Unveiled: Nikon Introduces DL-Series and New COOLPIX Point-and-Shoots

Spanning a trifecta of advanced compact cameras, comprising three separate and versatile zoom focal lengths along with three new COOLPIX point-and-shoots, Nikon is making a splash at CP+ in the world of sleek yet capable cameras. Beginning with the anticipated DL-series, this trio of multimedia cameras includes 18-50mm f/1.8-2.8, 24-85mm f/1.8-2.8, and 24-500mm f/2.8-5.6 models, with each camera incorporating a 20.8MP CX-format sensor for recording stills and UHD 4K video. In the point-and-shoot realm, Nikon is also releasing the 4K-capable COOLPIX A900 and B700 digital cameras, as well as the long-zoom COOLPIX B500.

DL-Series

Introducing a new lineup in Nikon's arsenal, DL-series of cameras are designed as advanced fixed-lens cameras well-suited for travel and everyday shooting, with each model representing a unique zoom lens. The DL18-50 f/1.8-2.8 is widest of the three and features an impressive 18mm equivalent focal length at the wide end, along with a bright f/1.8 maximum aperture. The lens construction incorporates Aspherical ED glass and High Refractive Index (HRI) elements, to minimize chromatic aberrations, and a Nano Crystal Coat has been applied to control lens flare and ghosting. A fluorine coating has also been added to the front lens element to repel dust, water, oil, and smudges to ensure a clean optical surface. Additionally, this 18-50mm f/1.8-2.8 model also features Perspective Control capabilities to accurately depict architectural subjects and correct converging lines.

Similar in design, however longer in reach, the DL24-85 f/1.8-2.8 sports a versatile wide-angle to short telephoto range and a bright f/1.8-f/2.8 maximum aperture range. This lens, too, features Aspherical ED glass and HRI elements, as well as Nano Crystal and fluorine coatings. Besides focal length, this lens also differentiates itself with the inclusion of a built-in ND filter for maintaining slower shutter speeds or wider aperture settings in bright conditions. A Super Macro mode and Focus Bracketing features are also available for producing close-up imagery with life-size magnification with extended depth of field.

Both of these models also incorporate Dual Detect Optical Vibration Reduction to minimize the appearance of camera shake for improved low-light and handheld shooting in both still and video applications.

Finally, the third member of the DL-series is the long-range DL24-500 f/2.8-5.6, which encompasses wide-angle to super telephoto perspectives while offering a relatively bright f/2.8-5.6 maximum aperture range. The lens features aspherical, extra-low dispersion, HRI glass to minimize both spherical and chromatic aberration throughout the zoom range. Additionally, a fluorine coating protects the front element of the lens. Key to this model's success is the use of a Sport VR mode, in addition to the aforementioned Dual Detect Optical VR, which is optimized for shooting sports or other fast-moving subjects and helps to keep the built-in 2.359m-dot OLED electronic viewfinder or rear LCD's image stable while panning.

Optimized for multimedia image-makers, each of these cameras is based on a CX-format 20.8MP BSI CMOS sensor and EXPEED 6A image processor, which combine to realize notable imaging capabilities as well as quick performance. The 1" sensor's design omits the conventional optical low-pass filter in order to acquire the greatest sharpness and resolution possible, while the processing capabilities help to acquire a broad dynamic range and reduce image noise while boosting the sensitivity range to ISO 160-12800. Additionally, the sensor and processor combine for raw file recording capabilities, an incredibly quick continuous shooting rate of 20 fps with full-time autofocus, 60 fps shooting with fixed focus, UHD 4K video recording, and in-camera time-lapse and Superlapse movie recording. UHD 4K recording is available in frame rates up to 30p, along with the ability to use shutter speeds at 1/frame rate with the series boasting almost no rolling shutter effects; Auto ISO for easier exposure control; and uncompressed output supported over HDMI for working with an external recorder.

Benefitting both still and video recording, an Advanced Hybrid AF system is featured in each of the cameras that uses a 171-area wide-coverage system, which includes 105 phase-detection points for fast and accurate focusing in a variety of lighting conditions.

Aside from the apt imaging capabilities and choice of three zoom lenses, the DL-series of cameras is also characterized by an intuitive handling scheme that recalls Nikon's range of DSLRs. Both a command dial and PSAM control dial are featured on the top of the body, as well as a 24-pin hot shoe for external flashes or microphones, and a rotary multi-selector and customizable Fn button are featured on the back for quick, personalized settings adjustment. Each of the lens' zoom rings can be adjusted in stepped increments relating to common focal lengths, or de-clicked for smooth stepless transitions throughout the zoom range, and a lens-surrounding control ring is available for adjusting aperture, shutter speed, manual focus, or even white balance.

For monitoring an image review, each model incorporates a 3.0" 1.037m-dot OLED touchscreen monitor, which features an upward tilting design for front-facing selfies or to support working from low shooting angles, and the DL18-150 f/1.8-2.8 and DL24-85 f/1.8-2.8 are also compatible with the new auxiliary DF-E1 Electronic Viewfinder, which serves as a convenient alternative to the rear screen when working in bright lighting conditions.

Rounding out the feature-set of the DL-series, each camera includes Nikon's SnapBridge Bluetooth connectivity for seamlessly pairing the cameras with a smart device for wireless image transferring and remote camera control via a dedicated app. More conventional Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity is also supported for wireless functionality.

COOLPIX

The second half of Nikon's CP+ announcement focuses on a trio of updates to the COOLPIX series of point-and-shoot cameras. At the top of this podium is the COOLPIX B700, which is a truly capable long-zoom model featuring a 20.2MP BSI CMOS sensor for recording raw files as well as shooting continuously at up to 5 fps. The sensor also avails UHD 4K video recording in either 30p or 25p frame rates, which is benefitted by 5-axis Hybrid Vibration Reduction to minimize the appearance of camera shake and Face-Priority AF to maintain crisp focus on your subjects. A built-in stereo zoom mic is also featured, which changes directivity according to the zoom position of the lens.

Speaking of the lens, the B700's most notable asset is its expansive 60x Super ED zoom lens, which covers wide-angle to super telephoto perspectives, and can effectively be doubled using Dynamic Fine Zoom to achieve an equivalent 120x zoom range. Dual Detect Vibration Reduction also helps to control camera shake when working at such long focal lengths. The DSLR-like body design also incorporates a 3.0" 921k-dot vari-angle LCD for working from a variety of shooting angles, and an electronic viewfinder is available for bright eye-level shooting. Additionally, this camera incorporates SnapBridge wireless connectivity, along with Wi-Fi and NFC, for remotely controlling the camera from or sending imagery to a linked mobile device.

Similar to the B700, the COOLPIX B500 shares a familiar form factor—however, with a more limited feature-set. Comprising a 16MP BSI CMOS sensor, this pared-down model is capable of Full HD 1080p video recording, and uses 4-axis Hybrid Vibration Reduction to maintain steady takes while recording. A long-reaching 40x zoom covers wide-angle to super telephoto perspectives, and Dynamic Fine Zoom doubles this reach to 80x. Lens-shift Vibration Reduction also helps to minimize the appearance of camera shake to benefit handheld shooting at such long zoom magnifications. For simple operation, the B500 features an Easy Auto Mode for true point-and-shoot operation and, for clear monitoring and image playback, a 3.0" 921k-dot tilting LCD monitor is available and SnapBridge connectivity permits wireless image sharing and remote camera control from a mobile device.

Finally, completing Nikon's announcement for CP+ is the svelte COOLPIX A900, which is a pocketable point-and-shoot featuring a range of features. A 20MP BSI CMOS sensor affords rich image detail and enhanced sensitivity for working in a variety of lighting conditions, and also enables UHD 4K video recording at up to 30p. Continuing the theme of long zooms, the A900 sports a 35x NIKKOR zoom lens, which can be doubled to 70x through the use of intelligent Dynamic Fine Zoom. Lens-shift Vibration Reduction balances this long reach by compensating for camera shake, and 5-axis Hybrid VR is available when recording video for greater handheld stability. The most compact of all new COOLPIX, the A900 incorporates a large 3.0" 921k-dot tilting LCD monitor and also includes SnapBridge wireless connectivity.