Nikon Introduces Three DL Cameras and Three New Coolpixes

<p>Nikon is introducing three DL cameras, which is a new premium compact series cameras. They have a 1", 20.8MP back-litsensor, which is the same as the CX format as the Nikon 1 digital cameras; i.e. 13.2x8.8mm sensors with a 2.7x so called "crop factor." The lenses are built into the body and not interchangeable. The model numbers use 35mm-equivalent zoom ranges to designate their zoom capabilities:</p>

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<li>DL24-85 with an f1.8-2.8 zoom, US$649.95</li>

<li>DL18-50 with an f1.8-2.8 zoom, $849.95</li>

<li>DL24-500 with an f2.8-5.6 zoom, $999.95</li>

</ol>

<p>The first two accept an optional EVF, DF-E1. The DL24-500 has an EVF built in.</p>

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All new product images Copyright Nikon Inc., posted here with permission

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DL24-85 below

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DL18-50 below

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DL24-500 below

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<p>The three new Coolpix cameras are the B700, D500, and A900.</p>

<p>There are the Nikon Japan news articles:</p>

<ul>

<li>DL <a href="http://www.nikon.com/news/2016/0223_premium_01.htm">Premium Compact Cameras</a></li>

<li>Coolpix: <a href="http://www.nikon.com/news/2016/0223_cpx_02.htm">Nikon COOLPIX B700/B500/A900/A300</a> However, it looks like the A300 is not officially announced in the US.</li>

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<p>I could really get excited about any of these cameras if they had the same or similar button/dial layout as my D7200s. I don't like reaching into my backpack and pulling out a Nikon camera that has a totally different layout than what I am used to. If I'm willing to settle for a different layout, than all the Sonys are worth consideration. Oh well. </p>

<p>If the tests and user experiences show these camera's to be competitive in terms of image quality and hardware, well.. I rather like the idea of all three of these camera's and really hope they wil prove to be worthy of the Nikon-badge! Then I might even buy one .. or two. Is what I say after my cheap Coolpix had a failing battery and only mediocre image quality..</p>

<p>Does anyone know if these DL cameras are selling well? I can't see the pros, semi-pros, or serious hobbyists buying them, and the amateurs will just use their phone cameras. So, who's the target audience here?</p>

<p>Well since the cameras are not on the market yet, there are no sales yet.</p>

<p>I would imagine Nikon is targeting smartphone users who want more from their camera, such as an optical zoom, better image quality, fast AF, high fps, and preserve some the convenience aspects of the smartphone through snapbridge which will transfer the images to the phone automatically in the background even while you're shooting and even when the camera is "off" (if I understood how it works correctly). I would imagine the market is quite large.</p>

 

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<p>I could really get excited about any of these cameras if they had the same or similar button/dial layout as my D7200s.</p>

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<p>Unfortunately, that is simply impossible. The DL18-50 and DL24-85 are very compact and thin, hence there is no room for D7200-style controls. For example, on top left side of the DL24-85, there is a pop-up flash. On the D7200, there is a dial for SPAM control.</p>

<p>In fact, the DL24-500 is different from the other two because of its long zoom lens. It needs a full-sized grip for hand-held stability as you can zoom it to 500mm equivalent. And since there is a grip, the shutter release button is moved forward on top of the grip. The 24-500 is also the only one among the three with a built-in EVF.</p>

<p>Since these three new DL cameras have the same type of <strike>DX</strike>CX sensors as the Nikon 1 series, it makes you wonder whether Nikon is gradually phasing out Nikon 1, which doesn't seem to be all that successful after 4+ years.</p><div></div>

<p>The full-time EVF on the top model is a step in the right direction, even if the 2.7x cropping sensor remains a foot on the curb (in the grave). The grip and extended lens base on that model suggests a future version with interchangeable lenses, with a built-in adapter in lieu of a mirror box for compatibility with existing lenses.</p>

<p>The top model looks interesting for an enthusiast looking for an all-in-one travel camera. Hitting the $1,000 line however may thin the mom n' pop/casual crowd looking for a family camera. I have to say I like the styling of the other two, sort of an old rangefinder look. Nice optical ranges. With an EVF those would be attractive to me without...not so much. Good to see Nikon still punching in the mirrorless segment after the lackluster previous models. Of course no one expects them to lay down. </p>

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<p>Since these three new DL cameras have the same type of DX sensors as the Nikon 1 series</p>

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<p>That would be CX not DX...</p>

<p>I typed CX in the opening post but in the subsequent post, I think I have been typing DX too often for over a decade and becomes automatic.</p>

<p>At least on paper, or based on web specs, these cameras look pretty good. They have 4K video that none of the Nikon 1 bodies has so far. (The J5 has pseudo 4K video.)</p>

<p>Touching on Michael's comment re controls. I have a Coolpix A, which is not at all DSLR like in layout. However, the controls are at least similar to Nikon DSLR and it is not difficult for me to switch back and forth. The Coolpix A differs from these models (at least the 18-50) in the button layout: Coolpix A has left sided buttons so you can use two handed operation to manipulate controls. On the DL 18-50, there are no buttons on the left side of the screen, so it looks like you have to do everything with your right hand. That looks like a potential challenge. </p>

<p>Some sample images here: http://www.thepassionatephotographer.com/first-look-the-new-nikon-compact-dl-24-85-f1-8-2-8-and-dl18-50-f1-8-2-8-cameras-are-here/</p>

<p>If they didn't use Barnack's expeditious-but-awkward 3:2 frame ratio I might be slightly interested. Or if the sensor wasn't so tiny. I already have a P100 bridge with a crazy-long zoom range and am not overly impressed with its performance. I used to get better IQ from my ancient Minolta A2, which I'd still be using if it wasn't so slow at storing images on its CF card.</p>

<p>And I don't care how good the VR is; a 500mm equivalent lens at f/5.6 and with a limited ISO speed just ain't handholdable.</p>

<p>The UK pound price will doubtless be at least 1/3rd more than the US dollar price, and over here that makes them a very unattractive proposition for what they have to offer.</p>

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<p>The Coolpix A differs from these models (at least the 18-50) in the button layout: Coolpix A has left sided buttons so you can use two handed operation to manipulate controls. On the DL 18-50, there are no buttons on the left side of the screen, so it looks like you have to do everything with your right hand. That looks like a potential challenge.</p>

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<p>Actually most (maybe all?) of the Nikon 1 cameras have no control buttons on the left side. Therefore, it is nothing new: http://www.photo.net/photo/14679718<br /> Another difference is that the Coolpix A has a fixed LCD. Once you add an articulated screen, the mechanism will take up some room. That puts more limitation on the design. In the case of the DL24-500, the LCD swings out with hinges on the left side. Clearly that put limitations on placements of control buttons.<br /> <br />Every camera design involves plenty of trade offs. It will never please everybody.</p>

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<p>And I don't care how good the VR is; a 500mm equivalent lens at f/5.6 and with a limited ISO speed just ain't handholdable.</p>

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<p>I hand hold the 200-500mm/f5.6 on DX and FX bodies frequently. I use 500mm to capture action, and I use high shutter speeds. VR is not even a factor. Sometimes I simply switch off VR.</p>

<p>Thanks Shun,</p>

<p>The "pocket" wide zoom version is a really interesting twist. What raw conversion software is needed for this line of compacts? (I'm still somewhat mulling in the stone age software wise, & run both Win 7 & SL Mac.)</p>

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<p> I can't see the pros, semi-pros, or serious hobbyists buying them, and the amateurs will just use their phone cameras. So, who's the target audience here?</p>

</blockquote>

<p>i disagree. this is a big step in the right direction IMO. the key is compact enthusiast cameras. the 18mm equivalent lens on the 18-50 is a headline feature, as is the 20 fps and fast AF. the 18-50 and 24-85 are both f/1.8-2.8. that fast aperture really helps mitigate the small sensor issues, allowing a manageable ISO. you cant really emphasize enough how much blazing AF could really be useful for documentary and street photography projects. and Nikon has trumped the LX100 and RX100 competition with the 18mm, which makes it useful for landscape/hiking/travel. to get a similarly-wide lens for a heavier and bulky DSLR or mirrorless, you could pay the price of the entire camera itself. the long lens body looks competitive with the Panasonic FZ series and the Canon G3x. This is exactly what a lot of Nikon shooters have been asking for, more specialized bodies. and the iteration into three models with different features also makes sense -- the 24-85 has a trick macro mode, for example. I'll wait until further reviews come in to comment about haptics and functionality, but on paper at this point, this looks like a possible home run which tilts the mirrorless trend away from the larger bodies/lenses and back toward the small/light ethos. i could see later models with fast fixed focals, too -- say 28/35/50 and 1.4-1.8.<br>

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I dont know that this kills the Nikon 1 line entirely, but to me it makes more sense. that line was confused. it didnt know what it wanted to be. i'd like to see it evolve into a higher-end system with a more cohesive purpose, and a full set of lenses. if you're going to do micro-ILC, it makes little sense to have incomplete lenses and counter-intuitive UI/controls which dont make the most of those cameras' strengths. But still, there was nothing like the AW1 available at that price point, and the V3 + 70-300 CX had potential as a long lens alternative. if you're going to offer a small-sensor body at a $1000+ price point, it should really come fully locked and loaded, with no performance/UI/ergonomics issues. </p>

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<p>I dont know that this kills the Nikon 1 line entirely</p>

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<p>I think it is very clear that this DL line of cameras has significant overlap with the Nikon 1 mirrorless cameras. The sensors are essentially the same, as least the same format so that they can be the same in the same generation. There is a lot of overlap in pricing. The main feature that is lacking, and therefore there is savings, is interchangeable lenses. Not many will get both a DL18-50 and a DL24-500, but one of the three can meet the needs of a lot of fairly serious photographers. Pros will demand something more.</p>

<p>However, that is all on paper. We need to actually use these cameras to see how they work. Of course there is a lot of limitation for the smaller, 1" CX sensors. High ISO results is not going to be close to that from DX, let alone FX.</p>

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<p>I think it is very clear that this DL line of cameras has significant overlap with the Nikon 1 mirrorless cameras.</p>

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<p>oh, i'm not disputing that. but i also think that such clear iteration of models in the DL line could bring clarity to future Nikon 1 models, which has been missing. this almost feels like Nikon realized their focus with micro-ILC was off and just decided to reboot. but do fixed-lens 1" sensor cameras kill off the ILC 1" sensor line altogether? or does the ILC line get more specialized bodies and more specialized lenses? Put another way, if Nikon 1 was hitting its targets, i dont see Nikon making this move. and their obvious target here is the Sony RX100, which also has fixed lenses and 1" sensors, as well as the Canon GX line and the Panny FZ's. it's a crowded field at this price point, so you actually do need to have cameras which distinguish themselves spec- and performance-wise. Ashton Kutcher cant help here ;)</p>

<p>i just read <a href="http://www.dslrbodies.com/newsviews/nikon-goes-dl-in-compacts.html">Thom Hogan's commentary</a>, and agree with most if not all of his points, especially that the most compelling spec (on paper) is the 18-50's wideness. i have much less interest in the 24-85 and 24-500, but if they perform really well, that could change. i do think 5.6 @500mm is pushing it for a 1" sensor, but 2.8 @ 85 is workable. </p>

<p>with the 24-85 in particular, i'm wondering what would compel me to buy that instead of the similarly-specced panasonic lx100, which is only $150 more for a larger sensor, built-in EVF, more external controls, and bundled external flash. if i add an EVF to the Nikon, there goes the cost differential. i dont know that 20mp CX is better than 12mp m4/3, but the Nikon DL cameras have hybrid CDAF/PDAF and the lens is 10mm longer. the macro mode in and of itself wouldnt be a deal-sealer to me, but maybe for someone else it might. so it could come down to acuity of lens and AF performance -- if the Nikon excels in these areas, that could tip the balance in their favor. OTOH, the price for the 24-85 should fall closer to $500 within a year, while the LX100 may not see any more significant drops until a new model is released.</p>

<p>Concerning prices, I would take all the introductory prices with a grain of salt anyway. Anything that is not well received will be seriously discounted. Hopefully it won't be like that again because that is not good for Nikon, and in turn a financially unstable Nikon is not good for those of us with plenty of investment in Nikon lenses, but recall that the V1 and J1 went on fire sale in just a year (perhaps not even a year). The Coolpix A also went on fire sale fairly quickly. Some of these products might not fly, and it may take a couple of generations of fine tuning. Unless it really fit you to a T, early adapters of new cameras will tend to take some financial losses.</p>

<p>O Well I'll just stick it out with my Fuji's</p>

<p>I read somewhere the 18-50DL has a perspective control feature. I assume this is some image correction software but it would be interesting to see some examples of the feature at work.</p>

<p>The 18-50 DL is the first Nikon camera in many years to catch my eye. Really the perfect range & speed for travel and street shooting.<br>

If they could develop some sort of tele extender for this it would be killer.<br>

I don't mind the lack of an EVF, but I do wish it had a flash for a little daylight fill. I know, covering the 18mm fl is tough, but I could make it work.<br>

<br />What the heck...I pre-ordered one.</p>

<p>The 18-50 is definitely on my list of camera's to check out in person.</p>

<p>Looks very promising.</p>

<p>I must say when I saw the headline I thought, "Great, Nikon has introduced three new fixed lens cameras - with 24/1.8; 50/1.8 and 85/1.8 primes!!! Wow, let's check it out... <br>

And hey, I was a little underwhelmed, but I have become intrigued as to what they have to offer. On paper, the 18-50 could easily replace a number of cameras thanks to its AF and what looks to be a very good lens (here's hoping). That includes my ageing X100, my long-since shelved Canon G9; and I believe it is miles better than the other mirrorless cameras I have tried out in the past: NEX-7 & G3.<br>

My D300, on the other hand will probably be replaced by the D7200. </p>