Nikon 170 Review

Tweet Share

Camera Reviews / Nikon Cameras / Nikon KeyMission i Preview

170 Overview

Navigate Review Jump to review page...

Navigate Review Jump to review page...
170 Overview
Specifications

Basic Specifications
Full model name:	Nikon KeyMission 170
Resolution:	8.30 Megapixels
Sensor size:	1/2.3 inch (6.2mm x 4.6mm)
Lens:	Non-Zoom (15mm eq.)
Viewfinder:	No / LCD
Native ISO:	100 - 1600
Extended ISO:	100 - 1600
Shutter:	1/16000 - 1/2 sec
Max Aperture:	2.8
Dimensions:	2.6 x 1.8 x 1.7 in. (66 x 47 x 43 mm)
Weight:	4.7 oz (135 g) includes batteries
MSRP:	$400
Availability:	10/2016
Manufacturer:	Nikon
Full specs:	Nikon 170 specifications

Your purchases support this site

NIkon KeyMission 170

170 Deals

8.30 Megapixels	Non-Zoom	1/2.3 inch size sensor

Nikon KeyMission 170 Review -- First Impressions

by Jeremy Gray
Preview posted: 09/19/2016

If a 360 degree field of view isn't your thing, then the single lens Nikon KeyMission 170 might be more to your liking. The 8.3-megapixel camera has a 15mm equivalent f/2.8 Nikkor lens and can record 4K UHD video with a 170 degree field of view.

KeyMission 170 is a compact action camera

With a more standard action camera appearance than the Nikon KeyMission 360, the KeyMission 170 is 2.7 x 1.9 x 1.7 inches (including lens protector and excluding projections) and weighs a mere 4.8 ounces (134.5 grams). On the back of the camera is a 1.5-inch TFT LCD monitor that has approximately 345,000 dots. The monitor provides 97% frame coverage when recording video and 99% coverage when playing recorded footage back.

The top of the KeyMission 170 has a pair of buttons, including a movie record button on the top of the lens barrel. Taking a look at the back of the camera, we find up and down buttons on either side of an 'OK' button to the right of the 1.5-inch display. The right side of the camera has a pair of switches, one for opening the card and battery slot and the other for locking it.

Tough KeyMission 170 is waterproof, shockproof, dustproof and freezeproof

Like the KeyMission 360, the Nikon KeyMission 170 is a rugged little camera. It is waterproof up to just over 30 feet (10 meters) and is dust proof, freeze-proof and shockproof. By freezeproof, Nikon means that it can be safely operated in temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit. Shockproof comes with the claim that the camera can withstand the force of being dropped from 6 feet, 6 inches onto plywood that's two inches thick.

KeyMission 170 has a 15mm equivalent lens and 8.3-megapixel sensor

The KeyMission 170's lens is a 15mm equivalent f/2.8 optic, although the actual focal length is 2.4mm. The focal length multiplier comes from the sensor's small size; the KeyMission 170 uses a 1/2.3-inch 12.7-megapixel CMOS image sensor, however only 8.3 megapixels are used to form the final image. Focus is fixed with subjects as close as 1 foot, 4 inches (40 centimeters) in focus.

KeyMission 170 shooting specs

Capable of shooting video and stills across its 100-1600 ISO range, the KeyMission 170 uses an electronic shutter which has a shutter speed range of 1/2 second to 1/16,000 second. The camera can utilize either matrix or center-weighted metering and offers up to +/- 2 EVs of exposure compensation. It is worth noting that the KeyMission 170 cannot capture RAW still images.

Video can be recorded in one of the slow motion, time lapse or loop recording movie modes. In addition, there's a Highlight Tagging creative tool that assists the user in creating a highlight reel montage movie. Unfortunately, unlike the KeyMission 360, the KeyMission 170 doesn't include a self-timer.

Detailed, fast action: 4K UHD and high-speed video features

The Nikon 170 can record 4K UHD video (3840 x 2160 resolution) at up to 30 frames per second. Full HD video (1920 x 1080 resolution) can be recorded at up to 60fps in normal shooting modes, but it also has HS 1080/4x and HS 720/8x high speed recording options. In-camera electronic vibration reduction (VR) is available when recording 1080p video, but not when recording 4K UHD video.

Sharing and editing content

With Wi-Fi-, Bluetooth and NFC included in the KeyMission 170, this action camera can interact with Nikon's SnapBridge 360/170 app for Android and iOS. The application allows for viewing and editing content, but also provides users the ability to quickly upload and share their images and videos. For more advanced editing, you can use the PC or Mac version of the SnapBridge 360/170 Utility program.

Accessories for the KeyMission 170

If you need your KeyMission 170 to be waterproof beyond roughly 33 feet (10m), then you can purchase optional waterproof housing to extend the underwater performance to a depth of 131 feet (40m).

The KeyMission 170 comes with Nikon's KeyMission remote control accessory, but other available accessories include a KeyMission tripod, extension arm, soft case, hard case, helmet strap, wrist mount, handlebar mount, chest mount, surfboard mount, backpack mount, suction cup mount and handy grip.

Battery life and interface

With its removable EN-EL12 battery pack, the KeyMission 170 can record up to 250 shots or 60 minutes of video footage to its MicroSD/SDHC/SDXC card on a charge. The camera includes Hi-Speed USB 2.0 and HDMI interfaces and includes Micro HDMI Type D and Micro USB connectors.

Concluding thoughts on the Nikon KeyMission 170

If you don't need a full 360-degree field of view, then the KeyMission 170 is your next best option in Nikon's new action camera lineup. The camera still offers 4K UHD video recording, albeit with less angle of view and less still image resolution.

Pricing and availability: Coming in October for $400

The Nikon KeyMission 170 (and its accessories) will be available in October 2016. The KeyMission 170 comes with a suggested retail price just under US$400.