Nikon to pay Microsoft for Android-related patent license

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><hr dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" /> <div class="copy post-body" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"> <div class="image-container" style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="Nikon signs Microsoft license deal for Androidrelated patents" data-src-height="412" data-src-width="619" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/02/nikon-coolpix-s800c-app-menu.jpg" /></div>Microsoft believes every Android device maker owes money for (reportedly) using its patents, and it's been striking a lot of matching royalty deals that mostly focus on phone designers. While there wasn't necessarily much doubt, we can confirm today that dedicated camera makers aren't exempt: Nikon just signed a similar deal. Although the terms are once again secret, the agreement will see Nikon pay Microsoft a royalty for "certain" cameras running Android, which likely involves the Coolpix S800c as well as any future shooters. In case you're wondering, Samsung's broader patent license deal already covers the Galaxy Camera. This new pact mostly gives Nikon equal treatment -- and shows that Microsoft casts a wide net.<br /> </div></div>

Nikon to pay Microsoft for Android-related patent license

Microsoft believes every Android device maker owes money for (reportedly) using its patents, and it...

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Hands-on with Nikon's Coolpix P520 and L820 superzooms at CP+ (video)

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><hr dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" /><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Handson with Nikon's Coolpix P520 and L820 superzooms at CP video" data-src-height="412" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/nikondsc05728.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Nikon introduced a pair of step-up superzoom cameras here at CP+, with the P520 designed to meet the needs of advanced amateur shooters and the L820 best suited for casual photographers looking to get a bit closer to the action. Both models include BSI CMOS sensors, with the $450 P520 snapping 18.1-megapixel stills and the $280 L820 capturing 16 megapixels. That first model includes a 42x (24-1,000mm) optical zoom lens while the latter sports a 30x (22.5-675mm) optic -- both offer lens-based image stabilization. Both options feature lens-mounted zoom toggles, pop-up flashes and dedicated video capture buttons, but only the P520 offers a dedicated mode dial, and if you're planning to make changes on the fly, that's really a necessity.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">We caught up with the duo at Nikon's CP+ booth this week -- we were expecting some inconsistency between the two based on price and specs alone, but after trying out both models, the Coolpix P520 is far and above the better option. The VGA-resolution 3.2-inch display was incredibly sharp and bright, and the vari-angle functionality lets you snap overhead and below-eye-level shots with ease. The camera was very responsive and the housing felt quite durable -- you definitely get quite a bit for your 450 bucks. The L820, on the other hand, felt very much like a low-end alternative, so unless you're on a strict budget or in the market for a sub-$300 model, you'll want to spend for the P520. You should be able to check out both cameras in retail stores beginning later this month, or you can take a look today in our hands-on after the break.</div></div><iframe frameborder="0" height="349" id="viddler-8ef89f6e" mozallowfullscreen="true" src="//www.viddler.com/embed/8ef89f6e/?f=1&offset=0&autoplay=0&secret=47862840&disablebranding=0&view_secret=47862840" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="545"></iframe></div>

Hands-on with Nikon's Coolpix P520 and L820 superzooms at CP+ (video)

Nikon introduced a pair of step-up superzoom cameras here at CP+, with the P520 designed to meet the needs of advanced amateur shooters an...

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Nikon Coolpix AW110 and S31 ruggedized cams see some action at CP+ (hands-on video)

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><hr dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" /><div class="image-container" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Nikon Coolpix AW110 and S31 ruggedized cams see some action at CP, we go handson video" data-src-height="412" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/nikondsc05672.jpg" /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">You might figure that a climate-controlled exhibition center would offer a safe haven for even the most delicate of electronics, but with thousands of consumers getting handsy with these gadgets, many devices take quite a beating during a week-long trade show. No drop to the floor, counter crush or attendee sneeze is too much for these ruggedized Nikons, however. The Coolpix AW110 and S31 were both designed with wild lifestyles in mind, with waterproof and shockproof housings offering protection on land and under the sea. Our test location this week was limited to a display counter positioned front and center at Nikon's CP+ booth in Yokohama, so we can't speak to durability, but both offerings look convincing enough.</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">With a sticker price of $350, the AW110 is certainly the higher-end of the two. We were particularly taken with the 3-inch OLED display, which looked fantastic -- it's perhaps the sharpest screen we've seen on any ruggedized model. The 5x internal zoom lens wasn't speedier than we expected, but it'll get the job done. The S31, however, looks very much like a child's plaything. And, considering the $120 MSRP (for a ruggedized camera, no less), it seems to be priced as such. We'll let you make that call for yourself, however -- take a closer look at both point-and-shoots after the break.</div></div><iframe frameborder="0" height="349" id="viddler-c6a721e9" mozallowfullscreen="true" src="//www.viddler.com/embed/c6a721e9/?f=1&offset=0&autoplay=0&secret=11512797&disablebranding=0&view_secret=11512797" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="545"></iframe></div>

Nikon Coolpix AW110 and S31 ruggedized cams see some action at CP+ (hands-on video)

You might figure that a climate-controlled exhibition center would offer a safe haven for even the most delicate of electronics, but with ...

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Nikon updates Coolpix compact lineup with S9500

<div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;" trbidi="on"><hr /> <div class="image-container" style="text-align: left;"> <img alt="Nikon updates Coolpix compact lineup with S9500, sub$200 S5200 and L28" data-src-height="352" data-src-width="620" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/01/nikons9500bkfrontlo.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> A Coolpix for every budget? Nikon's got you covered with this latest lineup of compact point-and-shoots. The S9500, priced at $350, offers a standard mid-range lineup of pocketable-cam specs. There's an 18.1-megapixel 1/2.3-inch BSI CMOS sensor, an impressive 22x 25-550mm zoom lens and a 3-inch OLED display. As you might expect from a camera in this price range, Nikon threw in embedded WiFi and GPS, letting you geotag and upload your pics directly from the camera. Next up is the $180 S5200, which manages to squeeze in a 16-megapixel 1/2.3-inch BSI CMOS sensor and a 6x, 26-156mm optically stabilized zoom lens. You'll use the 3-inch HVGA LCD to navigate the updated (and simplified) user interface. Both of these cameras offer 1080/30p HD video capture modes, too.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> <span>Budget-cam hunters might like the $120 Coolpix L28, which is largely identical to its predecessor, the L26, save for a new CCD sensor that snaps 20.1-megapixel stills, rather than the 16.1-megapixel shots you'd be able to grab with 2012's offering. Otherwise, you'll find a 5x, 26-130mm zoom lens with a maximum aperture range of f/3.2-6.5, a 3-inch QVGA LCD, 720p video shooting and an AA battery compartment. All three cameras are set to ship in late February, and will be available in black. The S9500 will also sport a red or silver finish, the S5200 can be had in blue, purple or red, while the L28 will come in red and silver. Try to hold back your excitement.</span></div></div>

Nikon updates Coolpix compact lineup with S9500

A Coolpix for every budget? Nikon's got you covered with this latest lineup of compact point-and...

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