Nikon Coolpix Cameras Review

Display the Virtual Horizon indicator on the LCD for real-time visual feedback that lets you confirm whether the camera is level relative to the horizontal plane, and also confirm horizontal inclination.

Note?Information displayed on the actual camera differs from that shown above.

Coolpix P7000 Sample Image:

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Nikon P7000 Specification:

Nikon has launched the Coolpix P7000 high-end enthusiast compact camera built around a 1/1.7″ sensor and featuring a 28-200mm equivalent image stabilized lens. Coming over two years after the P6000, the P7000 is a considerably larger camera featuring bulky, faux-rangefinder styling that is more than a little reminiscent of Canon’s G Series. The P7000 has a 10MP CCD sensor, VGA-resolution fixed LCD and a usefully bright F2.8-5.6 aperture range.

The Nikon Coolpix P7000 is a compact, high-performance digital camera offering superb image quality and precise imaging control. An ideal traveling companion to your DSLR, the Coolpix P7000 will be found in gadget bags of advanced amateurs and pro-shooters alike. Powered by Nikon’s leading-edge technology, the P7000 is designed for no-limits shooting. In low-light or tricky light, for fast-moving subjects, dramatic landscapes and detailed close-ups, here’s a camera capable of keeping pace with your imagination to deliver your take on your world.

Superbly designed for swift, sure and comfortable handling, the P7000 features 10.1 megapixels engineered on a large 1/1.7-inch CCD Sensor. Coupled with the new Nikon EXPEED C2 imaging engine and a versatile 7.1x optical 28-200mm Wide Zoom-Nikkor ED glass lens, the Coolpix P7000 has been designed from the ground up to deliver outstanding image quality. Giving photographers both control and creative options, the P7000 offers RAW file capability. Plus, low-light performance is enhanced with an ISO sensitivity range up to 6400 at full resolution. A bright 3-inch, 921,000-dot Clear Color Display with electronic Virtual Horizon Indicator and an optical viewfinder provide bright, provide clear viewing and image sharing. The Coolpix P7000 also offers HD movie recording with zoom, autofocus and stereo sound recording, a variety of creative control functions. The Nikon Coolpix P7000 unleash your creativity!

Nikon Coolpix P7000 Highlights

Superior Image Quality

• 10.1-megapixel, large 1/1.7-inch CCD sensor for stunning images.
• 7.1x Wide-Angle Optical Zoom-Nikkor ED Glass Lens. Versatile 28-200mm lens ranges wide to capture landscapes, zooms in to get close to the action. In the Nikkor tradition of precision optics, the high-quality ED glass lens delivers superb color and razor-sharp results.
• 5-way VR Image Stabilization System
• Optical VR Image Stabilization by lens shift minimizes the effects of camera shake.
• Hybrid VR Image stabilization by lens shift and electronic VR.
• Motion Detection automatically detects moving subjects and adjusts shutter speed and ISO to compensate for camera shake and subject movement.
  
• High ISO up to 6400 at full resolution for optimum results when shooting in low light or photographing fast-moving subjects.
• Nikon’s Best Shot Selector (BSS) automatically takes up to ten shots while the shutter is pressed, then selects and saves the sharpest image.
• RAW file function compatible with Mac® and Windows®.
• EXPEED C2 continues to expand the possibilities of photography with improved levels of image quality, fine detail and processing speed. Custom-optimized for each Coolpix model, Nikon’s renowned digital image processing engine ensures outstanding images.

Advanced Functions

• 3-inch Ultra-High Resolution (921,000-dot) Clear Color Display for still images and movies that come alive with rich detail and improved contrast. The large LCD’s wide viewing angle and anti-glare coating make it easy to compose, view and share pictures.
• Large Optical viewfinder with diopter adjustment dial.
• Remote control operation with optional wireless ML-L3.
• Optional Wide Angle Converter (WC-E75A) for 21mm coverage (requires UR-E22 adapter ring)

Creative Control

• Dial controls for key functions including ISO, white balance, bracketing, exposure compensation and more.
• PSAM (Program, Shutter, Aperture, Manual) exposure control, custom function control.
• ISO can be set as high as 6400 at full resolution; 12,800 in Low noise Night Mode (3-Megapixel).
  
• Tone Level Information provides photographers with 9 levels of grey scale information about the scene for fine exposure analysis according to user’s creative needs.
• In-camera editing functions include Exposure Compensation, Coolpix Picture Control, Noise Reduction Filter, Quick Retouch, DLighting and Active D-Lighting.
• Electronic Virtual Horizon Display enables precise leveling of the camera in landscape or portrait orientation during LCD monitor shooting.
• Coolpix Picture Control can be customized for Image Sharpening, Contrast, Saturation, Filter Effects, and Tone.

HD Movie Recording

• HD (720p) Movie with Stereo, Mic Input Jack and HDMI Output. Records at 30 fps with Zoom, Autofocus and stereo sound. Mic Input Jack allows for optional microphone to be used during recording and HDMI output allows easy in-camera playback or convenient playback on HD-TV or computer.

High-Speed Performance

• Ultra-fast start-up, autofocus and shooting.
• Subject Tracking tracks a moving subject to ensure sharp focus.
• Shoot Continuously up to 45 pictures at approx. 1.3 fps at full resolution.
• Interval Timer Shooting captures images at specified time intervals Convenient Features
• Smart Portrait System
• Smile Timer automatically releases the shutter when your subject smiles.
• In-Camera Red-Eye Fix automatically corrects most instances of red-eye as you shoot. You may never see red-eye again.
• Face-Priority AF. Nikon’s face-finding technology automatically detects up to 12 faces.
• Skin Softening smoothes skin tones at three different levels for optimal portraits; can be applied while shooting or during playback.
• Built-in Flash plus i-TTL Flash function when used with optional Nikon Speedlight System.
• 18 Scene Modes, including Scene Auto Selector, for optimized shooting in a variety of settings and situations.
• Scene Auto Selector automatically recognizes the scene you’re shooting and selects the most appropriate scene mode; offers six scene modes plus auto.
• Macro shooting as close as 0.8 inches.
• 350 still shots (approx.) with supplied EN-EL 14 Li-ion rechargeable battery.

Product Description

Nikon Coolpix P7000 10.1 MP Digital Camera with 7.1x Wide Zoom-Nikkor ED Lens and 3-Inch LCD (26233)

Let’s get the facts out first. I’ve been a Nikon shooter for several decades, currently with a D300 (haven’t made the leap yet to full frame, but that’s next). I’m an amateur, but shoot at a pro level. My focus is on music and sports photography, and I like to have a good camera with me when I travel (my last ride-along P&S has been a Lumix DMC-TZ5). I shoot in a variety of conditions, but what I need must a) provides high quality images, b) be really portable (fits in my purse, can get into concerts that ban DSLRs unless you’re shooting on assignment) c) have a longer lens option (200mm is ‘table stakes’) and d) provide the flexibility to twiddle the dials to find the best combo of ISO-aperture-shutter speed for a particular situation. Having HD capability is a nice-to-have.

I’ve been shopping for a new P&S easily for a year. Got interested and then uninterested in the Canon G11/G12/S95 because the lens is too short (even the extenders don’t push it out far enough). Similar higher-end P&S cameras don’t have the length I was looking for, or didn’t fit the size criteria (ruled out the ‘super zooms’ largely because of this).

Nikon got my attention first with the P100 – but I read about image quality issues. When I learned about the P7000, I was intrigued. Could Nikon overcome its perceived issues and produce a P&S that makes picky photo people happy?

I made the plunge and bought the P7000. After reading a few more reviews and having a burst of post-purchase cognitive dissonance, the best plan was to just take the new acquisition out and A:B it against my D300 and the Lumix in a variety of conditions.

I’m glad I did. First impression: lots of dials to set and menus to learn, so to make it easy I just left it on the ‘green’ setting and let the camera make the decisions. Immediately it was clear that the Lumix’s photo quality wasn’t even in the same class as the P7000 (it looked good until you held it up against the others). The P7000′s quality should be compared against the DSLR class.

After carrying a DSLR rig around, the P7000 seemed like a featherweight around the neck. Great build quality – solid metal feel. I don’t like the AE-L and AF-L button being next to where you thumb is, but my fingers will learn. (Wish there was a wriststrap option that shipped with the camera too.) LOVE the display, and the ability to see the histogram data. Feels like my D300 in many ways.

Now to the images. Shot with the D300 and the P7000 looking up a tree trunk. Depth of field, image clarity and WB were surprisingly similar. Wow. Tried it again in both indoor and outdoor conditions, and saw little to no difference. In fact I preferred the P7000 images several times to the D300 – they looked better. After several hours of shooting both cameras, my post-purchase cognitive dissonance was gone and I am eager to learn more about my new traveling ‘friend’.

I do agree with the reviewers who note that the dials and settings aren’t particularly intuitive. The instruction manual is about on the scale of a DSLR. It also – for now – lacks the really long lens capability I’m looking for (I believe that Nikon will be introducing accessories soon, including a telephoto extender). I wish that the lens were faster in the lower end, and I wish that Nikon did a better job of removing high ISO noise (this is a criticism for non-full frame Nikon bodies in general; I’m hoping that RAW and post-processing will clean this up). But the advantages of the camera – DSLR-like photo quality, Nikon fit/finish and build, and a longer lens than comparable high-end P&S – make me believe that Nikon is going in the right direction and that this is a break from its previous P&S cameras.

If you don’t have size constraints (as I do), buy a DSLR – you will get more in the long run. If you want DSLR-like performance in a P&S, definitely take a look at the P7000.

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UPDATE: I’ve put about 1,000 shots into the camera over the past week, including one day of a music festival where I shot all but maybe 3 shots with the P7000 (see the photos here -[...]data is on). Net: though I still have not figured out the nuances, you can get really good photos out of the camera, but it does require learning how to use its capabilities. It is slower than the DSLR, but not so bad that it gets in the way of getting the shot. The P7000 has developed an issue where the lens cover will not retract completely, which causes the corners of the frame to be shaded. So, this must be sorted out. This is unfortunately not what I expected from Nikon, even in the first release. I’ll report back in based upon what I find out, but for now I’m keeping the 5 star rating.

UPDATE (1 month later): The camera returned from Nikon in time to take to SFO. Nikon adjusted the shutter (works fine now) and the white balance. Interestingly the shot count was advanced about another thousand, so I trust they took the time to really check it out. I’ve finally figured out how to do quick aperture/shutter speed adjustments in manual mode, and am finding as I learn its controls and tricks, it’s easier and easier to get great shots. I’m amazed at the ‘night’ setting – never fails to render something really interesting and usable. White balance in this mode has been most impressive – even in darkened rooms and in street shots at night, the photos come out rendered in the right colors, in focus and with plenty of light. I’m keeping the 5-star rating.

I really wanted to like the P7000 as I own Nikon DSLR’s, but I just can’t recommend it over the Canon G11 (or G12). First, the P7000 is slower than the G11 in most every way. The G11 zooms faster, scrolls through menus faster, magnifies photos you’ve already taken faster, and just feels snappier overall than the P7000. Shooting in RAW format is agonizingly slow on the P7000 and really only useful for landscapes as it takes 4 to 5 seconds to save each file, during which time the camera is locked up. Second, while I like the menu system and access to functions on the P7000 overall, it’s still a bit more of a disjointed experience than on the G11. For example, to change the white balance on the P7000 you turn the Quick dial on the left side to WB, push the button, and then scroll over to the desired setting with the Multi-Selector wheel on the right side; it requires that you use both hands to accomplish this task. On the G11 you simply press the function button with your right thumb and then use the control wheel to scroll to the desired setting; all major setting changes can be made with just your right thumb. Finally, the P7000 exhibits more noise at ISO 1600 than the G11 which is kind of the required threshold for shooting in low light in doors without flash or having to worry about camera shake.

Don’t get me wrong, the P7000 is a very good camera. If you want to use an external flash and you already own Nikon speedlights then it’s not a bad choice. But it just doesn’t quite measure up to the Canon G11 (or now G12).

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