Compact Camera News

Nikon unveiled the new Coolpix W300 this morning, a waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof and dustproof point-and-shoot camera designed to capture and share images and 4K UHD video. According to Nikon, the Coolpix W300 features an improved grip and handling, a 3-inch LCD display, and a 5x optical zoom Nikkor lens. The Nikon Coolpix W300 also has built-in WiFi and Bluetooth and lets users wirelessly share images via Nikon’s SnapBridge app.

The Nikon Coolpix W300 features a 16-megapixel CMOS back-side illuminated (BSI) sensor, which is designed to help capture “life’s adventures” even in low-light. The tough Coolpix W300 offers a waterproof (100ft. / 30m), freezeproof (14F / -10C), dustproof and enhanced shockproof (7.9ft. / 2.4m) camera body with an increased grip area and what Nikon calls “ergonomically improved shutter button placement.”

Along with built-in GPS, the Nikon W300 has Points of Interest (POI) and mapping functions, along with an altimeter and depth gauge. The camera also has a dedicated button to activate an LED light for illumination, and a new Active Guide function to display location and altitude data.

With built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, images can transfer automatically to a photographer’s smart device. When connected, users can also operate the camera remotely with a smart device to capture new perspectives.

The Coolpix W300 allows the user to get close to the action with a 5x (24-120mm equivalent) optical zoom wide-angle lens (f/2.8-4.9) and 10x dynamic fine zoom. The camera’s hybrid VR technology provides up to three stops of compensation to capture sharp images and 4K UHD (3840×2160/30p) videos. Additional video features include a variety of creative functions, such as time-lapse and superlapse recording.

The Nikon Coolpix W300 goes on sale this summer in orange, yellow and black versions for $389.95.