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Nikon seems poised to be the first company to bring 'cordless' digital still cameras to consumers, it seems. The Coolpix P1 and Coolpix P2 cameras will use 802.11 Wi-Fi technology to transfer images to your PC or printer.

The cameras are due to arrive in retail later in September. The 8 megapixel P1 and 5 megapixel P2 will sell for $550 and $400 respectively. Both will offer 3.5X optical zoom, have the capability of transferring images to PC immediately they are taken (handy for laptop users) and be able to connect either directly to a single PC or to a network via a Wireless base station.

When transferring images directly to PC, the camera will store the images in memory until the transfer is complete, at which time camera memory will be freed ready for the next image. 'Immediately' won't be as good as it sounds, however. A full resolution 8 megapixel image will take 8 seconds to transfer, whilst a 5 megapixel image a bit over 4 seconds.

The Kodak 'EasyShare-One' wireless digital still camera is due to be showcased in late September, and will be launched in early October.

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called attention to the first wave of wireless still cameras; useful context for anyone thinking about buying one follows.

Real-world use is what matters more than announcement specs. Wireless makes instant transfer convenient, but it also changes battery, backup and printing habits. Expect transfers to be slower than a card reader or direct USB cable, and plan for higher power draw during wireless use. Check the camera's transfer options (thumbnail-only, lower-res copies, or full image) so you can choose speed or quality depending on the situation. Also verify whether the camera supports a direct peer-to-peer link or joining an existing Wi‑Fi network — the two modes have different setup and sharing implications.

A short practical checklist:

  • Test a full setup before relying on it: connect the camera, transfer a few images, and confirm import/printing works.
  • Carry at least one fallback: spare battery, USB cable, or a card reader for bulk transfers.
  • Allow vendor software through the PC firewall or set up a dedicated import folder; many import problems are firewall/permissions issues.
  • Use current Wi‑Fi security on your router (WPA2/WPA3 if supported) and avoid leaving the camera on open networks.

Troubleshooting pointers: if the camera won't connect, confirm SSID and passphrase, toggle DHCP vs static IP on the camera, try a laptop-to-camera ad‑hoc link or a phone hotspot to isolate router problems, and check for firmware updates from the maker. If printing fails, determine whether the printer accepts direct wireless prints or needs the PC as an intermediary.

Wireless cameras change the workflow for the better — but only if you test the setup, plan fallbacks, and mind power and security from the start.

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