While the Nikon Coolpix P7700 is a little
larger than other advanced compact cameras, it also offers a 7.1X zoom lens
with a reach of 28-200mm (35mm equivalent). Similar in many ways to its predecessor,
the P7100, it brings several updates, such as a 12-megapixel CMOS sensor and
the resulting ability to capture fill 1920 by 1080 HD video.
Nikon
eliminated the optical viewfinder so that it could add a faster f/2-4 lens
without increasing the camera’s size
Measuring 2.8 by 4.7 by 2.0 inches and
weighing 13.9 ounces fully loaded, the P7700 is solidly built and comfortable
to hold. Nikon eliminated the optical viewfinder so that it could add a faster
f/2-4 lens without increasing the camera’s size. It’s a fair trade-off given
that the high-resolution (920,000-dot), 3-inch LCD is bright and clear, and
fully articulated.
The battery delivers about 330 shots per
charge. Compatible with SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, the P7700 also has enough internal
storage to hold 14 high-res JPEGs.
Shoot modes
The
P7700 has a full set of manual and semi-manual exposure mode
The P7700 has a full set of manual and
semi-manual exposure modes. For no-brainer shooting, its automatic exposure
mode and its array of scene modes will do the trick. Advanced options include
active D-Lighting, three customizable user shooting modes, distortion control,
and the ability to fine-tune white balance or to select a color temperature.
The P7700 also has a built-in neutral density filter, and a virtual level helps
keep horizon straight and even. Raw shooting is supported too.
Effects such as monochrome,
cross-processing, selective color, high key, low key, and sepia are available
in a separate mode. The P7700 is at its best when you’re taking advantage of
its manual options, but in the end the camera has plenty of features for
everyone.
Performance
Startup is pretty snappy. The P7700 can zip
along at up to 8 frames per second for a total of six images. Low- and
medium-speed continuous-shooting modes are also available, as are Nikon’s Best
Shot Selector and Interval Timer Shooting.
Autofocus is most responsive when you have
plenty of light and good contrast between subjects. In low light, the autofocus
is a little slower but is helped by its AF illuminator light. Shot-to-shot time
is average, but the P7700 seemed ready to shoot whenever I needed it to.
Shot-to-shot
time is average, but the P7700 seemed ready to shoot whenever I needed it to
In addition to full HD video at 1920 by
1080 and 30 fps, the P7700 can take 1280 by 720 and 640 by 480 footage at 30
fps, with stereo sound. It shoots in MPEG-4 AVC H.264 (>MOV) format.
High-speed modes create slow-motion clips (without sound) at 60 fps or 120 fps.
The zoom, which is fairly quit and slow moving, doesn’t work in custom movie
mode, but does function in the standard movie mode. Either way, the P7700 takes
good video. Exposures in daylight are accurate, as are colors.
The P7700’s strong suit may be its
still-image quality. Under most conditions, the camera produced nicely
saturated but natural-looking colors with crisp, clean details. Exposures were
accurate, with only the occasional hint of overexposure. Dynamic range is
better than expected when shooting high-contrast scenes.
The
Nikon Coolpix P7700 is a solid update with a speedier lens and a CMOS sensor
that provides several benefits
Thanks to the P7700’s faster lens and VR
(vibration reduction) image stabilization, you can set the ISO lower than
expected. The P7700 offers an ISO range from 80 to 3200, with Hi 1 (6400) as an
option. I was comfortable shooting JPEGs up to ISO 1600 and, when needed, at
3200.
Bottom line
The Nikon Coolpix P7700 is a solid update
with a speedier lens and a CMOS sensor that provides several benefits. Throw
improved performance and excellent photo quality into the mix, and the P7700
does a good job across the board.
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Specifications
·
Price: $500
·
Ratings: 3.5/5
·
Company: Nikon
·
URL: nikonusa.com
·
Dimensions: 2.9 x 4.7 x 2inches
·
Weight: 13.9oz
·
Megapixels: 12MP
·
Sensor size: 7.6 x 5.7mm
·
Optical zoom: 7.1x
·
Maximum ISO: 6400
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