Nikon Announce 24MP D3200 DSLR

Nikon announced the new D3200 entry level DSLR earlier this morning, as well as a new 28mm f/1.8G prime lens and a new Wi-Fi adapter intended for use with the D3200 and upcoming cameras.

The Nikon D3200 sports a brand new 24.2 megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor, with improved handling of noise and an extended native ISO of up to 6400. It also improves over the D3100 with a higher resolution display, the ability to shoot HD video at 1080/30p and a faster continuous shooting at 4 frames per second. The D3200 will be available in black and red.

The D3200 is also compatible with the new WU-1a wireless dongle. The WU-1a is an inexpensive way to connect your D3200 to a smartphone for sharing, storage, or control. Initially only Android will be supported, with an iOS app on its way.

Nikon also announced the new AF-S NIKKOR 28mm f/1.8G lens. This new 28mm fast prime features improved optics, Nikon’s Nano Crystal Coat and a built-in Silent Wave Motor, ensuring full compatibility with every Nikon DSLR, including the D3200. The 28mm f/1.8G will come with a lens hood and pouch included.

For more information and specifications, read the Nikon South Africa press releases at the end of the post, or read more coverage at The Verge and DPReview.

We currently don’t have local pricing and availability information, but we’ll share any updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Here’s some product shots:

Press Releases:

Nikon D3200:

Johannesburg, South Africa, 19 April 2012 – Nikon introduces the D3200, a new easy-to-use entry-level D-SLR, boasting latest-generation Guide Mode with full HD video to deliver beautiful, high-quality pictures and cinematic quality movies.

Romi Jacobs, Chief Brand Officer for Nikon in South Africa, says: “The D3200 follows Europe’s best selling   D-SLR camera, the D3100 . It’s a powerful camera that offers superior image quality, with an incredibly high megapixel count, as well as full HD video. For newcomers to D-SLR photography, taking stunning pictures is made easier with Guide Mode which takes you step-by-step through the photography process with clear instructions and images. This is the ideal camera for those looking to easily capture amazing images of the things that matter to you, like family or exciting travels.

D-SLR photography made easy

The D3200 is perfect for those looking to capture quality photos and videos. Whether you are starting a family or about to embark on a big trip, the D3200’s easy to understand functions mean you can take beautiful pictures even if you have never used a D-SLR camera before.

Guide Mode, previously seen on the popular D3000 and D3100 D-SLRs, is now in its third generation with significant improvements to help you grasp the more creative options, taking you through the entire process step-by-step. Running in parallel, Assist Images uses visual examples to help you to identify the shot that you are imagining. Capturing that beautiful background blur in portraits or sharp pictures of your children playing has never been easier. New items have been added to the Advanced operation menu. For example, to help you to enhance the red in sunsets or reduce blur.

Nikon’s automatic Scene Recognition System will meticulously analyse the scene you are shooting and adjust the focus, exposure and white balance for optimum results. And, if you want your camera to do the work for you there is still a range of automatic functions such as Scene Auto Selector in Live View and Scene Modes that will apply the most relevant setting.

Superior image quality

The D3200’s incredibly high 24.2 megapixels deliver images in rich detail, meaning you can crop or print large favourites, keeping memories alive without a loss of image sharpness. Nikon’s latest image processor, the fast and powerful EXPEED 3, provides high-speed operation, producing remarkably clear images with excellent colour reproduction; and enhanced movie recording. ISO 100-6400 (extendable to 12800 equivalent) helps you take sharp images, even in low light. The razor-sharp 11-point autofocus system will make sure everything is in focus, delivering sharp results even if your subject is off centre, or completely unpredictable, like your baby smiling or laughing. By shooting action at four frames per second, the D3200 helps capture fast moving objects, like children playing on their skateboards, at exactly the right moment.

Should you find yourself taking shots in high-contrast conditions, such as backlit scenes, Nikon’s Active D-Lighting automatically adjusts the lighting while retaining detail in both dark and bright areas for stunning images with natural contrast.

Enhanced HD movies

If you are looking to capture a milestone moment, such as your child’s first steps or their role in a school play, a picture is not always enough.

Record your own stunning full HD (1080p) movies to play back on your high definition TV using the D3200’s easy-access movie record button. The camera’s large sensor and high ISO offer exceptional image quality. There is a high quality microphone built in to the camera, but if you want to take a further step in sound recording, you can utilise the optional external microphone input. You can easily edit your movies on the camera by selecting the start and end point as well as saving selected frames so that you never miss a moment. When coupled with a wide variety of NIKKOR lenses, you can create fantastic cinematic effects to bring your home HD movies to life.

Connect the camera

Wirelessly transmitting images from your camera to a smart device is now possible by using the optional WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter. This means it is easy to share them with your friends and family instantly via social networks and e-mail or save and back them up when you are on the move. Because you don’t need a Wi-Fi connection to transfer images from the camera to your smart device, the WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter is an ideal accessory when you’re travelling. It is even possible to control your camera remotely from your smart device, so you can be part of group photos like a family portrait, previewing the image before shooting. The D3200 is compatible with Android smart devices.

In-camera editing

There are a variety of editing functions available to help draw out your artistic flare. Adding creative effects such as Miniature, Selective Colour, Colour Sketch and Filter Effects – to add a warm or soft filter – will bring a personal touch to the finished image. It also lets you resize your images, give them a quick retouch, or even straighten them if necessary, directly on the camera to quickly and easily improve the quality of your photos.

In addition, the large 7.5cm (3 inch) high-resolution (921k-dot) LCD monitor makes it a pleasure to review and edit your movies and photos.

Easy operation

Its lightweight, small body makes the D3200 easy to pack and carry around so you never miss those important moments. When you come to use the camera, the controls have been intuitively laid out to ensure you have a secure grip that it is comfortable to handle. The most common functions, such as Live View and Release mode, have dedicated buttons. If you want to take a picture of yourself using the optional ML-3 remote control, the D3200 has a receiver which has been positioned on the front and back to make it easier to do so. The Info button is also close to hand, should you need any further help.

Other key features:

• Smart autofocus for movies: enjoy continuous autofocus (AF) when you shoot D-movies. Full-time servo AF (AF-F) and subject-tracking AF maintain the focus when you shoot moving subjects. Face-priority AF is ideal for filming events where you want to relax and let the camera focus on faces.

• Extensive movie options: you can record Full HD (1080p) and the camera supports use of Nikon’s ME-1 stereo microphone. In-camera edit functions let you perform tasks such as setting the start and end point of your movie. A mini HDMI output enables playback on an HDTV.

• NIKKOR lenses: take advantage of Nikon’s legendary NIKKOR lenses to capture images with vivid colour, striking contrast and crisp detail, or to experiment with cinematic effects. Use fast prime lenses for stunning portraits, micro lenses for life-size close-ups or telephoto lenses for distant subjects.

• Nikon system options: offer endless creative opportunities with a wide range of accessories. These include the GP-1 GPS unit so that you always remember where a picture for taken. The D3200 comes equipped with a convenient built-in pop-up flash, but with optional Speedlights, inspired flash photography becomes even easier and more creative. The compact and lightweight SB-400 delivers intelligent through-the-lens (i-TTL) flash control and bounce flash capability for a more natural lighting effect without strong shadows. The multifunctional SB-700 offers the exciting potential of wireless multiple-flash operation via the Nikon Creative Lighting System.

AF-S Nikkor 28mm f/1.8G

Johannesburg, South Africa, 19 April 2012 – Nikon today announces a new fast aperture wide-angle prime lens ― the AF-S NIKKOR 28mm f/1.8G.

A welcome addition to Nikon’s range of FX-format prime lenses, the AF-S NIKKOR 28mm F/1.8G boasts a new optical design that makes it a perfect match for today’s high-resolution D-SLRs. Its large (f/1.8) aperture delivers sharper shots in low light and enables wonderfully smooth bokeh. The new optical construction results in beautifully rendered images.

Romi Jacobs, the Chief Brand Officer for Nikon in South Africa, says: “This highly anticipated lens sees Nikon expand its already extensive range of wide-angle lenses, and fill the gap between the 24mm and 35mm NIKKOR lenses perfectly. The 28 mm focal length lets you put subjects in a wide, pronounced perspective, while the improved optical construction controls unwanted distortion. It’s ideal for any wide-angle enthusiast’s kit bag.”

Wide appeal

Fast and compact, the AF-S NIKKOR 28mm F/1.8G is a great choice for photographers who want to shoot wide-angle images, and get the best out of a high-resolution D-SLR. The 28 mm focal length is ideal for shooting in confined spaces, capturing stunning vistas or photographing cityscapes and street scenes. The large f/1.8 aperture delivers sharper shots in low light and achieves a perfect balance of sharpness and bokeh, singling out subjects beautifully. The fast aperture also provides a bright viewfinder image.

Broad advantage

Equipped with a brand new optical design, the AF-S NIKKOR 28mm F/1.8G supports the increasing resolution of modern D-SLRs with sharp, beautifully rendered stills and movies. Two aspherical lens elements effectively minimize aberrations and correct the distortion that can occur with a wide angle of view. Nikon’s exclusive Nano Crystal Coat reduces ghost and flare, and Silent Wave Motor (SWM) ensures discreet but accurate autofocus.

Compact and durable

With a weather sealed mount and weighing just 330g, the AF-S NIKKOR 28mm F/1.8G is a solid yet lightweight and compact option that will fit easily into any kit bag. Compatible with Nikon FX-format D-SLRs, it offers a 42 mm (equivalent) focal length when used with Nikon DX-format D-SLRs and is fully compatible with entry-level models that do not have a built-in autofocus motor.

WP-1a

Johannesburg, South Africa, 19 April 2012 – Nikon today announces the launch of a Wireless Mobile Adapter that brings Wi-Fi capability to their D-SLR cameras.

Launched for use with Nikon’s new D3200 D-SLR, the WU-1a is a USB dongle that lets photographers connect their camera to smart mobile devices. Designed to enable easy sharing, backup and remote camera control, the W-1a is equipped with built-in Wi-Fi for direct camera-to-device communication without the need to connect to external Wi-Fi hotspots first. Users can send high-quality photos and movies directly from their D3200 to a smartphone or tablet, or control their camera from their smart device.

Romi Jacobs, the Chief Brand Officer for Nikon in South Africa says: “Advancements in smart device technologies have made sharing photos and videos on the go a key part of the photographic experience for many people. With WU-1a, Nikon D-SLR users aren’t going to have to compromise between quality and immediacy anymore: high-quality images can be shared with friends and family moments after they were taken.”

Wireless image transfer

With the WU-1a, you no longer have to choose between sharing low-quality mobile images on the spot or uploading high-quality images later through your computer: now you can share exceptional D-SLR images instantly.

No matter where you are, photos and movies can be sent directly from your camera to your smartphone or tablet: you don’t need to connect the adapter to an external Wi-Fi hot spot, and the device is powered by the camera. Images are transferred without hassle, ready for instant sharing via social media, easy uploading to photo sharing and storage sites, or for sending by email. You can also use the adapter to free up space on your camera’s memory card by transferring photos and movies for storage on your smart device.

Remote camera control

In addition to transferring images directly from the camera, the WU-1a also lets you use your smartphone or tablet to control your D-SLR camera remotely. You can preview or compose images from your smart device, or check camera settings and trigger the shutter release from a distance. This makes it an exceptionally useful accessory to have if you want to take a self-portrait―or if you want to take advantage of the bigger screen on your tablet to compose more elaborate shots.

Connected world

The WU-1a is compact to carry, easy to use and is powered by the camera, so there’s no need for batteries. It currently supports Android OS 2.3 or later for smartphones, and Android OS 3.0 or later for tablets; an application called “Wireless Mobile Adapter Utility” is available for free download to your smart device from the Android Market. Firmware can be easily updated via your smart device.