Nikon DL 24-85 Detailed Review

In additional DL 24-85 was introduced by Nikon in February 2016. It belongs to the enthusiast Compacts category.

Nikon is well-known and shouldn’t require further introduction, please see our manufacturer’s page for more digital cameras by Nikon.

Also DL 24-85 has a 1″ CMOS sensor with size of 13 x 9 mm² (0.52″ x 0.35″).

Picture of DL 24-85’s sensor compared to popular format.

The 1-Euro coin has a diameter of 23.25mm.

The DL 24-85’s sensor has resolution of 21 megapixel.

The Nikon supports taking images in RAW. RAW images are stored as they come from the sensor, without any in-camera processing or sharpening. Converting to JPEG or other formats takes place on the computer, using software like Adobe Lightroom or Nikon’s RAW converter. This involves one extra processing step but almost always results in superior image quality. Some filters, like converting to monochrome (black and white) will only yield decent results when used with RAW images.

The DL 24-85 does not come with a built-in viewfinder. The camera’s display is used to compose the photo. That can be cumbersome in broad daylight.

The DL 24-85’s shutter speed varies from 1/16000s to 30s.

The DL 24-85’s sensitivity goes from 160 ISO und 6400 ISO, a very useful and practical range.

The DL 24-85 supports all general exposure modes.

The Nikon allows spot exposure for the difficult occasion.

The DL 24-85’s auto focus processor uses 105 AF points (or sensors). A basic rule of thumb says that the more AF points you have, the better. More AF points mean a better chance to have a point at the location of interest in a scene, a big plus in challenging situations (e.g. with low contrast subjects).

Manual focus is also possible with the Nikon, a plus in tricky situations or for some creative freedom.

The DL 24-85 has a built-in flash with a diapason of up to 5m (17 ft.). That range will fit for almost all occasion.

The DL 24-85 features a monitor with a diagonal of 75.00mm (3.0 in.) and a resolution of c. 1.04 megapixel. That’s about average.

Unfortunately, the DL 24-85’s monitor is not articulated. That can make it tricky to frame your subject in some situations, e.g. when taking selfies.

The DL 24-85’s monitor can work as a touch screen, just like a smartphone. That can be very useful, for example to pick AF points, but keep in mind that touch screens usually don’t work when wearing gloves.

Display characteristics at a glance:

DL 24-85 video supported the resolution with 3840 x 2160 pixel.

ACamera is not equipped with an external microphone.

Nikon DL 24-85 Video parameters:

The DL 24-85 has Wifi connectivity already built-in. Use Wifi to transfer images to a smartphone or computer and to remote control the camera. With NFC, camera and smartphone can be paired without the need for passwords.

For photo transferring users may use Bluetooth option.

Connect the Nikon to a monitor or TV set over HDMI.

The Nikon supports USB 2.0.

Connection parameters:

The camera supports SD HC and SD XC cards.

Memory cards characteristics:

The Nikon DL 24-85 works with a EN-EL24 battery. The battery lifetime is an average 250 shots. That’s on the lower side of things for a full day, consider a spare battery for the DL 24-85.

The battery can be charged over USB while in camera. Very useful, especially on vacation when most people bring a USB charger for their smartphone anyway.

The DL 24-85’s battery battery parameters:

The Nikon DL 24-85’s dimensions are 104.9 x 61.3 x 49.8mm³. (4.1″ x 2.4″ x 2.0″). This includes the lens. The camera’s weight is a reasonable 345 grams (11.1 oz.), lens included.

Here is front and top view of the DL 24-85:

To put the size of the camera in context, here it is next to a typical ID card (c. 86mm x 55mm, about the size of a credit card).

The DL 24-85 is not much bigger: