Nikon unveils D3300 D-SLR Camera with 24.16 million effective pixels

Nikon announced its newest D-SLR, the entry-level D3300, at this year's CES trade show, along with a number of Coolpix compact cameras and a pair of SLR lenses.

The D3300 features the same 24.2MP APS-C-sized CMOS sensor as its predecessor. Sensor technology has obviously come a long way, and at this point, it seems camera manufactures would rather focus fire on improving processing engines, to get the absolute most out of their sensors, rather than cramming more megapixels in there.

Available in early February with Nikon's new kit lens (more on that below), the D3300 comes in your choice of black, red, and grey and will run you $650.

The D3300 uses the same 11-point autofocus system as the D3200, but its Live Guide mode has been enhanced, and it now supports in-camera panorama capture and burst shooting at 5fps. It supports video capture at up to 1080p60 quality, and its ISO range is 100-25600. There's no built-in Wi-Fi, but the camera is compatible with Nikon's WU-1a add-on, as well as Eye-Fi Mobi cards. It will be available in grey, black, or red, and can be had as a body only or in a kit.

There's a new kit lens, the AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II; it's optically identical to its predecessor, but features a retracting design that makes it 30 percent smaller and 25 per cent lighter. The D3300 will ship in February. It will be available in black, red, or gray versions, with the new 18-55mm lens.

Nikon D3300 Features

• An effective pixel count of 24.2-million pixels, a Nikon DX-format CMOS sensor with no optical low-pass filter, and the latest image-processing engine, EXPEED 4, for superior image quality and support for high sensitivities
• Excellent basic performance for capture of decisive moments
• A variety of Special Effects and image retouch functions that expand the ways in which users enjoy still images and movies
• Operation that supports comfortable shooting
• A monocoque structure with which a new material was adopted for a smaller and lighter body that is strong and durable
• D-Movie function for recording 60p full-HD movies
• Collaboration with smart devices supports wireless transfer of images and remote shooting