14 DAY TRIAL // A few days earlier than anticipated, Nikon has taken the wraps off its latest mirrorless product, the S2. The latest addition to the S-Series, the product comes with a compact body and a choice between vivid coloring options.
The new Nikon 1 S2 comes with a 14.2MP sensor, full HD 1080 video capabilities and 20fps. The compact camera has been priced quite attractively at $445.95 / €325, rate which includes an 11-27.5mm kit lens too.
Nikon says the S2 has been especially developed for those using an advanced camera with interchangeable lenses for the first time.
The S2 is supposed to facilitate the caption of beautiful images by virtue of simple and intuitive operations.
The Nikon 1 S2 can be thought of as an improved version of the aging, cheaper J3, without the mode dial. However, the S2 brings more to the table in terms of battery life, burst speed (20fps compared to the 15fps found in the J3) and offers 1080/60p instead of the 30p found in the J3.
Compared to its direct predecessor, the S1, the differences are more notable. Most importantly, we should highlight the existence of the CX-size sensor and the bumped resolution of the 3-inch LCD. The S2 also takes advantage of a newer version of the Nikon’s image processing engine, so in theory image and video quality should be better.
Other highlights of the newly unveiled Nikon 1 S2 include motion snapshot, a slow view feature which should help photographers figure out burst-shooting timing and electronic image stabilization when recording video.
Nikon has also bundled the S2 with original creative modes, which are supposed to elevate snapshots from the average category. Photography enthusiasts are invited to choose from effects such as Selective Color, Cross Process, Toy Camera and so on. In the video department, users can choose between Fast Motion and Jump Cut to add some refreshing effects.
A negative point here is the absence of Wi-Fi that could allow users to easily upload photographs to their phone or tablet or could be used for remote shooting. However, Nikon does offer the optional wireless adapter, but that will take you back with another $50 / €36.
Apart from the classic white and black coloring option, Nikon is offering the S2 with bright yellow and red paint jobs too. Note that the lenses are sold as part of the lens kits that come with the camera bodies, so they will be the same color. The good news is that customers in the US will be able to pick up the S2 too.
