Nikon today announced a new DL line of posh compact digital cameras, featuring big 1-inch sensors and fast zoom lenses. The camera giant also announced three new long-range zoom compact digital cameras. The Nikon DL 18-50, DL 24-85, and DL 24-500 are named based on the 35mm-equivalent ranges of their respective built-in zoom lenses, while the A900, B500 and B700 sport 35x, 40x and 60x zoom lenses, respectively, and are based on smaller sensors.
The DL trio distinguishes itself by both the larger sensor and the presence of a 24-pin hot shoe terminal that is compatible with all of Nikon’s SB-series shoe-mount flashes, as well as microphones and a newly-minted eye-level EVF viewfinder.
Let’s take a closer look at the revamped Nikon compact digital camera lineup.
Nikon DL 18-50
Leading the charge is the Nikon DL18-50, featuring an 18-50mm (35mm equivalent) f/1.8-2.8 lens, which Nikon says is the fastest ultra-wide Nikkor lens ever made. The heart of the camera is a 1.0-inch backside-illuminated 20.8MP CMOS sensor, the same CX-format sensor found on the Nikon 1 line of mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras.
With the introduction of the DL 18-50 and 24-80, Nikon is now offering a tempting alternative to Canon’s G7 X and Sony’s RX100-series models, both of which feature a 1-inch sensor and fast, but modest-range zoom lenses. For users already invested in the Nikon System, the DL-series lets you use Nikon flashes, viewfinders and microphones via the hot shoe.
Key features:
- 20.8MP 1-inch CMOS BSI sensor
- 18-50mm f/1.8-2.8 zoom lens
- 171-point contrast detection AF
- 20fps burst rate with AF; 60fps with fixed focus
- Dual Detect Optical Vibration Reduction
- DSLR-like controls
- 4K video, Stereo sound
First, let’s talk about the lens. Boasting pleasing bokeh and an unusually fast maximum aperture range, the lens features aspherical ED glass and HRI elements, dust-repelling Fluorine coating, and Nano Crystal Coating to eliminate distortion, ghosting, aberrations and internal reflections. Dual detect VR (vibration reduction) improves image quality in low light, and Nikon says there’s even a Perspective Control feature for more accurate architecture photos.
Another intriguing aspect of this camera is the off-center, 24-pin hot shoe terminal, which accepts Nikon’s line of SB-series flashes, but also can be used for a new optional Electronic Viewfinder.
The sensor, which is four times the size of a typical compact camera’s sensor, is backed by a new Expeed 6A image processor. ISO range is 160-12,800, and there’s no low-pass filter for improved rendering of details.
An advanced hybrid AF covers 171 focus points over a wide area of the image, as well as 105-point phase detection, which is best for moving subjects. The Hybrid AF system chooses the best autofocus for the shooting situation. Thanks to the souped-up processor, the camera is capable of outpacing DSLRs with 20fps when shooting with AF on, and 60fps when focus has been pre-set.
Despite its diminutive size, the DL 18-50 is claimed to have a similar menu and external control layout to DSLRs, complete with PASM control, a rotary multi-selector, customizable Fn function button, and RAW image capture. A precision zoom ring can set focal length either in steps or fluidly; a control ring lets you adjust aperture, shutter speed, focus or white balance. The 3-inch, 1037K dot resolution flip-out LCD monitor is touch-sensitive.
There are 20 customizable effects for stills and videos, including six picture control options, including a Multiple Exposure Lighten mode that is ideal for star trails. The camera also boasts 4K UHD video capture with double-speed, slow-motion and time-lapse options available. Finally, the camera features SnapBridge Bluetooth, plus support for Wi-Fi and NFC for wireless connectivity and remote operation using mobile devices.
The Nikon DL18-50 will be available from Adorama for $846.95.
Nikon DL 24-85
The Nikon DL 24-85 offers the same 1-inch BSI CMOS sensor and image processing power as the other cameras in the new DL lineup, with nearly identical non-lens specifications.
The lens is a longer-range “normal” zoom, with a 35mm equivalent 24-85mm range and fast aperture range of f/1.8-2.8. This range is especially well-suited for travel photography. Optically, Nikon poured everything they’ve got into the lens, which is complete with aspherical, ED and HRI glass elements to deliver optimal clarity and minimal distortion. A fluorine coating repels dust, water, and oil.
This model also offers Super Macro mode and a new Focus Bracketing feature, which captures a sequence of shots with different focus positions and then combines them for optimal focus when using shallow depth of field in macro photography.
As with the DL 18-50, the DL 24-85 shoots 4K video, has up to 60fps burst rate, a DSLR-like control layout, 20 customizable image effects, and compatibility with Nikon flashes and new Electronic Viewfinder via a centrally-located flash mount.
The Nikon DL 24-85 will be available from Adorama for $646.95.
Nikon DL 24-500
The final, and possibly most ambitious, of the new DL series, is the Nikon DL 24-500. It features a remarkably fast 24-500mm (35mm equivalent) f/2.8-5.6 APSH ED glass Nikkor zoom lens. To build such a small lens on such a large-sensor camera is quite an engineering feat. Unlike the shorter-lensed DL cameras, the DL 24-500 looks more like a traditional “bridge” camera, and is the only one in the series with a built-in electronic viewfinder.
The lens itself consists of Aspherical, ED and HRI glass elements for outstanding contrast and clarity, and minimal linear and optical distortion. The lens has a Fuorine coat to keep off dust, water and oil. As with its siblings, the camera offers Dual Direct Optical VR—which becomes even more important when shooting at longer focal lengths. A Sport VR mode keeps the viewfinder image steady when you’re shooting fast action.
Both the flip-out, touch-sensitive LCD monitor and the eye-level viewfinder offer high-resolution views, which the control level and feature set is closer to a DSLR’s than to a compact camera. As with its DL siblings, the DL 24-500 has 4K video with stereo sound, a variety of image creation tools, wireless connectivity, and a hot shoe compatible with Nikon’s SB-series flashes, ME-1 stereo microphone, and more.
The Nikon DL 24-500 will be available from Adorama for $996.95.
Nikon also announced three new Coolpix cameras, all of which offer superzoom-range zoom lenses and are built using smaller sensors.
Nikon Coolpix A900
With a flip-around touchscreen and classical camera lines, the Nikon Coolpix A900 combines both classic camera looks with cutting edge technology in a very small package. Not much larger than a smart phone, the A900 packs a 35x optical zoom lens and a 20MP BSI CMOS sensor—an excellent travel companion or everyday camera.
Nikon A900: Key Features
- 20MP BSI CMOS sensor
- 35x optical zoom lens
- 4K Video
- Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC connectivity
- Tilting 3-inch 921k dot LCD monitor
- Full manual exposure control
- Creative modes
In addition to the long lens, the camera offers a 3-inch LCD monitor that is touch-sensitive and tilts all the way up and around to face front above the lens, a real selfie helper. There is 5-axis Hybrid Vibration Reduction. For more serious photographers, the camera offers full PASM exposure control via a DSLR-like top dial.
The camera can capture up to 4K UHD videos with stereo sound, and offers face-priority autofocus. You can record up to one hour of video and can save still images during recording or playback. The camera can capture fast-motion action via the new Superlapse Movie feature. Finally, creative modes such as Multiple Exposure Lighten, which combines multiple shots for one really good one, are also available.
The Nikon Coolpix A900 will be available from Adorama for $396.95. It will be available in Black or Silver.
Nikon B500
Nestled between the compact A900 and ultrazoom B700 lies the Nikon B500, a 40x optical zoom camera with a 16MP sensor and up to 1080p HD video with stereo sound. It wirelessly connects with smart phones and remotes via Wi-Fi and Bluteoot Low energy technology.
Designed for more casual photographers, the Nikon B500 offers point-and-shoot ease via its Easy Auto mode, which determines the ideal exposure for any given shooting situation.
Lens-shift vibration reduction, which is crucial for long telephoto shooting, helps to reduce camera shake in low light. A tilt-out, 3-inch 921k dot resolution LCD offers enough resolution for composition and image review.
The Nikon B500 will be available from Adorama for $296.95. It will be available in Black or Red.
Nikon B700
The Nikon B700 may not be Nikon’s longest-range zoom lens camera (that honor belongs to the P900, with its 83x zoom) but it is nonetheless impressive for being the first Nikon to offer a 60x optical zoom lens in a camera with a 20MP sensor that captures 4K UHD video.
Of course, there’s Vibration Reduction, an absolute necessity at the longer focal lengths. There’s also RAW image capture, a less common feature among small-sensor cameras. The camera can be operated remotely using a compatible smartphone or tablet via Wi-Fi, NFC and Bluetooth low energy, and has both a 3-inch, 921k dot flip-up LCD monitor and an eye-level EVF.
The Nikon B700 will be available from Adorama for $496.95.
