but use a DX sensor and a 28-85mm (FX equivalent) zoom starting at f2.8 (do 35-70mm if needed for smaller size, we can all zoom with our feet). Most of the hardware and software exists. Just shrink the form factor as much as possible and leave 1 inch sensors to amateurs. The Coolpix A was a nice start but priced far to high. Nikon should be able to produce such a camera and price it about equal to a D3300.

WestEndBoy

I am not sure it is priced too high Donaldejose.

The lens on the Coolpix A is the equal of the current 28mm 1.8 lens. Subtract an appropriate amount for 2.8 vs 1.8, add an appropriate amount for a body with a D7100 build quality, and what do you get. Certainly not much less than a thousand.

Photobug

Nikon has great DX sensors. They should market a compact "pocketable" (like suit coat or jacket pocket) mirrorless moderate zoom starting at f2.8 camera. Produce something serious shooters would like to carry around when they leave their DSLR at home. For example, try to copy the Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 but use a DX sensor and a 28-85mm (FX equivalent) zoom starting at f2.8 (do 35-70mm if needed for smaller size, we can all zoom with our feet). Most of the hardware and software exists. Just shrink the form factor as much as possible and leave 1 inch sensors to amateurs. The Coolpix A was a nice start but priced far to high. Nikon should be able to produce such a camera and price it about equal to a D3300.

Donald - I like your recommendation for a pocketable camera for the pocket/purse.

I really like the preliminary specs and expect it to produce good IQ. The wife wants a better pocket camera than the P6000. Love to see a DX sensor on this new camera.

NSXTypeR

Then it should be an update to the Coolpix A with a DX sensor.

I don't know about you guys, but I don't always want a huge camera on me. The Sony RX100 is really a nice sized small camera. If you get a bigger sensor, the lenses always grow, you can't cheat physics. There are times when a D7000 sized camera really isn't appropriate- such as during dinner, or at receptions and such.

That being said, I don't mind choice, I'd still want to see Nikon's spin on a DX compact camera. Maybe it'll be smaller than I expect.

Photobug

My wife and I also have the same issue @NSXTypeR. She wants something that she can slip into her purse and I want something once in a while that is small but produces quality pictures. I have seen some weird faces made by waiters and waitresses when they see my DSL (D300 or D7100).

To be honest, I am still surprised that Nikon never released a small DX camera after Canon released theirs. I still expect a Nikon D2000 to be released in 2015.

donaldejose

Maybe Nikon is waiting to start a mirrorless DX series and maybe we will see the first one in 2015 with some new compact lenses for it.

Photobug

Maybe Nikon is waiting to start a mirrorless DX series and maybe we will see the first one in 2015 with some new compact lenses for it.

That would be an interesting strategy...one that makes sense. That would bring lots of interest to Nikon.