Nikon has today unveiled two new compact cameras for its Coolpix range.

The Nikon Coolpix S6600 features a vari-angle hinged LCD screen designed to allow the user to compose images or full HD video from a variety of angles. The firm states that it will eliminate ‘the guesswork required for taking a self-portrait picture at arm’s length’.

The new hinged LCD screen on the Coolpix S6600 black model

The camera features a 16MP backlit CMOS sensor and 12x optical zoom NIKKOR lens. New to this model is Gesture Control, allowing you control the shutter or the zoom with a swipe of the hand while the camera is in portrait mode – another useful feature for self-portraits.

The optical zoom extended on the Coolpix S6600

As is rapidly becoming a standard for new compacts, the Nikon Coolpix S6600 features a variety of filters and effects that can be instantly applied to your images.

The new Quick Effect Mode applies effects directly after shooting, and this function combines with the built-in WiFi to make it a compact built for sharing and uploading. Additional features and modes include Easy Panorama and Vibration Reduction.

Front view of the new Coolpix L620, in red

The Nikon Coolpix L620 is the latest model for the high zoom L series. A little more powerful than the S6600, the Coolpix L620 comes with an 18MP CMOS BSI sensor and 14x wide-angle Nikkor zoom lens.

James Loader, Senior Product Manager for Consumer Products at Nikon UK said, ‘Holidaymakers will particularly appreciate [the L620’s] AA battery port straight into the grip, making it easy to recharge and keep shooting.’

The back view of the L620. You can see the button that activates its various scene modes

As well as the Easy Panorama and VR features of the S6600, the Coolpix L620 also comes with Target Finding AF, which automatically identifies subjects for quick point-and-shoot. It also shoots full HD video and comes with numerous scene modes and effect.

Both cameras will be available from September 2013, priced individually at £199.99.