Nikon D3300 and 18-55mm VR II lens kit announced at CES 2014

Nikon has refreshed its entry-level DSLR series at CES 2014 with the new D3300 that replaces a two-year-old D3200 along a novel set of features.

Driven by the low camera sales, Nikon has recently claimed that it will refresh its entry-level DSLRs a lot faster than before. However, the D3200 is now close to its second birthday. As a result, the rumor mill has begun speculating that the D3300 will be unveiled in early 2014 at the Consumer Electronics Show.

Well, CES is here and it has brought Nikon’s new entry-level DSLR with it to substitute the D3200, as expected. It comes packed with a revamped set of features as well as a new 18-55mm kit lens that should appeal to beginner photographers who are ready to put aside their compact shooter.

Nikon D3300 vs D3200: specs

Nikon D3300 is now official with a new 24.2-megapixel sensor without an anti-aliasing filter and powered by an EXPEED 4 image processor.

The Japanese manufacturer says that the Nikon D3300 is the “go-to” low-end DSLR for beginners. However, a lot of consumers will be wondering why they should buy the new device, especially considering the fact that the D3200’s price is expected to drop dramatically.

The company says that the new model provides improved image and full HD video quality, thanks to a new 24.2-megapixel CMOS DX sensor which does not feature an anti-aliasing filter.

The D3XXX series joins the exclusive club of Nikon DSLRs that do not have an AA filter, which results in the best possible resolution, clarity, and sharpness.

D3300’s new sensor comes together with the EXPEED 4 image processor. This engine allows users to capture true colors and details, while providing excellent optical quality when using higher ISO sensitivity settings.

Additionally, the processor offers improved auto white balance, faster speeds, while making the battery more efficient. The new D3300 now reaches 25,600 ISO and takes 5fps in burst mode. On the other hand, D3200’s max ISO stands at 12,800 and it can capture 4fps in continuous shooting mode.

Dimensions and other features

Nikon D3300 rear houses the same 3-inch LCD screen as the D3200. However, the button placement is somewhat different.

The Nikon D3300 comes packed with 13 effects, four of them being new, such as Pop, Super Vivid, and Photo Illustration. Landscape photographers will adore the new Easy Panorama Mode, while those who cannot seem to overcome the complications of manual mode can benefit from the brand new Guide Mode.

The built-in flash and AF assist lamp are the same, as well as the 11-point AF system and shutter speed range, which stands between 1/4000 and 30 seconds.

The 3-inch 921K-dot LCD screen is identical to that of the previous version, but the 95% coverage optical viewfinder now provides a 0.85x magnification instead of the 0.8x rate found in the D3200.

Video recording quality is clocked at 1920 x 1080 pixels at 60 frames per second and the files are stored on a SD/SDHC/SDXC card.

Nikon D3300’s body is made out of carbon fiber, a very lightweight and durable material. This has reduced the camera’s size to 4.88 x 3.86 x 2.99-inches and its weight to 430 grams, which is down from D3200’s 4.9 x 3.8 x 3-inches and 455 grams.

AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II lens becomes official, too

The Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 VR II is the new kit lens for the D3300. It features a retractable lens barrel design, becoming smaller and lighter than its predecessor.

Nikon has also launched a new kit lens for its entry-level DSLR. The AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II lens features a silent wave motor to provide smooth and quiet autofocus.

It comes packed with built-in Vibration Reduction technology that, in turn, offers up to four stops of light.

The new standard zoom optic is based on a new design inspired by the one found in some 1 Nikkor lenses. It offers a retractable lens barrel so that the optic is smaller and lighter than the previous model.

It measures 2.36-inches in diameter and 2.6-inches in length, while weighing 195 grams, compared to its predecessor’s 2.87-inches diameter, 3.13-inches length, and 265 grams.

Together, the D3300 and 18-55mm VR II lens, they are 25% lighter and 30% smaller than the D3200 and 18-55mm VR package, which is a step in the right direction.

Release date and price information

Nikon D3300 top view showing both the DSLR and its kit lens. The pair will be released in February for under $650.

Nikon has announced that the D3300 and the AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II lens will become available for purchase as of February. The DSLR will be released in Black, Red, and Grey colors, while only a Black version will be offered for the kit lens.

The kit will cost $649.95, but if you want to purchase the optic separately, then it will be priced at $249.95. Pre-orders are live at Amazon, where the kit costs $646.95 and lens only $196.95.