Nikon has announced a 17-28mm wide-angle zoom for Z mount cameras. It features a constant aperture of f/2.8, but perhaps more relevant for underwater use, has a minimum focus distance of 0.19m (7.5”). Of course, performance behind a dome port is, as yet, unknown.
An article published in the Japanese business publication, Nikkei has stated that it has learned that Nikon will “withdraw from the single-lens reflex camera business and shift toward digital offerings amid intensifying competition from smartphone cameras.” This was swiftly followed by a statement from Nikon disabusing the article. Wetpixel Editor Adam Hanlon investigates:
Nikon has announced the Z30 mirrorless camera. It has a 20.9 MP APS-C sized sensor and the EXPEED 7 image-processing engine. Primarily aimed at video content creators, it offers 4K at 30p without crop and full HD at 120p.
Nikon has announced the Z 9 mirrorless camera. It has a 45.7MP sensor and a new EXPEED 7 image-processing engine. The latter offers a claimed 10 times faster AF speed and a native ISO range of 64-25,600. The algorithmic AF offers 3D tracking mode and a variety of scene detection options (none underwater specific). Video is available with in-camera recording at 8K UHD 24p/30p (via to be released firmware update) and 4K UHD 24p/30p/60p/120p.
Nikon has announced the Z fc DX mirrorless camera. It features “heritage designed” features a 9MP sensor with the EXPEED 6 image processor and an ISO range up to 25600. In addition, Nikon announced the NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR lens, and the prime NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 (SE) lenses.
Nikon has also announced the Z MC 50mm f/2.8 micro, which offers a minimum focus distance of 0.16m with a reproduction ratio of 1:1 and the optical benefits of the new flange. However, it has a front focusing system that extends out of the front of the lane, which may make compatibility with ports an issue.
Nikon has announced the Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Micro lens. It is the first macro lens with the Z mount, and this offers a “dramatic improvement in optical performance.” The minimum focus distance is 0.29 m with a 1:1 reproduction ratio, and it is equipped with a new AF stepping motor.
Nikon has released NX Studio, which allows the viewing, processing, and editing of still images and video captured with a Nikon digital camera. It offers a retouch brush and edited images can be loaded onto Nikon’s Image Space. Edited videos can be exported directly to YouTube.
Nikon has announced 2 new Z mount lenses. Of interest for underwater use is the Z 14-24mm f/2.8 wide-angle lens. It has a minimum focus distance of 0.28 m (0.92 ft), so may work behind a large dome port.
Nikon has announced its Z5 full frame mirrorless camera, It has a 24.3MP sensor, with the EXPEED 6 image processor which offer a native ISO range up to 51,200. It has dual SD memory card slots and has shot show for external flash triggering.