Nikon’s CES announcements include a new D5500 DSLR camera, a modest update on the mid-level D5300 model, plus two new Nikkor lenses.

The new Nikon D5500 mid-level DX format camera. (Source: Nikon.)
The 24.2-megapixel DX format D5500 is significantly lighter and slimmer than its predecessor and boasts a new monocoque structure and a deep grip. Its 8.1-cm vari-angle LCD monitor comes with touch-screen controls wide-viewing angle and high 1,037-dot resolution. Touch controls include tap to focus and shoot; aperture, ISO and shutter speed adjustments and the ability to quickly adjust key settings with a finger swipe when shooting through the viewfinder. Other features include:
– 39-point AF system with nine cross-type sensors in the centre,
– Improved contrast-detect Auto-focus 20% faster than the D5300 when shooting in Live View,
– Fast and powerful EXPEED 4 image processing engine,
– Effective ISO range from 100-125600,
– Up to 5 fps continuous shooting,
– Full HD video recording at 1080/50/60p and Full HD/60p output supported,
– Picture Control 2.0 includes the new Flat setting for maximum dynamic range,
– Built-in stereo microphone and compatibility with Nikon’s ME-1 Stereo Microphone,
– Creative tools include retouch menu, bracketing functions, HDR photography, interval timer shooting, vignette control,
– Instant Photo Sharing capabilities via a compatible smart-phone or tablet with built-in Wi-Fi.
The new camera is scheduled for release on 5 February, 2015, with pricing at dealers’ discretion. Full details can be found at https://mynikonlife.com.au/d5500.

Nikon’s new AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/4E PF ED VR lens for cameras with FX format sensors. (Source: Nikon.)
The new AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/4E PF ED VR is the latest addition to Nikon’s FX-format compatible line-up and the first to employ a Phase Fresnel lens element. Claimed as the world’s lightest 300mm lens, it also features a Vibration Reduction (VR) system of 4.5 stops, enabling it to be used without a tripod. The f/4 maximum aperture, 300mm focal length and VR technology deliver strong low-light performance and attractive bokeh in wide-aperture shots. An electro-magnetic aperture mechanism delivers stable auto exposure control even during high-speed continuous shooting, while a durable fluorine coat applied to the front element effectively repels dust, water droplets, grease or dirt.
This lens is due for release on 29h January, 2015. Full details can be found at https://mynikonlife.com.au/gear/nikkor-lenses/af-s-300mm-f4e-pf-ed-vr.

The second-generation AF-S DX Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II lens. (Source: Nikon.)
Users of Nikon’s DX-format cameras gain a new AF-S DX Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II with a retractable barrel mechanism, which is compact lightweight and easy-to-handle and ideal for smaller DX-format cameras like the new Nikon D5500. Features include an Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass element that minimises chromatic aberration, Vibration Reduction (VR) technology with a claimed compensation of four f-stops, Silent Wave Motor (SWM) technology for accurate and quiet high-speed autofocusing and a retractable barrel mechanism and overall weight of only 300 grams.
This lens will go on sale concurrently with the D5500 camera. For more information visit https://mynikonlife.com.au/gear/nikkor-lenses/af-s-dx-55-200mm-f4-5-6g-ed-vr-ii.
Also announced today, is the Camera Control Pro 2 compatibility and software development kit for Nikon 1 V3, which gives users a remote control over the camera’s advanced function, including and not limited to; autofocus, shutter speed, aperture setting, white-balance fine tuning, live view photography, and movie recording, all from a computer to which the camera is connected to via a USB cable.