Nikon D3300 Announced at CES
Last evening, Nikon announced the latest incremental release of their entry level SLR, the D3300, and a refreshed kit lens for it, an 18-55mm VR. The new SLR has been fitted with the same 24 megapixel sensor as the D5300 and D7100, and like those cameras, it no longer makes use of an optical low-pass filter, ostensibly to improve sharpness (though it also happens to be less expensive to produce). On paper, the D33oo is now very similar to the D5300, and costs only $647 when bundled with the new 18-55mm lens. It is expected to start shipping in February, but is available for pre-order from B&H Photo.
Perhaps just as interesting was Nikon’s announcement of a new 35mm f/1.8 lens. This wide aperture lens comes onto the market when Sigma’s f/1.4 version of the lens is extremely popular, at only a few hundred dollars more. Nikon’s lens appears to be aimed at the budget conscious buyer and has an appropriate plastic build (including the lens mount), and it does not contain any frills like optical stabilization. However, it’s entry price is listed just below $600 (currently available for pre-order at B&H), while Canon’s 35mm f/2 (only 1/3rd stop slower, and with image stabilization) costs costs $320 and the IS model costs $550… and of course, Sigma’s 35mm f1.4, a truly excellent lens, is $899. Its optics will have to be pretty impressive to justify the price.
Finally, Nikon has announced that the successor to their flagship D4, dubbed the D4s, will be on display at their CES booth. Currently, no useful details have been provided about it. The camera will, of course, have a new sensor and processor, but what they will be remains a mystery.
