Nikon Coolpix S800 camera will run Android: Do you want apps on your compact?

The Gadget Show  Tuesday 21 August 2012

We see a lot of compact cameras come and go, but the Nikon Coolpix S800 could kickstart a whole new category of smart shooters. You see, this is actually more smartphone than snapper, as it runs Google’s popular Android mobile operating system. Best of all, it’s on the cusp of release – anyone for a game of Angry Birds?

We’re used to seeing smartphone cameras get better and better, but the Nikon Coolpix S800 might just have what it takes to help the likes of Nikon, Canon and other regain ground against mobile: last year, sales of compact cameras fell 30 percent in the UK according to analysts at GfK.

Check out our video review of the Nikon D800 now

According to NikonRumors, which published leaked images of the Nikon Coolpix S800 this week, it’s packing the body, sensor and 4.5-54mm lens of a dedicated camera. But the 3.5-inch OLED (organic light-emitting diode) display on the back can be clearly seen running Android 2.3, and the site site claims it’ll also pack in GPS for photo location-tagging, and Wi-Fi for uploads and app downloads.

What’s the benefit? It’s the best of both worlds: the meaty specs and optical zoom of a proper camera along with the flexible, easy to use software of a smartphone. You could install tweaks to how the Nikon Coolpix S800 takes pictures straight from the Google Play store, or even shoot with a proper camera in Instagram. And if you really wanted to, you could probably play Fruit Ninja on it as well.

NikonRumors has a long history of leaking the company’s cameras early, so we think it’s legitimate. The site says an announcement is expected tomorrow at the Photokina expo in Cologne, Germany, so expect more details soon. Cheese!

Would you use a point and shoot than ran smartphone software? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments below.

Tags:

Nikon, coolpix s800, camera, Android