Nikon 1 S2 introduced as an entry-level mirrorless camera

Nikon has officially announced the new 1 S2 mirrorless camera, while confirming that the recently-unveiled 1 J4 will become available on US soil in the coming weeks.

Recently, it has been rumored that Nikon will introduce a new mirrorless interchangeable lens camera as a replacement for the 1 S1. The Nikon 1 S2 is now official and will be released on the market in June 2014 as an entry-level 1-series MILC.

Nikon replaces 1 S1 with the new 1 S2 entry-level mirrorless camera

Nikon 1 S2 sports a 14.2-megapixel sensor and EXPEED 4A processor.

The Nikon 1 S2 does not represent a major improvement over its predecessor. However, there are some important changes that could make the difference for beginner photographers.

First of all, the new shooter features a 14.2-megapixel 1-inch-type CMOS image sensor and is powered by an EXPEED 4A image processor. The 1 S1 used to pack a 10.1-megapixel sensor and EXPEED 3A processing engine.

Going further, we have discovered that the 1 S2 sports a maximum ISO sensitivity of 12,800, double the amount provided by the 1 S1. Additionally, the native ISO setting is 200.

The new sensor-processor combination allows users to shoot 20fps in continuous mode with autofocus continuous turned on, while the speed reaches 60fps with focus locked in single spot.

Nikon 1 S2 is one of the few cameras with a microSD card slot

Nikon 1 S2 employs a 3-inch non-touch LCD screen on its back.

Nikon has revealed that its new mirrorless camera features 135 autofocus points with the center area offering 73 Phase Detection AF points. The Hybrid AF system receives help from an AF assist light, although a built-in flash is available and can be used for lighting up darker environments.

On the back of the Nikon 1 S2 you will find a 3-inch 460K-dot LCD screen with Live View mode support to compensate for the lack of a built-in electronic viewfinder.

The shutter speed ranges between 1/16000th of a second and 30 seconds. As for video recording, the new camera captures full HD videos at up to 60fps.

Photo and videos can be stored on a microSD/SDHC/SDXC card. Most cameras have SD card slots, but Nikon has probably decided to save every inch of space, so a microSD card is more suitable in these scenarios.

Release date and price details are also official

Nikon 1 S2 will be released in June 2014 for a price around $450 which includes a 1 Nikkor 11-27.5mm lens.

The latest addition to the 1-series of mirrorless cameras measures 3.98 x 2.4 x 1.14-inches / 101 x 61 x 29mm. There is enough space for a miniHDMI port as well as a USB 2.0 port.

The Nikon 1 S2 does not have built-in WiFi, although photographers can purchase the optional WU-1a adapter to gain such feature.

Black, Red, Yellow, and White color options will be available for users as of June 2014. The starting price stands at $449.95 and it includes a 1 Nikkor 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 lens.

A secondary kit with two lenses will be released, too, for a price of $699.95. This choice will include the aforementioned lens and the 1 Nikkor VR 30-110mm f/3.8-5.6 lens.

Nikon 1 J4 will finally become available in the US

Nikon 1 J4 will finally become available in the US by the end of May, after being released in Japan a few weeks ago.

In addition to the 1 S2, Nikon has announced the availability of the 1 J4 in the US. This mirrorless camera has been launched recently in Japan and other markets where MILCs are very popular.

US consumers will be able to purchase the Nikon 1 J4 by the end of May in Black, Orange, Silver, and White colors for a price of $649.95 with a 1 Nikkor 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 PD-zoom lens.

Another kit, which includes a 1 Nikkor 10-100mm f/4-5.6 VR lens, will be released for $849,95, while a second-lens kit with the 1 Nikkor 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 PD-zoom and 1 Nikkor 30-110mm f/3.8-5.6 lenses will cost $1,049.95.

The company has also confirmed that the already-unveiled WP-N3 waterproof casing and SB-M10 waterproof flash will be released in the US  in May at unknown prices.