Nikon has developed some genuinely exceptional cameras over the years. They were the first to have cameras with features such as red-eye reduction, vertical sensor for metering, 1005-pixel RGB sensor for metering, or the world’s first digital camera with a built-in projector. When they announced the CoolPix lineup of compact cameras, little did they know it would revive in 2025, almost six years after its shutdown. Now that the company has already launched the P1100, we think it’s time for some of their other digital compact cameras to make a comeback, too. Here are some we think would be perfect for 2025.
The lead image is a screenshot from eBay.
The first set of cameras that I think should make a comeback is purely from the standpoint of design and aesthetics. If you are wondering why one should care about it, it’s because many people rely on how great the design is. Today, as cameras are getting smaller with larger megapixel sensors, they do appear identical to one another. If one is buying a compact, then the design plays a critical role in decision-making. And, after all, aren’t you tired of looking at boxy cameras yourself?
- CoolPix 100: This was a rectangular-shaped, vertical camera with a 1/3-in., 330,000-pixel CCD sensor and a 6.2mm f4 lens. This can be perfect for those who prefer shooting vertically over horizontally. You simply pull it out and use it, just like a phone. The lack of LCD will make it an interesting experience, too
- CoolPix 900/950/990/995/4500: These variations of the camera had something unique. You can flip or swivel the lens so that you can hold the camera normally on one side while the other slide will flip outside. The 900 version, launched in 1998, had a 1/2.7-in., 1.3-megapixel CCD sensor with a TFT LCD and a 3x zoom lens. By the 4500 edition in 2002, the camera evolved to have a 1/1.8-in $MP CCD sensor and a 4x 38-15mm lens. It also has compatibility with a wide range of converter lenses.
- CoolPix SQ: Announced in 2003, this camera has an entirely different kind of swivel lens, which can rotate both ways at 90 degrees. In addition to its stylish looks and slim body, it features a 3x lens and its own “cool station dock,” which allows the camera to communicate with a small device that functions as its computer. You can copy pictures to your computer with the cool station’s transfer button, which transfers photographs to the device with a fast plug-and-play USB connection. You can also charge batteries with it.
- CoolPix S4/S10: These two devices are further built on the swivel, but now they pack additional features such as a 6MP sensor and a 10x Nikon zoom.
- CoolPix S01: These are the last set of cameras that tried to be different when it comes to design. The S01 was basically designed to function as a phone. It also had a rectangular shape, a 1/3-inch-type 10MP CCD sensor, 3x optical zoom, four in-camera, 7.3 GB of internal memory, and now HD video recording. This could be interesting for those who wish to relive 2012 image quality.
Now, technological innovations, such as the Nikon CoolPix devices, are always evolving with time. The camera gradually adapted to the needs of enthusiasts and casual photographers. Here are some other devices that we think are perfect for revival.
- CoolPix S1000pj: I never thought Nikon would be thinking so differently. They managed to launch a digital camera with the world’s first built-in projector that can project on a 40-inch screen, which is quite a feat. When we think about our images, we often want to see them on bigger screens. And what is better than projecting them on the walls in our homes or on the terrace. It also had a 12.1MP sensor, a 5x wide-angle lens, and features such as a Smart Portrait System and Scene Auto Selector. For anyone who wants to relive their moments, this is quite a device.
- Coolpix P7000: This is more of a luxury offering. The company camera has varied controls, which is perfect for those who want complete manual control over their pictures. It also has a viewfinder, which makes it an exceptional addition to the revival series. It has a 10MP sensor, 7.1x zoom, a 3-in LCD, and varied bracketing functions. It’s small and compact, so it makes the shooting experience even better.
We all know that Nikon won’t launch any of these unless there is a market demand to support sales data. However, we do believe a comeback of these cameras could help us take a break form the monotony we face today. In fact, not everyone enjoys a bazooka-sized P1100; some of us need smaller devices that can conceal us in a crowd. And that’s what we hope Nikon’s compact cameras deliver now.