The S2 carries a 14.2-million-pixel imaging sensor, 135 AF points (including 73 phase-detection points) and sensitivity ranging from 200-12,800.

It will be out in a kit with an 11-27.5mm lens, priced £379.99, while an outfit that adds a 30-110mm zoom will cost £529.99.

Nikon claims that the camera is ideal for people wanting to make the step up from smartphones and compact cameras.

The S2 incorporates an Expeed 4A dual-engine image processor and boasts a 20-frames-per-second burst rate, for up to 10 raw images.

It will be available in a choice of black, red, white and yellow.

Nikon has also today announced a 28 August launch date for a new 400mm ‘super-telephoto’ (pictured below), designed for FX-format DSLRs. The AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR will cost £10,399.99.

Meanwhile, a new 1.4x teleconverter, the AF-S Teleconverter TC-14E III, will cost £449.99.