Nikon has unveiled a new DL line of compact cameras that can record videos in 4K quality.
Nikon has already revealed a number of cameras at the 2016 CES, including the D500 DSLR, and nothing's stopping the company from announcing its new DL series that consists of three different cameras: DL24-85, DL18-50 and DL24-500, each named after the type of fixed lens on it.
"Inspired by the Nikon professional photographer community, the 'D' in the Nikon DL series, draws on Nikon's DSLR heritage, while 'L' calls out the premium NIKKOR lens technology which serves as the focal point for the range," says Nikon.
All three point-and-shoot cameras feature a 20.8-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor and Expeed 6A image processor. The latest cameras in the DL series are quite powerful for their size. They can shoot stills at 20 frames per second with continuous autofocus and up to 60 frames per second when the AF is fixed.
The new DL series cameras have the company's hybrid autofocus system, which relies on 105 phase detection areas. However, users will have the option to switch to the contrast detection AF mode, which uses 171 focus points.
The good news for Nikon fans is all the three cameras can shoot 4K videos at 30 frames per second, as well as 1080p videos at 120 frames per second and 720p videos at 240 frames per second.
All the DL cameras also have the company's VR image stabilization. The DL24-85 and the DL18-50 include a variable aperture of f/1.8 to f/2.8 and OLED screens that can be tilted. The DL24-500, the biggest of them all, comes with a built-in electronic viewfinder with an eye sensor.
The cameras support Nikon's fresh connectivity platform called SnapBridge, which was launched at the 2016 CES in January this year. The connectivity platform allows for seamless and quick transfer of images from the camera to a connected device.
"SnapBridge via Bluetooth Low Energy enables the continuous and immediate transfer of images from the camera to a compatible mobile device as they are captured in real time, transforming photography into a social, connected experience. This is achieved automatically without the need to activate image transfer from the camera, while also keeping power consumption low for both devices," says Nikon.
The camera maker also confirmed that SnapBridge will be a standard feature in most of the upcoming cameras launched from 2016 onwards.
The cheapest of the lot is the DL24-85, which will cost $649. The DL18-50 will be priced at $849 while the DL24-500 will have a price tag of $999. Exact release date for the cameras remain unknown, but they will hit the shelves sometime this summer.
