Nikon is testing the waters with a 4K video capable compact mirrorless camera in the Nikon 1 J5. The interchangeable lens camera provides some upgrades over its predecessor, the Nikon 1 J4, and looks to be a decent attempt at reminding consumers that having a proper camera still beats a smartphone any day.
The Nikon 1 J5 packs a new 20.8-megapixel Backside-illuminated (BSI) 1-inch CX-format CMOS sensor and EXPEED 5A image processing. This is a slight bump from the 18.4-megapixel sensor on the J4, although there doesn’t appear to be an increase in the overall size of the sensor. It is capable of shooting 20 fps on autofocus mode, and Nikon says that it will also shoot up to 60 fps with AF fixed on the the first frame.
As usual with modern mirrorless cameras, the J5 includes both WiFi and NFC capabilities; and also includes the ability to share photos to a connected smartphone or tablet via the Nikon Snapbridge. This isn’t a new feature, and is pretty much standard with most cameras by now. What is different about the J5 is the use of traditional dials to select options and modes. The 3-inch LCD display is still touch capable, but photographers often prefer physical controls for the sake of efficiency.
Then there is the video capture. The Nikon 1 J5 is capable of the usual 1080p/60fps video, and can also managed 120fps; albeit only at 720p. It can also do 4K video, at 15fps. Nikon says this is for people to experiment with higher resolution video clips, but 15fps video isn’t exactly what people want out of their ultra high definition video. Still, it is an interesting first step into getting 4K video onto compact mirrorless cameras.
Nikon hasn’t announced when the 1 J5 will be made available, but it has said that the J5 alongside the 1 NIKKOR 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 PD-Zoom lens will be available for a SRP of $499.95 (about RM1847), while a kit with both the 1 NIKKOR 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 PD-Zoom lens and 1 NIKKOR VR 30-110mm f/3.8-5.6 will be available for $749.95 (about RM2770) in Silver/Black and Silver/White only. Additionally, the Nikon 1 J5 will also be kitted with the 1 NIKKOR 10-100mm f/4-5.6 lens for $1,049.95 (about RM 3875) in Silver/Black and Silver/White only.
[Source: Nikon]
