EXCLUSIVE: Nikon is set to use the controversial Sydney night club, the Ivy, on Wednesday to launch what is tipped to be two controversial new mirrorless cameras that incorporate a new CX form factor interchangeable lens system.The controversial new mirrorless cameras will have a 10.1-megapixel image sensor and allow users to shoot 1080p video. It also has a high-resolution electronic viewfinder and an accessory port for an external flash, GPS or other add-on’s.
HD movies can be shot in 1920×1080 at 60i or 30p, and 1280×720 at 60p. Slow-motion movies at 640×240 and 400FPS or 320×120 at 1200FPS can be shot as well.
A 1072×720, 60p still image movie mode is tipped to be a standout feature, and a 1920×1080, 60p “snapshot” mode might also be available say Japanese analysts.
The new Nikon lenses are smaller than those used in traditional micro four thirds camera’s from the likes of Olympus with their Pen range or from Panasonic, who along with Olympus pioneered the micro four thirds market with their Lumix range of cameras.
The new range of lenses include a 10mm, f2.8 pancake; a 10-30mm, f3.5-5.6 VR standard zoom; a 10-100mm, f4.5-5.6 VR long zoom; and a 30-110mm VR telephoto. An F-mount lens adapter will be an option.
Up until now Nikon has argued that they “see no point” in consumers buying a micro four thirds camera over a traditional digital SLR camera. In Japan micro four third cameras have already captured 40% of the market resulting in Nikon having no alternative say analysts “than to offer a micro four thirds solution”.
The oblong designs of the new cameras are similar to the Companies highly popular Coolpix P 300 however they are slightly wider and taller than the P300. The new cameras allow users to record 1080p video.
Other unofficial specs include an ISO range of 100 to 6400, a three-inch LCD, and the inclusion of both phase-difference and contrast autofocus.
Nikon Rumours claims that the new cameras will have TTL metering through the image sensor, with three methods: matrix, centre-weighted with a 4.5mm circle, and spot with a 2mm circle on the selected focus area.
Sources claim that certain retailers have been shown the new Nikon offering with the cameras set to be in stores by November 2011.
