New camera: Nikon D3300 with enhanced image & video quality

The new entry-level DSLR from Nikon has 24.2 megapixels, 13 special effects modes, and a retractable kit lens. Price TBA. Available probably in February.

The Nikon D3300 will be available in three colors (Black, Red and Grey) with the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6G VRII kit lens.

The Nikon D3300 will be available in three colors (Black, Red and Grey) with the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6G VRII kit lens.

The Nikon DSLR is targeted at first time DSLR users, with its easy-to-use interface and Guide Mode, which provides tips and step-by-step guiding information along the way.

Top view of the new Nikon D3300 SLR.

Top view of the new Nikon D3300 SLR.

The compact and lightweight camera is equipped with a high resolution 24.2 megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor with the optical low-pass filter removed.

It also features the latest EXPEED 4 image processing engine for enhanced stellar image and video quality.

Nikon D3300 is capable of shooting up to 100 images in a single burst at 5 frames-per-second (fps) high-speed continuous shooting mode.

Its buffer holds up to 100 full-size large/fine quality JPEGs or 28 RAW shots.

The D3300 has an ISO range of 100 to 12800 (expandable to 25600).

It shoots Full HD videos at up to 1080/60p.

The new Nikon D3300 (right) alongside the D3200. Shown here with kit lenses during the preview.

The new Nikon D3300 (right) alongside the D3200. Shown here with kit lenses during the preview.

The D3300 uses an 11-point autofocus system and a 921K-dot, 3-inch TFT LCD screen with a 160° viewing angle.

The optical viewfinder has approximately 0.85x magnification.

Rear view of the Nikon D3300 (right) and the D3200 (left).

Rear view of the Nikon D3300 (right) and the D3200 (left).

A single charge of the EN-EL14a Rechargeable Li-ion battery lasts for 700 shots or up to approximately 55 minutes of video.

First looks

First looks

I had the opportunity to play around with the D3300 prior to its official unveiling.

“The Nikon D3300 … offers effortless functionality for users taking their first steps from point-and-shoot cameras to a high-quality imaging experience,” said Uemura Kimito, General Manager, International Marketing Division Imaging Group, Nikon Singapore.

At 490g (including body, kit lens, battery and memory card), it feels distinctly lighter than its predecessor. The D3200 weighed 505g.

The Nikon D3300 measures a 124 x 98 x 75.5mm, and with its retractable lens, feels more compact (when retracted).

The camera doesn’t come with in-built Wi-Fi, so you’ll have to purchase the optional WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter to wirelessly control the camera’s shutter, send images to smartphones and tablets, designate image size and add location information to images.

Ergonomics wise, the button layout is basically the same as the D3200 and is tailored towards beginners – its Guide Mode should prove users transiting from compact shooters to DSLRs for the first time.

Four new in-camera special effects modes have been added to the D3300 to bring the total available to 13.

Two additional post-shooting retouch features – Photo Illustration and D-Lighting – have also been added.

  1. “With our wide array of lenses and accessories, users can grow their photographic interests and seamlessly transit to different cameras within the Nikon family,” Kimito added.

    The new Super Vivid effect for stills and movies increases saturation and emphasizes whole colors to sharpen contrast.

  2. The Photo Illustration effect emphasizes edges and reduces colors to make the image look like an illustration.
  3. The Pop effect increases color saturation to create a brighter look.
  4. The new Easy Panorama effect enables photographers to create stills during live view.

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