Melville, N.Y. — Nikon introduced Wednesday two Nikon 1 system mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras, in the Nikon 1 J4 and Nikon 1 S2.
Both models were designed for high-speed performance and add a number of new tools.
Also announced for the Nikon 1 cameras was the WP-N3 underwater case for both the J4 and S2, an SB-N10 waterproof speedlight, a new AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR lens and AF-S teleconverter TC-14E III.
The Nikon 1 J4 will ship in May bundled with a 1 Nikkor 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 PD-Zoom lens, at a $599 suggested retail. Black, white, silver and orange body colors will be available. A kit with the 1 Nikkor 10-100mm f/4.0-5.6 VR lens will also be available for $849, and a two lens kit including the 1 Nikkor 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 PD-Zoom lens and 1 Nikkor VR 30-110mm f/3.8-5.6 lens will be available for $1,049.
The Nikon 1 S2 will be available in June bundled with the 1 Nikkor 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 lens for $449 in a choice of black, white, red and yellow body colors. A two-lens kit including the camera and 1 Nikkor 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 and 1 Nikkor VR 30-110mm f/3.8-5.6 lenses will also be available for $699.
The Nikon 1 J4 and Nikon 1 S2 both feature a 20 fps continuous shooting frame rate at full resolution, with the J4 adding 171-contrast detect focus areas and 105 phase-detect autofocus (AF) points effective for both stills and HD video.
The J4 has a new 18.4-megapixel CX-format CMOS image sensor, while the S2 offers a 14.2-megapixel CMOS imaging sensor.
Both models include the new Expeed 4A image processing engine, and an ISO range to 12,800 that enables advanced low-light shooting.
The J4 includes built-in Wi-Fi connectivity to link with smartphones or tablets. An optional WU-1a wireless mobile adapter is available to provide the same functionality to the S2.
High-def video shooting, which now tops out at up 1080/60p for up to 10 minutes per clips, has been improved with an Enhanced Vibration Reduction (e-VR) system available during 1080/30p and 720/30p video recording, to help ensure smooth and steady movies.
Both cameras will capture simultaneous still images during video recording, using the new Auto Image Capture feature that saves full size images automatically throughout recording. The J4 saves the 20 best stills while the S2 saves the 10 best shots.
Slow View Mode is also available for the Nikon 1 J4, to slow down the frame.
The J4 can also record slow motion movies in HD in 1,280 by 720/120p.
The J4, when paired with the recently announced 1 Nikkor VR 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 PD Zoom lens, offers a highly rapid startup time.
The Nikon 1 S2 sports the traditional Nikon 1 multi-selector for menu access; the J4 features a new touchscreen interface with touch shutter functionality.
Both cameras store images to MicroSD cards.
Creative modes include Selective Color, Miniature Effect and Easy Panorama Mode (exclusive to the J4).
For still images, Cross Process, Toy Camera and Creative Pallet modes are now available, with the latter allowing users to apply effects to a scene prior to capturing an image to help preview how it will affect the photo.
Creative Pallet is accessible through either the wheel on the back of the J4’s touchscreen display or by using the multi-selector on the back of the Nikon 1 S2.
Meanwhile, the AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR lens and AF-S teleconverter TC-14E III, will be available in August at an $11,999 suggested retail.
The 400mm f/2.8 lens is said to be lighter and more durable than its predecessor and features improved AF, exposure accuracy and speed. The lens now contains two fluorite elements that, together with two extra-low dispersion (ED) glass elements and Nano Crystal Coat, helps minimize chromatic aberration and flaring.
The optics include 16 elements in 12 groups, and feature an electromagnetic diaphragm, similar to that in the AF-S Nikkor 800mm f/5.6 lens.
The lens will enable shooting stable images at a rate of up to 11 fps using the Nikon D4S HD-SLR. It includes a nine-blade rounded diaphragm.
The AF-S Teleconverter TC-14E III, which will launch at $499, will offer 1.4x magnification without comprising the lens’ image quality while losing just one-stop of exposure. The adapter is said to be especially useful for nature and sports photographers, and preserves the accuracy of the AF system.
