We’ve written a lot before about the best of the best in point and shoots – typically a tight race between models like the Sony RX100 IV, Canon G5 X, and Lumix LX100. Now, Nikon wants a piece of the action. Today it introduced a new family of cameras – DL for Digital Lens – that offer a range of zoom options to meet a variety of needs. You can read more about the Nikon DL18-50, Nikon DL24-85, and Nikon DL24-500 in my article on Extremetech.com. You can pre-order the cameras from B&H at $846.95 for the Nikon DL18-50, $646.95 for the Nikon DL24-85, and $996 for the Nikon DL24-500 – although B&H doesn’t expect them to be available until late June.

Nikon’s full press release on the DL-series cameras:

Premium Compact Cameras
Nikon DL18-50 f/1.8-2.8
Nikon DL24-85 f/1.8-2.8
Nikon DL24-500 f/2.8-5.6

February 23, 2016

New DL range raises the standard of compact camera photography with DSLR- inspired optical innovation of high-performance NIKKOR lenses and always-on smart device connectivity

TOKYO - Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the release of the Nikon DL series, a new line-up of premium compact cameras incorporating high-performance NIKKOR lenses, SnapBridge connectivity and a suite of digital SLR camera functions to complement any advanced enthusiast or professional's kit.

DL18-50 f/1.8-2.8

DL24-85 f/1.8-2.8 Black

DL24-85 f/1.8-2.8 Silver

DL24-500 f/2.8-5.6

Inspired by the Nikon professional photographer community, the "D" in the Nikon DL series, draws on Nikon's DSLR heritage, while "L" calls out the premium NIKKOR lens technology which serves as the focal point for the range. The series comprises three new models, the DL18-50 f/1.8-2.8, DL24-85 f/1.8-2.8, and the DL24-500 f/2.8-5.6, each equipped with different NIKKOR lens groups and crafted for different photography styles. The first is a 18-50 mm equivalent*¹ ultra-wide-angle zoom lens that boasts the fastest and brightest maximum aperture in NIKKOR history, the second a fast, 24-85 mm equivalent*¹ normal zoom lens offering beautiful blur (bokeh), and super macro performance, while the last is an ultra high-power zoom lens that exhibits superior resolution over a broad range of focal lengths, up to an super-telephoto 500 mm*¹ equivalent.

Each model adopts a 1.0-inch type backside illumination CMOS sensor and the new EXPEED 6A image-processing engine for enabling the expression capabilities demanded by users of digital SLR cameras, while also providing sharp and clear rendering when shooting in dark surroundings.

For the accurate and precise acquisition of photography subjects, the Nikon DL series features a hybrid AF system combining both phase-detection AF and Contrast-detect AF. The focus points are densely packed to ensure wide AF area coverage for reliable performance in unpredictable shooting environments, keeping up with the DL range's high autofocusing speed of approximately 0.09 s*². This works in tandem with an outstanding continuous shooting speed of 20 frames per second.

Completing the seamless transition when switching between shooting with a DSLR and their DL camera, photographers using the DL series will also find themselves returning to a system that is both familiar and intuitive, with the cameras' adoption of the Nikon DSLR user interface. The DL series also aid photographers looking beyond still image capture, with video recording in 4K UHD (3840 x 2160)/30p quality, alongside a suite of creative movie-making options.

The cameras also support Nikon's newest connectivity platform, SnapBridge, for the seamless and immediate transfer of images to paired smart devices.

• *135mm [135] format equivalent.
• *2Based on CIPA guidelines; actually measured under test conditions established by Nikon.

DL18-50 f/1.8-2.8 primary features

1. A fast, ultra wide-angle zoom NIKKOR lens with maximum apertures of f/1.8-2.8 and support for the 18-50 mm*¹ equivalent range of focal lengths

   The lens built into the DL18-50 f/1.8-2.8 offers the fastest maximum aperture in NIKKOR history for the 18-50 mm equivalent*¹ focal lengths, f/1.8, allowing users to enjoy dynamic perspectives, high contrast, beautiful background blur, and fast shutter speeds in even darker situations. Adoption of the same superior optical technologies used with interchangeable lenses for digital SLR cameras, including a large-diameter, molded-glass aspherical lens element with a large thickness deviation ratio*², an aspherical ED glass element, a high refractive index (HRI) lens element, and Nano Crystal Coat, enables effective compensation for all types of aberration and sharp, clear rendering.

   • *135mm [135] format equivalent.
   • *2Difference in thickness between the center of the lens and its edges.
2. Perspective control that corrects distortion of architecture and other wide subjects

   This handy function compensates for the unnatural tapering effect in images that is caused by differences in distance between the camera and various parts of the subject. It can be corrected with shooting by controlling the subject's horizontal and vertical orientation in 20 steps while confirming the effects in the monitor.

3. Other features
   • Fluorine coat adopted to keep lenses cleaner for easier maintenance
   • A step-zoom ring allows users to instantly change the focal length by setting it to one of six predetermined positions
   • An approximately 1037k-dot 7.5-cm/3-in. OLED touch-screen monitor with tilting mechanism
   • DF-E1 Electronic Viewfinder (optional)— compact, high-resolution, OLED electronic viewfinder equipped with a tilting mechanism.

DL24-85 f/1.8-2.8 primary features

1. A fast, normal zoom NIKKOR lens with maximum apertures of f/1.8-2.8 and support for the 24-85 mm*¹ equivalent range of focal lengths

   Adoption of a large-diameter, molded-glass aspherical lens element with a large thickness deviation ratio*², and an HRI lens element enables superior rendering with effective suppression of all types of aberration. The lens achieves beautiful blur characteristics, especially with close-up shooting, for exceptional macro and portrait images.

   • *135mm [135] format equivalent.
   • *2Difference in thickness between the center of the lens and its edges.
2. Super Macro function that enables capture of the subject at approximately 0.37x (life-size reproduction with conversion to 35mm [135] format)

   Be it insects or fine textures, the DL24-85 f/1.8-2.8 captures stunning shots for photographers looking for fresh perspectives. Photographers have the option to shoot with the super macro function, enabling "life-size" close-up shooting at a 35mm-format equivalent for those needing a closer look at their pint-sized subjects. The focus bracketing function automatically shifts the focus position slightly during continuous shooting, which comes in handy during super macro shooting where accurate focus can be difficult to achieve due to the very shallow depth of field.

3. Other features
   • Fluorine coat adopted to keep lenses cleaner for easier maintenance
   • A step-zoom ring allows users to instantly change the focal length by setting it to one of six predetermined positions
   • An approximately 1037k-dot 7.5-cm/3-in. OLED touch-screen monitor with tilting mechanism
   • Built-in flash
   • DF-E1 Electronic Viewfinder (optional)— compact, high-resolution, OLED electronic viewfinder equipped with a tilting mechanism.

DL24-500 f/2.8-5.6 primary features

1. An ultra high-power zoom NIKKOR lens with maximum apertures of f/2.8-5.6 and support for the 24-500 mm* equivalent range of focal lengths

   To suppress color fringing and distortion, while compensating for all types of aberration throughout the optical zoom range, the lens architecture incorporates both aspherical ED glass elements and ED glass elements, providing sharp and clear rendering throughout the optical range. The broad range of focal lengths supported by this one camera enables capture of sporting scenes, wildlife, and aircraft with 500 mm super-telephoto shooting, as well as broad landscapes with 24 mm wide-angle shooting.

   • *35mm [135] format equivalent.
2. Dual Detect Optical VR provides compensation for camera shake

   In addition to providing superior compensation for camera shake, the lens is also equipped with SPORT VR mode built into super-telephoto interchangeable lenses for digital SLR cameras, enabling the more precise capture of subjects moving at high speeds with the appropriate level of camera-shake compensation and a more stable viewfinder image.

3. Other features
   • Fluorine coat adopted to keep lenses cleaner for easier maintenance
   • OLED electronic viewfinder with eye sensor
   • An approximately 1037k-dot 7.5-cm/3-in. OLED touch-screen monitor with vari-angle mechanism
   • Built-in flash