Nikon J2 unveiled: New 1-series mirrorless, lens, underwater housing

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posted Thursday, August 9, 2012 at 12:01 AM EDT

The Nikon J2 compact system camera. Image provided by Nikon. Click for our Nikon J2 preview!Last September, Nikon unveiled its first-ever mirrorless digital camera lineup, the Nikon 1 series. A year later, it will debut a new Nikon 1 model, closely based on the previous J1. The new Nikon J2 is now made from metal, like last year's viewfinder-equipped V2. (There's no viewfinder in this model, though; it retains a very similar body to the J1, but with very minor styling tweaks.)

Another key difference in the Nikon J2 is an LCD panel that, while unchanged in size, now has double the resolution of that in the earlier camera. There's also a new Creative mode on the mode dial that's said to provide easier access to PASM and a variety of other modes. Sadly, PASM modes still don't appear on the Mode dial itself, though.

The Nikon J2 compact system camera. Image provided by Nikon. Click for a bigger picture!

The Nikon 1 J2 goes on sale from September 2012, priced at US$550 in a kit with 10-30mm lens. Body colors include White, Black, Silver, Pink, a deeper Red color, and a new Orange variant. More details in our Nikon J2 preview.

The Nikon J2 compact system camera. Image provided by Nikon. Click for a bigger picture!

Alongside the J2 body, Nikon has unveiled two new 1-series accessories. The 1 NIKKOR 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 lens has a shorter 30-74mm equivalent focal length range, but is 26% smaller and 28% lighter than the existing 10-30mm lens. Available from late September 2012, the Nikkor 11-27.5mm lens will cost US$190, and will be sold in black or white versions.

The Nikon J2 compact system camera. Image provided by Nikon. Click for a bigger picture!

Also new is the WP-N1 underwater case, compatible with both the Nikon J1 and J2. It's waterproof up to 40 meters (approx. 131 feet), and provides for all controls to be used with the camera in the case, but has a pricetag to match--US$$750. Availability for the housing is from September 2012.

Press Release

Nikon Expands Its Popular Nikon 1 System With The Addition Of The New Nikon 1 J2 Camera And 1 Nikkor 11-27.5mm F/3.5-5.6 Lens

Nikon’s Dedication to the Growing Nikon 1 System Provides Users with Even More Creative Freedom and Outlets for Self Expression

MELVILLE, N.Y. (August 9, 2012) – Today, Nikon Inc. announced the expansion of the popular Nikon 1 Advanced Camera with Interchangeable Lens System with the addition of the Nikon 1 J2 camera and the 1 NIKKOR 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 lens to provide users with amazing image quality and stunning 1080p HD video in a portable, powerful package. The Nikon 1 System, including the new Nikon 1 J2 and the 1 NIKKOR 11-27.5mm lens, is engineered from the ground up to give users the freedom to capture and connect with others to share life experiences.

The Nikon 1 J2 improves upon the Nikon 1 J1 with new features such as a Creative Mode that provides a variety of photo effects to users, a metallic body, a higher resolution LCD screen and the addition of stylish new color offerings. Made for those seeking portability without compromising stunning image quality and quick performance, the J2 is the camera designed to empower users to capture their world like never before with stunning and sharp image and HD video quality. In addition to the camera, the 11-27.5mm lens is a super-compact zoom lens that offers a helpful 2.5x zoom range in an easily pocketable size.

“Building on the success and popularity of the Nikon 1 cameras and lenses, the new J2 and 11-27.5mm lens are welcomed additions to the ever growing Nikon 1 System," said Bo Kajiwara, Vice President of Marketing, Planning and Customer Experience, Nikon Inc. “Expanding the Nikon 1 System demonstrates Nikon’s continued dedication to creating compact and portable advanced cameras with interchangeable lenses that are easy-to-use and allow users to explore and redefine their creativity.”

Expanding the Nikon 1 System: The New Nikon 1 J2 Camera
The new Nikon 1 J2 offers a new Creative Mode accessible from the Mode Dial of the camera to let users express themselves in new creative ways. When in Creative Mode, photographers will be able to take advantage of several shooting modes including Panorama, Selective Color, Miniature, Soft, Night Landscape, Backlighting and Night Portraits. By selecting these modes, the camera will automatically adjust the settings for optimal results when capturing an image, yielding fun photos for a variety of conditions. The Creative Mode will also provide fast access to manual exposure controls (P,S,A,M), similar to those found on Nikon D-SLR cameras, for the ultimate in creative control and flexibility.

In addition to the new Creative Mode, the J2 will sport a metallic camera body and Mode Dial giving the camera a sharp look and comfortable feel in hand. To match users’ varying styles and color preferences, the camera will come in a variety of fashionable colors including White, Black, Silver and Pink, as well as two new colors, a deep Red and Orange. The Red and Pink varieties of the J2 will have a textured grip to complement their vibrant color schemes. What’s more, the camera’s new high-resolution 3.0-inch, 921,000 dot LCD monitor provides sharper detail when sharing and composing images and HD videos.

True to the Nikon 1 promise, the J2 is the ultimate marriage of performance and ease-of-use wrapped in an attractive package. The new Nikon 1 J2 features a 10.1-megapixel CX-format CMOS sensor and the EXPEED 3 image processing engine to give users images and HD video with amazing fidelity and color, along with the ability to capture images in challenging lighting situations. The highly responsive Advanced Hybrid Autofocus (AF) system gives users a superfast shooting speed, allowing them to capture fast action with stunning clarity while the camera’s 73 point AF array will ensure accuracy and super precise focus, even on moving subjects.

The Nikon 1 J2 retains user-friendly features such as Full HD video recording, and a reputation for blazing fast speed with the ability to capture rapidly moving subjects at an astounding 10 frames-per-second (fps) with AF, or up to 60 fps with AF locked on the first frame. For even more creative freedom and to capture fleeting moments, Motion Snapshot Mode gives the ability to capture a spontaneous moment as a still image and combines it with a slow motion movie vignette. To help ensure the best shot every time, Smart Photo Selector captures multiple shots and lets the camera select the best one automatically.

Expanding the 1 NIKKOR Lens Lineup: The New 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens
Alongside the new Nikon 1 J2, the versatile 1 NIKKOR 11-27.5mm lens will inspire shooters to take their creative expression on-the-go with an extremely versatile yet compact and lightweight lens. With a 2.5x zoom (30-74mm equivalent), this is an ideal lens for general shooting including landscapes, portraiture or even as the go-to lens on the next family vacation. The 11-27.5mm lens will be offered in Black and White, and will be compatible with the Nikon J2 as well as the Nikon 1 V1 and Nikon 1 J1.

New Underwater Case for the Nikon 1 J2 and J1
Nikon has also announced the addition of a new accessory to the Nikon 1 System, one that will allow users to use their Nikon 1 cameras during water-based adventures and vacations for even more creative freedom and expression. The new WP-N1 is an underwater case that can house either the Nikon 1 J1 or new J2 in addition to the versatile 1 NIKKOR 10-30mm lens. The WP-N1 is ideal for users that enjoy the versatility of their Nikon 1 cameras but seek a way to protect their camera during their active lifestyle. The WP-N1 will allow users to bring their Nikon 1 camera on a beach vacation or water sport adventure like kayaking, jet skiing, snorkeling and surfing without having to worry about damage from the water. The case is waterproof up to 40 meters (approx. 131 feet), allowing consumers to enjoy the sun and surf while bringing back stunning photos and HD videos to share with their family and friends.

Price and Availability
The Nikon 1 J2 camera with the 10-30mm lens will be available in September 2012 for the suggested retail price (SRP) of $549.95*. The 1 NIKKOR 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 lens will also be available in late September 2012 and will have a suggested retail price (SRP) of $189.95*. Additionally, the new WP-N1, the underwater case for either the Nikon 1 J1 or the Nikon 1 J2, will be available in September 2012 and will have a suggested retail price (SRP) of $749.95*. For more information on these new Nikon 1 series products and other Nikon products, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the Image™. Nikon Inc. is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and system accessories; Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics as well as the new Nikon 1 advanced camera with interchangeable lens system. In 2012, production of NIKKOR lenses surpassed 70 million, creating a new milestone in Nikon’s heritage of superior optics. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit http://www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the Web's most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities. Connect with Nikon and other photographers on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/nikon and get the latest news and information from Twitter by following @NikonUSA.

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*SRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time. Specifications, equipment and release dates are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.