Nikon is joining the fray of action cams with the KeyMission series, going head-to-head with the likes of GoPro and perhaps Olympus.
To get in on the action, the camera maker is taking the wraps off three models: the KeyMission 360, the KeyMission 170 and the KeyMission 80.
KeyMission 360: The Headliner
Going straight to the most capable device out of the bunch, the KeyMission 360 is fitted with not one but two 20-megapixel sensors, each with an f/2.0 aperture and a wide-angle lens. Thanks to that setup, it can take 4K 360-degree photos and videos at 24 fps.
Being as rugged as it can be, it's both waterproof and shockproof, allowing it to survive under water of up to 98 feet and drops up to 6.6 feet.
As expected, it's a little expensive, coming in with a price tag of $499.95.
KeyMission 170: The Mid-Ranged Action Cam
Essentially the toned-down version of the KeyMission 360, the KeyMission 170 is equipped with an 8.3-megapixel image sensor with an f/2.8 aperture, and as the name suggests, it has a 170-degree field of view. The good news is that it can still capture stills and clips at a 4K resolution.
In terms of survivability, it won't die when it's submerged up to 33 feet, and it can also withstand 6.6-foot drops.
Stepping closer to the price range of the competition, it's going to hold customers back by $399.95.
KeyMission 80: The Affordable Base Model
As anyone may have noticed at this point, Nikon is using a pattern in coming up with names for the trio. Just like the two, the KeyMission 80's moniker aligns with the field of view it can bring to the table. In other words, it's configured at 80 degrees.
Interestingly enough, this action cam is designed to replace the smartphone when it comes to taking pictures. It's loaded with a rear-facing 12-megapixel f/2.0 snapper and a 5-megapixel f/2.2 shooter on the front, and it can be controlled via a 1.75-inch touch-screen.
It's also waterproof and shockproof, but it can only go down to 3.4 feet and withstand drops up to 4.9 feet. Unfortunately, it doesn't have 4K support.
Targeted at the general consumers, it's priced at $279.95.
With that said, it's also worth mentioning that the Kyocera DuraForce PRO is a rugged smartphone that doubles as an action cam, making it the perfect device for those who want the best of both worlds in one package.
The Official Unveiling
For the curious, Nikon first showcased the KeyMission 360 at CES 2016, and now it announced the three ahead of the 2016 Photokina show that's kicking off in Germany.
The Bottom Line
In light of the KeyMission series, it looks like Nikon is out to get a slice of the GoPro-dominated pie, and needless to say, it's coming in strong with what it has in store.
The KeyMission 360, KeyMission 170 and KeyMission 80 are all up for preorder at the manufacturer's official website.
Also, feel free to drop by our comments section below to let us know what you think of them.
