Just about a year after the release of the J4, Nikon has announced an update to its 1 line with the J5. Improving on its predecessor, the J5 has a 20.8MP back side illuminated CX-format CMOS sensor, up from 18.4MP, and a new EXPEED 5A image-processing engine to allow for improved imagery at up to ISO 12800. The overall body has been considerably changed to include an ergonomic grip, raised controls, and a textured exterior. The J5’s 1,037k-dot LCD touchscreen is now fully tiltable to 180°, for easy selfies.
Also new to the J5 is the introduction of UHD 2160p/15 video recording, an interval timer, active D-lighting, and Electronic Vibration Reduction at both 30p and 60p. New additions to the creative modes have been added to the J5 that can now be used during video.
Carried over from the J4 is fixed-focus, 60 fps continuous shooting (with a 20-frame buffer), and 20 fps continuous shooting with full autofocus. There are 171 focus areas, with 105 that support phase detection AF in single-point AF, and 41 focus areas in auto-area AF.
In addition to the UHD video, the J5 also records full HD 1920 x 1080 video at 60p and HD 1280 x 720 video at up to 120 fps, for slow motion. The 400 fps and 1,200 fps modes have also received small changes in resolution, of 800 x 296 and 400 x 144, respectively. A new interval timer enables time-lapse videos, and Active D-lighting delivers well-exposed videos.
The J5 now has a dedicated PSAM dial, allowing you to choose the mode, including the new sports mode for shooting fast action. Like the J4, the J5 has Wi-Fi connectivity; however, it also sees the addition of NFC capabilities, as well.
The camera is available in kits with the 10-100mm VR Lens in silver or white; with the 10-30mm PD-ZOOM lens in black, silver, or white; and with the 10-30mm PD-ZOOM and 30-110mm VR lenses in silver or white. Three accessories are also available with the cameras: an EN-EL 24 rechargeable battery, an MH-31 battery charger, and an EP-5F Power Connector for connecting to the EH-5b AC Adapter.
| 1 J5 Mirrorless Digital Camera | 1 J4 Mirrorless Digital Camera | |
| Lens Mount | Nikon 1 | Nikon 1 |
| Image Sensor | BSI CMOS; CX-Format (13.2 x 8.8mm) | BSI CMOS; CX-Format (13.2 x 8.8mm) |
| Effective Pixels | 20.8 MP | 18.4 MP |
| Image Processor | EXPEED 5A | EXPEED 4A |
| Still Image File Format | NEF (RAW): 12-bit, compressed JPEG: JPEG-Baseline compliant with fine, normal compression NEF (RAW) + JPEG | NEF (RAW): 12-bit, compressed JPEG: JPEG-Baseline compliant with fine, normal compression NEF (RAW) + JPEG |
| Storage Media | microSD, microSDHC, microSDXC | microSD, microSDHC, microSDXC |
| Card Slot | 1 x microSD | 1 x microSD |
| Viewfinder Type | None | None |
| Shutter Type | Not specified by manufacturer | Electronic |
| Shutter Speed | Not specified by manufacturer | 30-1/16000 second |
| Top Continuous Shooting Rate | 60 fps (fixed focus), 20 fps (continuous AF) | 60 fps (fixed focus), 20 fps (continuous AF) |
| Self-Timer | Not specified by manufacturer | - |
| Metering Method | Matrix Center-weighted Spot | Matrix Center-weighted Spot |
| ISO Sensitivity | Auto, 160; 200-12800 in 1 EV steps | Auto, 160; 200-12800 in 1 EV steps |
| Number of Focus Points | Single-Point AF: 171 focus areas, center 105 support phase-detection Auto-Area AF: 41 focus areas | Single-Point AF: 171 focus areas, center 105 support phase-detection Auto-Area AF: 41 focus areas |
| Focus Modes | Single AF, continuous AF, auto AF-S/AF-C selection, full-time AF, manual | Single AF, continuous AF, auto AF-S/AF-C selection, full-time AF, manual |
| Image Stabilization | Electronic VR (during video at 30 & 60p) | Electronic VR (during video at 30p) |
| Built-In Flash | Yes | Yes |
| Flash Control | i-TTL | i-TTL |
| External Flash Interface | None | None |
| White Balance Modes | Auto, incandescent, fluorescent, direct sunlight, flash, cloudy, shade, preset manual, fine tuning | Auto, incandescent, fluorescent, direct sunlight, flash, cloudy, shade, underwater, preset manual, fine tuning |
| Movie Recording | 3840 x 2160p/15 1920 x 1080p/60, 30 1280 x 720p/120, 60, 30 800 x 296/400 fps 400 x 144/1200 fps | 1920 x 1080p/60, 30 1280 x 720p/120, 60, 30 768 x 288/400 fps 416 x 144/1200 fps |
| Audio Recording | Not specified by manufacturer | Yes, built-in stereo microphone |
| External Microphone Input | None | None |
| Headphone Jack | None | None |
| Monitor | 3.0" 1037k-dot 180° tilting LCD touchscreen | 3.0" 1037k-dot LCD touchscreen |
| Interface | Not specified by manufacturer | 1 x microHDMI 1 x microUSB |
| Wi-Fi | Yes, built-in with NFC | Yes, built-in |
| GPS | None | None |
| Power Source | 1 x EN-EL24 rechargeable Li-ion battery pack | 1 x EN-EL22 rechargeable Li-ion battery pack |
| Dimensions | 3.9 x 2.4 x 1.3" / 98.3 x 59.7 x 31.5mm | 3.9 x 2.4 x 1.1" / 99.5 x 60.0 x 28.5mm |
| Weight | 9.4 oz / 265 g | 8.2 oz / 232 g |
