Nikon announces 1 J4 and 1 S2 mirrorless camera

Nikon has announced two new mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras in the US. The first is the 1 J4, which was announced once previously (but without the pricing and the availability) and the second is the 1 S2, which is its cheaper sibling.

The Nikon 1 J4 replaces the previous 1 J3. It has a new 18.4 megapixel CX-format CMOS sensor with an ultra fast 20 fps burst mode at full resolution. It also has 171 contrast detect focus points and 105 phase detect focus points for greater accuracy.

The Nikon 1 J4 can also record 1080p60 video or 120 fps slow motion video in 720p. It comes with built-in Wi-Fi for transferring images and a touchscreen interface.

The cheaper 1 S2 has a lower resolution 14.2 megapixel CMOS sensor but like the J4 it too can shoot at 20 fps burst mode at full resolution. The S2 drops down to fewer focus points; 135 for contrast detect and 73 for phase detect. It also lacks the slow motion recording, Wi-Fi and touchscreen functionality, although it can record videos at 1080p60 resolution.

The Nikon 1 J4 will go on sale this month in black, white, silver and orange with the NIKKOR 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 PD-Zoom lens for $649.95 and with the 1 NIKKOR 10-100mm f/4.0-5.6 VR lens for $849.95. Additionally, a Two Lens Kit including the 1 NIKKOR 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 PD-Zoom lens and 1 NIKKOR VR 30-110mm f/3.8-5.6 lens will be available for $1,049.95.

The Nikon 1 S2 will go on sale in June in black, white, red and yellow with the 1 NIKKOR 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 lens for $449.95 and a Two Lens Kit including the 1 NIKKOR 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 lens and 1 NIKKOR VR 30-110mm f/3.8-5.6 lens will also be available for $699.95.

Nikon D3300 review

The Nikon D3300 is the brand's latest entry-level DSLR and takes over from the popular Nikon D3200.

A series of upgrades on the new model include a newer processor, expanded ISO range and a brand new retractable lens.

The D3300 has some pretty stiff competition in the form of the Canon EOS 1200D, Pentax K-500 and DSLR-esque CSCs like the Samsing NX30, so what does it offer to stay ahead of its rivals?

Nikon D3300: Size and build

Measuring in at 124 × 98 × 75.5mm, the body is very slightly smaller than its predecessor, so much so that you might not even notice unless you were told, but we reckon it makes the handgrip that little bit more comfy.

There are a few very minor design tweaks compared to the D3200, including a slightly larger, more textured and better placed thumb plate on the back panel. Like its predecessor, the D3300 feels that little bit more premium than its Canon rivals when it comes to build quality.

The biggest design change is that retractable 18-55VRII kit lens which extends by pressing a button on the side and then twisting the barrel. This means that the lens is around an inch shorter and the circumference is also smaller making the new lens far less bulky. It may not be as small as the tiny Canon EOS 100D, but it certainly makes it a lot more streamlined than the previous model.

The same pop-up flash is here again, while it's effective, it can be rather over-enthusiastic and pop up randomly when it's not really needed, just like on the D3200.

The camera is available in red, black or grey, but as ever - we expect the black model to be the best seller.