Nikon J5 launches with backside illuminated sensor, tilting LCD and more photographer-friendly design

 

 

In the spring of 2014, Nikon launched the J4 compact system camera. A year later, the company follows up with the 20.8-megapixel Nikon J5, a camera that addresses some of its forerunner's shortcomings with a more photographer-friendly design.

While the Nikon J4 had much to recommend it, especially in terms of size and performance, it also made some rather curious design choices. Key among these was its Mode dial, which forewent the traditional program, priority and manual exposure modes even though the camera itself was quite capable of them. The Nikon J5 corrects this, and also adds a new function button and an additional control dial. Inside, there's a brand-new CX-format (1"-type), backside-illuminated CMOS image sensor with a slightly higher resolution of 20.8 megapixels, paired with a newer-generation EXPEED 5A image processor.

 

 

Despite the new sensor and processor, the already-swift performance of 20 frames per second with autofocus is unchanged, as is the ISO sensitivity range of 160 to 12,800 equivalents. However, Nikon tells us to expect noticeably better noise levels at higher sensitivities. On its rear deck, the Nikon J5 now boasts a tilting LCD touch-screen, which can be flipped up 180 degrees for better visibility from in front of the camera, or downwards almost 90 degrees for framing over your head. There's also a variety of new software features such as an interval timer, skin softening function, and a variety of new effects modes. And the in-camera Wi-Fi connectivity introduced on the earlier camera has been supplemented with near-field communications (NFC) technology for quick-and-easy pairing.

 

 

No availability information has yet been revealed, but the Nikon J5 will sell for around US$500 with a 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 PD-Zoom lens. Additional kits will bundle either the 10-30mm and a 30-110mm f/3.8-5.6 lens for US$750, or a single 10-100mm f/4-5.6 lens for US$1,050. Body color options will include black, two-tone silver and black, or two-tone silver and white.

Want to know more about this interesting followup to the J4? Read our Nikon J5 preview for the full story!