Nikon used CES 2016 to embrace 4K Ultra HD video recording in a big way, unveiling a pair of 4K-supporting DSLR cameras and its first 360-degree action cam, that also captures 4K UHD video and stills.
The company’s new DSLRs include: the professional D5 and an advanced-amateur-focused D500 (which was an HD Guru crystal award winner for CES 2016). More on these below.
The most radicle camera addition, however, was the KeyMission 360, targeted at action sports fans. The camera is waterproof to 100 feet, and resists dust, drops of up to 6.6 feet and extreme temperatures. Other key additions include built-in vibration reduction to smooth out bouncy images that are common in shooting while running or off-road biking.
The camera also includes WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity to link with mobile devices.
More on Nikon’s 4K UHD camera trio after the jump:
With the KeyMission 360 introduction Nikon is going after two key competitors with one product – the GoPro action cam and Ricoh Theta 360-degree camera. Nikon uses a non-GoPro compatible 1/4-20 mounting system, so the camera will not be able to re-use GoPro mounting systems that users might already own. Nikon will support the KeyMission 360 with different mount and grip accessories, in addition to a dedicated remote.
The KeyMission 360 will capture 4K Ultra HD video using lenses and sensors on the front and back. When stitched together the multiple images produce a 360° video and photo image that can be viewed with virtual reality headgear or via special PC software.
The Nikon KeyMission 360 will ship to retailers this spring at a price to be announced later.
Meanwhile, th new Nikon D5 DSLR features a 20.8MP FX-format CMOS sensor that will also capture 4K video at 30fps. The camera also brings a new AF system using the company’s Multi-CAM 20K AF sensor module, which is the company’s first dedicated AF processor. The camera delivers enhanced AF performance using 153 AF points, including 99 cross-type sensors and dedicated AF processor.
Other features include a 20.8MP FX (full 35mm frame) format CMOS sensor; EXPEED 5 Image Processor; 3.2-inch 2.36m-dot touchscreen LCD; native ISO 102,400 that extends to ISO 3,280,000; 12 fps shooting for 200 shots with AE/AF; 180k-pixel RGB sensor and group area AF; 14-Bit raw files and 12-Bit raw S format; 1,000 Base-T Gigabit wired LAN support.
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Nikon said the camera’s new EXPEED 5 processor delivers significantly enhanced performance, including low noise, high-speed image processing and additional processing power needed for 4K video. The Nikon D5 will be available in March for $6,499.95 (body only) in two different versions, with either dual XQD card slots or dual CF card slots.
Our HD Guru Best DSLR of CES 2016 Award winner, the D500 (pictured at top) offers many of the same capabilities as the D5 but in a much more consumer-friendly price point and a lighter body design.
The Nikon D500 will be available in March 2016 for $1999.95 (body only) and in a kit configuration with the AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED VR lens for $3069.65.
The D500 features an APS-C 20.9MP CMOS sensor with a sensitivity range of ISO 100-51,200, which is expandable to ISO 50-1,640,000. It will capture up to 10 fps with full AF and AE with a buffer of up to 79 shots at 14-bits for uncompressed NEF files.
The D500 shares the D5’s AF system that includes the Multi-CAM 20K AF sensor module and 180K RGB metering system. The 153-point AF array fills the frame from side to side, to track and lock-onto subjects from the edges of the viewfinder. The camera also adds a 3.2-inch 2359K-dot touchscreen LCD.
The D500 stores captured images to either a fast XQD card slot or to an additional SD card slot. Other features include a new Nikon SnapBridge that improves the camera’s built-in connectivity by allowing for a Bluetooth supported connection between the camera and compatible smart device.
Other features include: 4K video capture at up to 30p and 1080p video available at up to 60p. The D500 offers uncompressed HDMI output. When capturing 1080p footage, the D500 uses a new 3-axis electronic VR feature that can be activated regardless of the lens being used.
By Greg Tarr
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