Nikon Unveils Three Brand New Cameras All Capable of Shooting 4K Video

Nikon just came up with three brand new cameras all capable of shooting 4K video – the flagship Full-Frame DSLR Nikon D5, the smaller sibling the Nikon D500 and the 4K 360-degree action camera called the KeyMission 360. Despite the fact that all of the three provide 4K capabilities they seem to be quite different beasts aimed at totally different audiences.

But, before we delve into the specifications of each one of the cameras let’s first check out the product tour of the very first full-frame Nikon DSLR, that records 4K Ultra High Definition video – the flagship Nikon D5.

Nikon D5 Highlights:

• 20.8MP FX-Format CMOS Sensor
• EXPEED 5 Image Processor
• 4K UHD Video Recording at 30 fps (limited to 3 minutes)
• 1920 x 1080 Full-frame recording up to 60 fps
• 1920 x 1080 3.0x crop up to 60 fps
• 1280 x 720 up to 60 fps
• Native ISO 102400, Extend to ISO 3280000
• Flat Picture Profile
• In-Camera 4K Time lapse Capabilities
• 3.2″ 2.36m-Dot Touchscreen LCD Monitor
• Multi-CAM 20K 153-Point AF System
• 12 fps Shooting for 200 Shots with AE/AF
• 180k-Pixel RGB Sensor and Group Area AF
• 14-Bit Raw Files and 12-Bit Raw S Format
• 1000 Base-T Gigabit Wired LAN Support
• Price – $6,500 (body only)

And, some 4K sample footage as well:

Yes, you’ve got it right. No matter how unfortunate it may seem, the Nikon D5 UHD internal video recording is limited to 3 minutes only. Considering the price of near $6,500 I’m sure many 4K shooters would be more interested in the other two camera options the Japanese manufacturer announced at the 2016 edition of the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Yet, the D5 is capable of outputting 4K uncompressed signal via the HDMI port, features a 20.8 Megapixel full-frame 35mm sensor, native ISO up to 102,400, an extended ISO range up to an insane 3,280,000, In-Camera 4K Timelapse capabilities, 3.2″ 2.36 million dot LCD, Flat picture profile and Zebras and more. The camera is expected to hit the shelves in March priced at $6,500 and it’s already available for pre-orders.

The second camera Nikon announced was the 20.9 Megapixel D500 that features similar processing and autofocus as the Nikon D5 but comes with a smaller DX/APS-C sensor (23.5mm x 15.7mm). Just like the D5, the camera is capable of recording 4K UHD internally and features native ISO up to 51200 (Expanded Modes up to 1,640,000), Flat Picture Profile, custom tone curves, Zebras, one XQD and one SD slot, In-Camera Timelapse mode ( Up to 9999 Frames), Built-In Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC and more.

Nikon D500 highlights:

• 20.9MP DX-Format CMOS Sensor
• EXPEED 5 Image Processor
• 4K UHD Video Recording at 30 fps (up to 30 minutes)
• HDMI Recording: Uncompressed UHD 4:2:2 8-bit
• 3.2″ 2,539k-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD
• Dual Card Slots: one XQD and one SD
• Multi-CAM 20K 153-Point AF System
• Native ISO 51200, Extend to ISO 1640000
• 10 fps Shooting for Up to 200 Frames
• Built-In Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and NFC
• In-Camera Time Lapse, Up to 9999 Frames
• Price – $1,999 (body only)

Recording to an optional external recorder is also possible in order to gain uncompressed, 4:2:2, 8-bit output through the HDMI port, and when recording in this mode users can use the camera’s LCD monitor for simultaneous live view monitoring which is another great feature.

On top of that, you can record 4K internally for a relatively longer period of time (up to 30 minutes). You should keep in mind though that the sensor area in this mode is significantly cropped. In terms of availability, the Nikon D500 is also expected in March for $2K (body only) or a little over $3K with the 16-80mm lens.

At last, but not least comes the Nikon’s KeyMission 360 a 4K 360-degree action camera.

In essence, it’s a compact and rugged action camera that features dual lenses and image sensors to capture full 360° video and photos in UHD 4K resolution. The camera is waterproof to depths of 100′, shockproof from drops up to 6.6′, and resistant to dust and low temperatures.

The KeyMission 360 also features built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity as well as electronic Vibration Reduction (VR) to help reduce the effects of shakes and jitters from a body and vehicle-mounted action footage. The price of the camera is yet not available.

[source: B&H]

B&H Order Links:

Nikon D5 DSLR Camera (Body Only, Dual CompactFlash)

Nikon D5 DSLR Camera (Body Only, Dual XQD)

Nikon D500 DSLR Camera (Body Only)

Nikon D500 DSLR Camera with 16-80mm Lens

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