Nikon’s CES Surprise: The KeyMission 360

Today, Nikon Inc. announced its entry into the action camera market with the development of an exciting lineup of products that build on Nikon’s legendary excellence in optical technology and imaging innovation.

The D500 is fitted with the same AF system as the Nikon D5, the Multi-CAM 20K AF sensor module, with a separate dedicated processor for AF function.

Back and top views of the new Nikon D5.

Unlike a GoPro or Sony Action Camera, KeyMission is a 360-degree camera with two lenses that can record footage in 4K with electronic stabilization.

As well as dual Compact Flash slots, new double XQD card slots are provided for storing image and video data and easily handle the camera’s video and burst shooting capacities.

Meanwhile, the D500 which also supports 4K UHD movies, also features the new EXPEED 5 image-processing engine, enabling it to deliver high-quality images and movies and realises a wide sensitivity range from ISO 100 to 51200, expandable to Hi 5 (ISO 1640000 equivalent).

In addition to the D5, Nikon is pleased to introduce the new WT-6 Wireless Transmitter (available separately) for efficient high-speed wireless network communications. The D500 uses a new 20.9-megapixel CMOS sensor, whereas existing models have a 24-megapixel sensor. 10 fps*1 for up to 200 shots in JPEG and in 14-bit lossless compressed RAW, without any drop in shooting speed. Experience exceptionally clean performance across the standard ISO range. When paired with legendary NIKKOR optics, the D5 is truly a tool to help photographers capture the sharpest images possible with astounding clarity and radiant colors. With the advanced weather sealing on the Nikon D5 there are few places for heat to escape the camera, and the recording time may have crippled to 3mins to prevent over heating which could potentially damage the camera. “A new 3.2” 2359K dot XGA LCD adds touchscreen functionality, allowing the user to easily pinch, zoom, swipe and scrub in playback, and also enter text faster than ever before.

The D500’s highlight feature is its “Snapbridge” functionality, which uses Bluetooth LE to maintain an “always-on” connection between the DSLR and your smartphone.