Nikon Announces Nikon 1 J2, Nikkor 11-27.5mm Lens and Waterproof Casing

Advanced Camera with Interchangeable Lenses Nikon 1 J2

1 NIKKOR 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6

Waterproof Case WP-N1

The latest addition to the Nikon 1 J series, to make image expressions fun and easy. A new compact 1 NIKKOR standard zoom lens will also be released.

August 9, 2012

TOKYO – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the release of the Nikon 1 J2, the latest addition to the Nikon 1 J series, advanced camera with interchangeable lenses. It creates a new form of image expression and offers a number of improvements in design and usability.

Nikon 1 cameras offer superior performance, as well as new forms of image expression and the enjoyment that goes along with them. In addition to the high-speed performance achieved with an advanced hybrid AF system, Nikon 1 cameras are also equipped with Nikon’s exclusive compact and lightweight Nikon 1 lens mount. The cameras also enable new imaging experiences with features such as Motion Snapshot and Smart Photo Selector.

In addition to the performance achieved with previous Nikon 1 cameras, the J2 also offers a number of improvements in terms of design and usability. The elegant metal design is available in six colours to match the different personalities of the users. . A new Creative mode has been added to the four original shooting modes , allowing for easy specification of the desired shooting scenes from a total of eight options, including Night Landscape. What’s more, the J2 can be turned on or off using the retractable lens barrel button on applicable lenses. Monitor visibility has also been increased with a high-resolution, 921k-dot LCD monitor.

The J2 is an excellent camera for those looking for a high-performance, easy-to-use camera that offers a variety of functions. It is an excellent choice for compact digital camera users accustomed to portability and easy operation who are taking the next step to an advanced camera with interchangeable-lens system.

Nikon will also be releasing the new CX-format compatible 1 NIKKOR 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 2.5x standard zoom lens along with the J2, which covers the 11-27.5-mm range of focal lengths (angle of view equivalent to 30-74-mm in 35-mm [135] format). The 1 NIKKOR 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 is smaller and lighter than the current 1 NIKKOR VR 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 standard zoom lens for greater portability.

The new Waterproof Case WP-N1, compatible with the Nikon 1 J1 and J2 (with the 1 NIKKOR VR 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6), will also be released. With the ability to capture high-resolution still images while recording movies, this new accessory increases the ways in which users will enjoy underwater recording by never missing the perfect photo opportunity.

Nikon 1 J2 Primary Features

1. High-definition, high-speed AF for movies and still images

– The advanced hybrid AF system that offers both incredibly fast focusing and superior definition

The advanced hybrid AF system combines phase-detection AF, which enables fast focusing and excellent tracking performance for moving subjects, with contrast-detect AF, which achieves superior performance even under dim lighting. As the camera automatically chooses the best AF system according to the subject and shooting conditions, instantaneous focusing on any subject is always possible. With extremely fast and accurate AF tracking capability, the camera is also perfect for photographing moving subjects.

– A super high-speed AF CMOS image sensor that enables high-speed, high-performance AF

In addition to the FX and DX formats for digital-SLR cameras, the super high-speed AF CMOS sensor is now also compatible with Nikon’s new CX format. Focal-plane phase-detection AF is also built into the sensor, enabling the world’s fastest autofocusing¹, as well as the most focus points² -73 with phase-detection AF – available with any camera in the world. The sensor supports standard imaging sensitivities of ISO 100-3200 with an additional Hi 1 (equivalent to ISO 6400) setting for superior sensitivity performance. It also enables high-speed continuous shooting at approximately 10 fps with AF tracking. When the focus is locked, continuous shooting of full-resolution images at high-speed continuous shooting rate of 60 fps³ is also possible. These features will make sure users capture the decisive moments in various shooting scenarios, whether photographing children or animals at play or action-packed sporting events.

¹Among interchangeable-lens digital cameras available as of August 9, 2012. Statement based on performance with shooting using the 1 NIKKOR VR 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 at the maximum wide-angle position with AF-area mode set to single-point. Results based on testing in accordance with Nikon guidelines.
² Among interchangeable-lens digital cameras available as of August 9, 2012. Refers to the number of phase-detection AF points available for selection at an AF-area mode setting of single-point. Statement based on research conducted by Nikon.
³ The maximum number of shots per burst is 12. Maximum shooting rate when focus is locked with the first shot in a burst. Results based on Nikon test conditions as of August 9, 2012.

– EXPEED 3 for faster image processing with better performance

The J2 is equipped with EXPEED 3, Nikon’s exclusive comprehensive image-processing concept optimis ed for the Nikon 1 system for superior high-speed image processing. Users can experience the full potential of EXPEED 3 when using features such as Motion Snapshot or Smart Photo Selector, which require high-speed processing, as well as the ability to capture full-resolution still images while recording full-HD movies.

2. An attractive camera body that will make users proud to keep the camera with them wherever they go

– The world’s most compact4 and lightweight camera system

Using the Nikon 1 mount, Nikon has created the world’s most compact4 and lightweight camera body . The system allows users to easily enjoy stress-free photography in any situation.
4As of August 9, 2012. Among interchangeable-lens digital cameras equipped with image sensors of the same size, or larger than, the CX format size. Statement based on research conducted by Nikon.

– Designed with metal for an elegant look and feel

Metal has been adopted for the camera’s components, including the top cover and mode dial for a better texture and increased elegance. A new camera face with a textured finish has been added to the red and pink models.

– Six colour options suited to a variety of individual preferences

The J2 is available in six colours, allowing users to choose the colour best suited to their individual style or preference. In addition to the five colours available with the J1, the J2 will also be available in a vivid new orange. Depending upon the colour selected, the camera back will be either black or dark brown. In addition, the barrels of kit lenses are the same colour as the camera bodies for an integrated appearance.

3. New forms of image expression

– Motion Snapshot combines a full-HD movie vignette with a still image for more dramatic image expression

By simply pressing the shutter-release button in Motion Snapshot mode, users can record a still image and a second of video before and after the shutter-release button was pressed. Movies recorded in Motion Snapshot mode are played back in slow motion. When Motion Snapshot files are played back, the movie vignette is played in slow motion over approximately 2.5 seconds, followed by displaying the still image. Playback of the entire sequence, with pre-selected background music, lasts approximately 10 seconds.

Don’t just preserve still images of precious moments. Use this new form of imaging to combine slow-motion movie vignettes with still images to record emotional scenes from weddings or birthdays, to show just how cute children or pets are at play, or to capture impressive scenes from nature such as a breeze blowing through the trees or the flow of water. Create your own original movies in the slide shows played back with the camera.
Motion Snapshot also allows users to record dramatic and original imaging works using conventional shooting operations. Use this feature to enjoy a new form of image expression that combines a movie vignette, still image, and background music.

– Smart Photo Selector for simple capture of the best shot

When the shutter-release button is pressed halfway in Smart Photo Selector mode, the camera begins recording images . When the shutter-release button is completely pressed all the way down, 20 shots, at a rate of 30 fps , are saved. Once the buffering is complete, the camera automatically eliminates images that are blurred, or where the primary subject is not included in the frame. It c hooses the best five photos based on movement and composition to save in the memory card. From the five photos, the camera then selects the best image to display o n the monitor.

Smart Photo Selector is an excellent function for capturing images of children or animals whose movements can be quick and erratic, or whenever you don’t want to miss the perfect shot. This feature also eliminates the need to re-take pictures and saves space on memory cards by eliminating shots in which the subjects have blinked. You no longer need to capture a large number of shots and then go through them manually to find the best photo. By simply pressing the shutter-release button as usual, Smart Photo Selector does all the work for you.

4. Superior image quality with both still images and movies

High-resolution still images (3840 x 2160 pixels-approx. 8.3 megapixels, 16 : 9) can be recorded while recording movies in movie mode without interrupting movie recording. This allows users to enjoy recording both full-HD movies and high-resolution still images without having to choose between the two.

5. Improved usability

– Creative mode

The new Nikon J2 mode dial offers Motion Snapshot mode, Smart Photo Selector mode, auto photo mode, movie mode, and the new Creative mode. Users can e asily enjoy various forms of image expression by simply choosing one of the scenes available in Creative mode – Night Landscape, Night Portrait, Backlighting, Easy Panorama, Soft, Miniature Effect, Selective Colour and four exposure modes – prior to shooting. In addition, assist images are displayed in scene selection to show the preview of each Creative mode scene.

– Layout of operational controls

The J2 offers a mode dial with five shooting modes for simple shooting by rotating the mode dial to the desired mode. The J2 dials and other controls are larger than the camera’s predecessor for ease-of-use . What’s more, the camera can be turned on or off with the button on the retractable lens on applicable lenses*. This enhances smooth operation for those surprising moments of photo opportunity.
*Compatible lenses: 1 NIKKOR VR 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6, 1 NIKKOR VR 30-110mm f/3.8-5.6,
1 NIKKOR 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6

– LCD monitor with higher resolution

The Nikon 1 J1 is equipped with a 3-inch, approximately 460k-dot, LCD monitor. The J2 is equipped with a 3-inch, approximately 921k-dot LCD monitor with wide viewing angles for greater definition and increased visibility.

– Additional Nikon 1 J2 Features

• Supports the optional Mount Adapter FT1, which enables use of F-mount NIKKOR lenses
• Built-in flash that supports i-TTL flash control (raised manually)
• HDMI output for viewing images on high-definition televisions
• Support for Eye-Fi memory cards enables simple wireless transfer of images
• Comes with ViewNX 2, Nikon’s basic image viewing and editing software for both still images and movies, as well as Short Movie Creator for creating your own short movies from still images and movies . Collaboration with my Picturetown is simple.

– 1 NIKKOR 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 Primary Features

• A Nikon CX-format compatible 2.5x standard zoom lens that covers the range of focal lengths from 11-27.5 mm (angle of view equivalent to that of 30-74-mm lens in 35-mm [135] format)
• Optics utilis ing one aspherical lens element and one ED lens element optimis ed for the CX format
• Camera can be turned on and off using the button on the retractable lens (J1 and V1 cannot be turned off using this button)
• Approximately 32 g lighter and approximately 11 mm shorter at maximum length than the 1 NIKKOR VR 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6
• Retractable lens mechanism for increased portability
• Designed with an appearance that expresses high performance and elegance with a form that emphasis es its slim profile
• Available in the same six colours as the Nikon 1 J2

– Waterproof Case WP-N1 Primary Features

• Lightweight, yet won’t float up when let go for optimal underwater use
• Compact design with a firm grip
• Supports zooming
• Shutter lever and movie-record button positioned for smooth selection of, or switching between, shooting modes

The information is current as of the date of publication. It is subject to change without notice.