Nikon 1 J5 mirrorless camera announced with 4K video support

Nikon has officially announced the 1 J5, a mirrorless camera replacing the 1 J4 with a few improvements, which include a new sensor and the ability to record videos at 4K resolution.

The rumor mill has been talking about the launch of the Nikon 1 J5 since the beginning of the year. The CX-mount mirrorless camera was supposed to come out sooner with 4K video support. Nevertheless, the device is finally official and it does offer video recording at ultra HD resolution.

Nikon has enhanced a few areas of the 1 J4 in order to make the 1 J5 a versatile device that is suitable for a broader range of customers, including those who already familiar with a digital camera.

Nikon 1 J5 comes with a classic camera design. It packs a prominent grip and fake leather.

Nikon introduces 1 J5 with new design, sensor, processor, and 4K video support

The 1 J5 is still a portable mirrorless camera, but Nikon has changed a few design aspects. The 1 J4 replacement has a grip now, which is small but it is there. Additionally, the shooter has been covered in fake leather, giving it a more classic look when compared to its CX-mount siblings.

The 1 J4 was unveiled in April 2014 with an 18.4-megapixel 1-inch-type sensor and an EXPEED 4A image processor. The 1 J5 is here in April 2015 with a new 20.8-megapixel 1-inch-type sensor without an anti-aliasing filter and an EXPEED 5A processor.

The improved sensor-processor combination will allow the camera to record videos at 4K resolution. However, there is a downside, as it can only do so at a frame rate of only 15fps. Although the processing engine is newer, the Nikon 1 J5 does 20fps with continuous AF and 60fps with single AF in burst mode, just like its predecessor.

Speaking of the autofocus system, the CX-mount mirrorless camera features hybrid AF technology with 171 contrast-detection points and 105 phase-detection points. The company promises that its latest mid-range mirrorless camera will autofocus quickly in all shooting conditions.

The touchscreen on Nikon 1 J5’s back can be tilted upwards for selfies or downwards for capturing photos from above.

Nikon 1 J5 comes packed with features adored by today’s generation

The selfie craze continues with the Nikon 1 J5, which features a 3-inch touchscreen on the back capable of tilting upwards by 180 degrees. When tilted like this, the camera enters Self-Portrait mode and allows users to capture a shot by touching the display.

Furthermore, the screen can tilt downwards by 90 degrees, so that photographers can capture photos from above their heads and still see their subjects.

It is worth noting that the 1 J5 can capture full HD videos at 60fps and 720p videos at 120fps. Movies as well as photos can be transferred to a smartphone or a tablet via built-in WiFi or NFC technologies.

Other ways to share content is by the microHDMI and USB slots. This camera requires a microSD card to store photos and movies.

Nikon 1 J5 has a proper dial button with manual modes.

Manual modes are more accessible in the Nikon 1 J5 than the 1 J4

As Nikon wanted to give the 1 J-series a more professional touch, the 1 J5 now features a proper P/A/S/M dial on top. These functions were previously hidden under the Creative Mode for some reason.

Moreover, a dial is wrapped around the video recording button and it can be used for inputting various exposure settings. The exposure settings include an ISO range between 160 and 12800, and a shutter speed range between 30 seconds and 1/16000th of a second.

Nikon 1 J5 features built-in AF assist light and a pop-up flash, while a viewfinder is nonexistent. The mirrorless camera comes with a 250-shot battery life on a single charge.

The new shooter is said to measure about 3.9 x 2.4 x 1.3 inches / 98.3 x 59.7 x 31.5mm, while weighing about 8.2 ounces / 231 grams.

Nikon 1 J5 will become available soon for a price of $499.95 along with a 10-30mm kit lens.

Official Nikon 1 J5 release date and price details

Nikon will release the 1 J5 within a few weeks in several color combinations, that is Silver and White, Silver and Black, and Black-only, said the company in the official press release.

The mirrorless camera will be paired with a 1 Nikkor 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 PD Zoom lens for a price of $499.95. If you add a 1 Nikkor VR 30-110mm f/3.8-5.6 lens to this kit, then you will have to pay $749.95.

Another kit will consist of the 1 J5 camera and the 10-100mm f/4-5.6 lens for a price of $1,049.95.

You can pre-order the Nikon 1 J5 at Amazon right now, while the retailer claims that the 4K mirrorless camera will begin shipping on April 30.