Nikon rumored for mirrorless in April, P500 in February
updated 03:10 pm EST, Wed January 19, 2011
Nikon mirrorless and Coolpix P500 get details
Two leaks in the past day may have given clues as to Nikon's camera strategy year, including the first more tangible details of its mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. One hint puts the mirrorless camera's launch in April and explains Nikon's public aims to be different as a shift to the pro market. Moving to a more advanced model would both help separate camera from Nikon's entry-level DSLRs and entice those on existing mirrorless systems to upgrade, Mirrorless Rumors heard.
The camera itself may, like many Nikon pro cameras, use a tuned Sony sensor. Both 16 and 24 megapixels were mentioned, although the former is the most likely.
A second rumor has provided more tangible details of a 'prosumer' camera. The Coolpix P500 would replace the P100 and extend the optical zoom from 26X to 36X. Nikon would go so far as to have a special lens dial to crash the zoom in or out much faster, NikonRumors heard. Nikon would use an upgraded, 12-megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor to keep it behaving well in low light.
Nikon is thought to have a large Coolpix update waiting for February and could make the P500 its headlining camera.
