Nikon adds to its Nikona 1 Advanced Camera range two new lower models, the J3 and S1. Like other Nikon 1 camera, both new models are designed for consumers looking for a compact camera that delivers images and features of high-end cameras. The J3 is the sucessor to the J2 announced back in Summer and it receives some upgrades; while the S1 is the first model in the more affordable Nikon 1 S-series.
Both new Nikon 1 cameras packs many Nikon technologies found in other more advanced Nikon cameras. The 14.2 Megapixel J3 and 10.1 Megapixel S1 both come equipped with a CX-format Super High-speed AF CMOS sensor and the new EXPEED 3A image processing engine to deliver high-quality images and HD video. They sport the Advanced Hybrid AF system that tilizes both phase-detection AF and contrast-detect AF and offers 135 focus points and a 73-point AF array that helps ensure accuracy and super precise focus. At about 15 fps, Nikon said that the J3 and S1 have the world’s fastest continuous shooting rate with AF tracking. The S1 provides a wider ISO range starting from 100 to 6400, compare to J3’s 160-6400 ISO.
To make shooting easy and fun, the new J3 and S1 come with user-friendly shooting modes and controls. The former provides an improve menu navigation and the latter has a GUI-based mode selection. They include Auto Mode; Creative Mode with PSAM manual exposure controls; Advanced Movie that allows users to capture Full HD video and stills at the same time; Enhanced Motion Snapshot that lets users capture a moment with a short, slow-motion movie in addition to a single defining still image; Best Moment Capture with Slow View for capturing moving subject easily and Smart Photo Selector that will take 20 shots at once and pick five best images to keep. The Live Image Controls will allow users to preview the effect changes to controls will have on the final photo. The J3 also provides Easy Panorama Mode.
While both J3 and S1 have a 3-inch LCD display, the one in the J3 has a higher resolution at 921,000 dots. Heading to stores in February, the J3 kit with 10-30mm lens will be available in white, black, silver, burgundy and beige for $$599.99, while the S1 kit with 11-27.5 lens will be available for $499.99 in white, black, red, pink and khaki. There are also $849.95 J3 and $749.95 S1 two lens kits that add a 30-110mm optics. J3’s all-in-one lens kit will include a 10-100mm lens for $1049.95. The new WP-N2 Underwater Case that can house J3 or S1 will also be available in February for $749.95.
