Nikon Coolpix 4300 announced

The Coolpix 4300 is the latest digital camera to join the Coolpix range. Styled on the Coolpix 885, which continues in the range, the Coolpix 4300 offers improved resolution with 4.0 effective megapixels and 3x optical zoom with a focal range from 38-114mm (35mm equivalent).

This new Coolpix is compact and lightweight, designed with contours that as well as giving the camera a stylish, modern look, ensure comfortable handling. A well designed, clear layout, makes all buttons and controls easily accessible.

In keeping with the Coolpix 885, the Coolpix 4300 offers a sophisticated feature set to satisfy keen photographers, whilst the 12 programme scene modes, which include portrait, landscape, sunset and museum settings, make the camera simple and easy enough for a beginner to use. For more experienced photographers, a manual mode gives control over exposure value and various other settings.

As with other Coolpix cameras, a Quick Review feature makes it easy to see the last image captured, without having to scroll through the menu. The one touch upload button allows simple transfer of images from camera to computer, and the Small picture function reduces the file to the correct size for email.

The Coolpix 4300 boasts 4 metering modes, TTL white balance with 5 mode manual, preset and white balance bracketing, the Macro mode allows shooting as close as 4cm, the versatile built-in flash has 5 mode and there's a wide shutter speed range from 8sec to 1/1000. The Noise Reduction mode ensures for clear, sharp images - even with long shutter lags.

Optional lenses, usable with the UR-E4 step-down ring, include 3x and 2x teleconverters, wide angle and fisheye lenses, making the Coolpix 4300 a versatile camera for ideal for beginners and enthusiasts alike. Bundled software includes FotoStation Easy, Nikon View, Panorama maker, Photoshop elements.