DSLR News

Nikon launched a new digital SLR and two long lenses at CES tonight. The company unveiled the D5500, an advanced amateur DSLR sporting a 24.2-megapixel CMOS sensor with no optical low-pass filter (OLPF) and a new 3.2-inch varia-angle LCD touchscreen on back.

Nikon also debuted the AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II zoom lens for DX-format DSLR shooters, and the FX-format AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/4E PF ED VR, a lens designed for full-frame DSLRs, which features Phase Fresnel optics to create a lighter super-telephoto design.

We got some hands-on time with the D5500 and the new 300mm f/4 lens and shot the photos of these new imaging products that accompany this article.

The Nikon D5500, which is a follow-up to the D5300 from 2013, uses an APS-C sized, DX-format sensor and is powered by Nikon’s Expeed 4 image processor. It can shoot at five frames per second, has an ISO range of 100-25,600, captures 1080p HD video at 60p, and has a built-in stereo microphone and a stereo mic jack.

The D5500 offers clean HDMI output and has built in Wi-Fi, which can be controlled via a mobile app on a smartphone. It features a 39-point autofocus (AF) system with 9 cross-type sensors and has a lightweight monocoque design (like the D750), which uses carbon fiber for the front body and cover and magnesium alloy for the rear cover and top cover.

The Nikon D5500 goes on sale in early February, in black and red, in two different kits: with the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II lens for $999, or with the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens for $1,199. The Nikon D5500 will also be sold, body only, for $899

New Lenses

Nikon says the new AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/4E PF ED VR, is the world’s lightest 300mm full-frame fixed focal length AF lens. It’s nearly 30% shorter and 1.5 lbs. lighter than its predecessor, which came out over a dozen years ago. The lens features Phase Fresnel optical technology, which is designed to help correct chromatic aberration and reduce the overall size and weight of the lens.

It features four and a half stops of VR image stabilization, a VR Sport mode, VR tripod detection along with several NIKKOR optical technologies including electromagnetic aperture control, a Silent Wave Motor for quiet AF operation, ED glass for further controlling chromatic aberrations and Nano Crystal Coat for improved image quality.

The AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/4E PF ED VR will go on sale in early February for $1,999.

The new AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II features a new compact and lightweight retractable design. The lens also features three stops of VR image stabilization and Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM) technology that’s designed to help produce quiet and precise AF operation.

The AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II goes on sale in early February for $349.