SINGAPORE — Nikon has announced the release of a new series of cameras and lenses, starting with the new D3300 DSLR, that comes with a retractable AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6G VRII kit lens for a lighter, smaller-profile DSLR.

Powered by the latest EXPEED 4 image processing engine, the D3300 comes with a 24.2 megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor that comes without an optical low-pass filter (OLPF), promising sharper and more detailed images without suffering from the false colour and odd patterns which other sensors depend on a OLPF to remove. General image quality is above that seen in the D3200, with added performance in the low-light region and improved noise reduction.

The D3300 can shoot at 5 frames per second, for up to 100 jpeg images at a go, or 28 RAW images.

Video users will be pleased to see that audio levels can be monitored on-screen during recording. However, there is no headphone plug although you still have the option of attaching an external microphone.

Unlike some other DSLR models, the D3300 does not come with in-built Wi-Fi. The Wi-Fi instead comes in the form of an optional WU-1a add-on that you have to buy, a decision a Nikon spokesman said was to focus on endurance, rather than filling the D3300 up with features. It looks like the focus on endurance works: Nikon claims the D3300 can shoot 700 photos on a single charge, or 55 minutes of video.

All these improvements over the D3200 come in a smaller and lighter body: The camera with kit lens, battery and memory card weighs 45g less than the D3200 at 460g. The D3300 is also sleeker in terms of looks, with rounded angles, making the older D3200 look more industrial.

The AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6G VRII kit lens is smaller by 30 per cent and lighter by 25 per cent over the previous kit lens, but touts improved image quality. The locking mechanism works like those you see in a few micro-4/3 cameras, and the D3300 will warn you if the lens is not extended, which you have to do before use. The lens will work on older cameras, but they will not come with the warning message — but you still will not be able to release the shutter.

COOLPIX COMPACTS

Nikon also announced a series of new Coolpix compact cameras, starting with the top-of-the-line Coolpix L830, an ultrazoom model that comes with 34x optical zoom that can go up to 68x zoom with Nikon’s new Dynamic Fine Zoom feature. While it works somewhat like the digital zooms you see in current compact cameras, Nikon is confident that the L830’s image processing engine is able to maintain resolution despite interpolating data, and early hands-on tests show that noise control and detail on the 68x zoom images are pretty good. The L830 is also able to use normal digital zoom up to 136x (tests show that it was still very sharp, as long as your hand was steady), but 68x is the limit set by Nikon for great image quality. Long zoom ranges do suffer from shakes more, but Nikon’s new five-axis vibration reduction function helps to reduce blurring. It is powered by four AA batteries for the times when you need to buy backup batteries in a pinch.

Nikon has also announced the Coolpix L330 compact with 26x optical zoom (but comes without the Dynamic Fine Zoom feature). Two smaller models were also announced, the ultra-slim Coolpix S2800 (fits easily into a jeans pocket), and the slightly higher-range Coolpix S6700, which has 10x zoom with Dynamic Fine Zoom up to 20x compared to the S2800’s 5x, which does not have the Dynamic Fine Zoom feature. Finally, the Coolpix L29 was announced, and is pitched as “ideal as a first digital camera”.

LENS FOR STREET PHOTOGRAPHY

Finally, Nikon has revealed the AF-S NIKKOR 35MM F/1.8G ED lens, for street photographers who need a compact, high-speed lens without paying for a higher-end f/1.4G lens. Early tests showed the lens was able to produce excellent bokeh, thanks to its seven-blade diaphragm. Nikon also touts the f/1.8G minimal sigittal coma flare — where points of light are distorted — inheriting the technology from the more expensive f/1.4G.

A NEW FLAGSHIP

Nikon is also showing off its next-generation flagship model, the D4S Nikon digital SLR camera, at the International CES from today (Jan 7) to Friday, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

"As Nikon's new flagship model, the D4S will offer advances over the Nikon D4 digital SLR camera that include even better image quality enabled with adoption of a new image-processing engine, and more advanced autofocusing performance," said Nikon.

The Nikon D3300 with kit lens should be available by end-February, while release dates for the other products will be confirmed soon on http://www.nikon.com.sg