Nikon Canada announces J2 mirrorless camera, 11-27.5 lens, and underwater housing

Nikon Canada has announced a new Nikon 1 J2 mirrorless camera today. This is an update to the J1 that was released less than a year ago, and it appears to be a case of incremental differences rather than an entirely new camera. The J2 retains the same look and design as the J1, the same 10.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, and the same Expeed 3 image processing engine.

The main differences appear to be a higher resolution LCD screen, a new Creative Mode offering a variety of photo effects, and a metallic body available in a few new colours. The J2 is expected to be available in September 2012 and the MSRP with a 10-30 lens is $599.95. The J1 with same lens is currently on sale in Canadian stores for about $520.

Some of the key features of the new Nikon 1 J2 include:

• A 10.1-megapixel CX-format CMOS sensor
• Full HD (1080p) video recording
• Advanced Hybrid Autofocus (AF) system that enables fast AF with 73 focus points
• Fast full resolution continuous shooting speed at up to 60 fps
• New features such as Creative Mode that provides a variety of photo effects for users to take advantage of several shooting modes including Panorama, Selective Colour, Miniature, Soft, Night Landscape, Backlighting, and Night Portraits
• Colour offerings that include white, black, silver, pink, deep red, and orange
• High-resolution 3.0-inch, 921,000-dot LCD monitor
• EXPEED 3 image processing engine

This camera may not be of much interest to professionals, but it could be a nice alternative to a point and shoot when you don’t want to carry a full size DSLR.

Nikon is also expanding the 1 NIKKOR system with an 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 lens. The Nikon 1 series cameras have a 2.7x crop factor, so this lens will have an equivalent zoom range of 30-75mm. It will be available in black or white with an MSRP of $199.95.

Also new is the WP-N1 underwater case that can house the Nikon 1 J2 or J1, but not the higher-end V1. It will be waterproof up to 40 metres, but with an MSRP of  $799.95 this will be an accessory for serious diving enthusiasts and not a weekend at the beach with the kids.

Here’s the full press release:

Mississauga, ON, August 9, 2012 – Today, Nikon Canada Inc. announced
the expansion of the popular Nikon 1 advanced camera 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 Full HD
(1080p) video capability in a portable, powerful package. The Nikon 1
system, including the new Nikon 1 J2 and the 1 NIKKOR 11-27.5mm
f/3.5-5.6 1 NIKKOR 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 expands upon the Nikon 1 J1 with new features such as a
Creative Mode that provides a variety of photo effects for users, a
metallic body, a higher resolution LCD screen and the addition of
stylish new colour offerings. Made for those seeking portability without
compromising stunning image quality and quick performance, the Nikon 1
J2 is the camera to empower users to capture their world like never
before with stunningly sharp images and Full HD video quality. Enhancing
the Nikon 1 J2’s ability to create clear, lifelike images, the 1
NIKKOR 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 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 Nikon 1 J2 and 1 NIKKOR 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 are
impressive additions to this ever-growing system,” said Gregory Flasch,
National Advertising and Communications Manager at Nikon Canada. “The
expansion of 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 Nikon 1 J2 offers a new Creative Mode accessible from the Mode Dial
of the camera to let users express themselves in new artistic ways. When
in Creative Mode, photographers will be able to take advantage of
several shooting modes including Panorama, Selective Colour, Miniature,
Soft, Night Landscape, Backlighting and Night Portraits. By selecting
these modes, the camera will automatically adjust the settings for the
desired results when capturing images, 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 digital SLR
cameras, for the ultimate in creative control and flexibility.

The Nikon 1 J2 sports a metallic camera body and Mode Dial, giving the
camera a sharp look and comfortable feel in hand. To match users’
varying styles and colour preferences, the camera is available in a
variety of fashionable colours including white, black, silver and pink,
as well as two new colours, a deep red and orange. The red and pink
varieties of the Nikon 1 J2 will have a textured grip to complement the
vibrant colour schemes. Furthermore, the camera’s new high-resolution
3.0-inch, 921,000-dot LCD monitor provides sharp detail when sharing and
composing images and Full HD videos.

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

The Nikon 1 J2 retains user-friendly features such as Full HD (1080p)
video recording, and a reputation for blazingly fast processing 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 allows users to capture a spontaneous
moment as a still image and then combine 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 1 NIKKOR 11-27.5mm
f/3.5-5.6 Lens
The versatile, compact and lightweight 1 NIKKOR 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6
lens will inspire shooters to take their creative expression with them
wherever they go. With a 2.5x zoom (30-74mm equivalent), this is an
ideal lens for general shooting including landscapes and portraiture, or
as the go-to lens on the next family vacation. The 1 NIKKOR 11-27.5mm
f/3.5-5.6 is available in black and white, and is compatible with the
Nikon 1 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 to empower users with the ability to exercise creative freedom
and expression during water-based adventures and vacations. The new
WP-N1 is an underwater case that can house either the Nikon 1 J1 or new
Nikon 1 J2 in addition to the versatile 1 NIKKOR 10-30mm lens. The WP-N1
is ideal for users who enjoy the versatility of their Nikon 1 cameras
but seek a way to protect them to withstand their active lifestyles. It
will allow users to use their Nikon 1 cameras on beach vacations or
water sport adventures like kayaking, jet skiing, snorkeling and surfing
without having to worry about damage from the water. The case is
waterproof up to 40 metres, allowing users to enjoy the sun and surf
while bringing back stunning photos and Full HD (1080p) videos to share
with their family and friends.

Price and Availability
The Nikon 1 J2 camera with the 10-30mm lens is scheduled to be
available at Authorized Nikon Canada Dealers in September 2012 at a
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $599.95. It is
available in white, black, silver, pink, red and orange.

The 1 NIKKOR 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 lens is scheduled to be available at
Authorized Nikon Canada Dealers at the end of September 2012 at an MSRP
of $199.95. It is available in black and white.

The WP-N1 underwater case for either the Nikon 1 J1 or the Nikon 1 J2
is scheduled to be available at Authorized Nikon Canada Dealers in
September 2012 at an MSRP of $799.95.

Exclusive Canadian Warranty
Nikon Canada offers an exclusive two-year warranty for all Nikon 1
CX-format cameras, and an exclusive five-year warranty for all Nikon 1
NIKKOR interchangeable lens systems purchased from an Authorized Nikon
Canada Dealer. Nikon Canada also offers a two-year warranty for all
COOLPIX digital cameras and select digital SLR cameras purchased from an
Authorized Nikon Canada Dealer. Consumer’s investment is protected by
Nikon Canada’s warranties with in-Canada service.