Nikon Reveals Premium Digital Cameras

2016.02.24

Nikon took their fixed-lens digital cameras to the next level by unveiling an entirely new series. The Nikon DL-series starts with 3 members based on a 20 megapixels 1" high-speed CMOS sensor like the one found in the Nikon 1 J5 mirrorless reviewed here. This sensor offers 171 Phase-Detect points built-in and an electronic-shutter capable of 1/16000s speeds.

All these cameras can capture full-resolution images at a whopping 60 FPS or a speedy 20 FPS with continuous autofocus. The 20 megapixels sensor can also capture 4K Ultra-HD video at 30 FPS as well as high-speed videos up to a class-leading 1200 FPS. They all feature premium cameras ergonomics with dual control-dials and plenty of physical controls.

The Nikon DL18-50 is entirely unique thanks to an extremely wide 18-50mm lens with a bright F/1.8-2.8 maximum aperture. This model features a hot-shoe but no built-in flash since it would be unable to provide sufficient coverage for such an extreme angle-of-view. The hot-shoe though supports an optional 0.39" EVF with 2.4 megapixels, 100% coverage and a built-in Eye-Start sensor. Speaking of coverage, the 3" LCD at the back covers 100% of the frame too. The lens unusually supports 46mm filters.

The Nikon DL24-85 offers a versatile 24-85mm lens with a bright F/1.8-2.8 maximum aperture. This lens offers two features not found among its siblings. One is a 1:1 magnification macro mode. The other is a built-in 3-stop ND-filter. The lens also supports 40.5mm filters.

Given its more typical focal-range, the DL24-85 offers a popup flash. It also has a hot-shoe which supports the same optional EVF as the DL18-50. In one of the greatest mysteries of digital cameras this year, the DL24-85 only shows 97% coverage on its rear LCD. It is unclear whether the accessory EVF would show 100% instead.

The Nikon DL24-500 is an ultra-zoom with an extremely impressive lens for one which projects a 2.7X-crop image circle. This 20.8X optical zoom lens features active image-stabilization and covers 24 to 500mm with a respectable F/2.8-5.6 maximum aperture.

As the largest model in the group, the DL24-500 includes a 0.39" EVF with 2.4 megapixels and an Eye-Start sensor built-in, plus a popup flash and hot-shoe. It offers a fly-by-wire focus-ring and dual control-dials. Instead of tilting like the others, its rear 3" LCD rotates. Unfortunately, both the EVF and LCD only show 97% coverage.

The DL-series of Nikon fixed-lens digital cameras is expected to be available early this summer. They carry the following suggested retail price and are already available for preorder at the links below:

Nikon DL18-50 - $849 USD or $999 CDN@ Amazon.com, B&H Photo and Adorama.

Nikon DL24-85 - $649 USD or $799 CDN @ Amazon.com, B&H Photo and Adorama.

Nikon DL24-500 - $999 USD or $1199 CDN @ Amazon.com, B&H Photo and Adorama.

• Digital Camera