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Nikon CoolPix 775 Nikon packs advanced Coolpix technology & superior ease-of-use into a tiny, affordable 2 megapixel camera! Select a topic Reference: Datasheet CoolPix 775 Test Images --------------------------------- 1. Intro and Highlights 2. Executive Overview 3. Design 4. Viewfinder 5. Optics 6. Exposure & Flash 7. Shutter Lag & Cycle Time Tests 8. Operation & User Interface 9. Camera Modes & Menus 10. Image Storage & Interface 11. Video, Power, Software 12. Test Results & Conclusion --------------------------------- Print-Friendly Review Version Additional Resources and Other Links Reader Comments on CoolPix 775 Review --------------------------------- Digital Camera Comparometer (TM) --------------------------------- <-- Digital Cameras (Home) <-- Digital Camera Reviews Index <<Viewfinder :(Previous) | (Next): Exposure & Flash>> Page 5:Optics Review First Posted: 07/23/2001

Optics
The Coolpix 775 features a 3x Zoom Nikkor lens with a 5.8-17.4mm focal length (equivalent to 38-115mm lens on a 35mm camera), and an f/2.9–4.9 maximum aperture, which varies depending on the focal length setting. Focus is automatically set by the camera's autofocus system, in either Single or Continuous AF modes, using a through-the-lens (TTL) contrast detection system. Single AF, which is activated when the LCD monitor is turned off, sets focus whenever you depress the Shutter button halfway. Continuous AF, which is automatically engaged when the LCD monitor is turned on, adjusts focus continuously as you move the camera around, or as the subject changes position within the frame.

Although the 775 does not offer manual focus, you can adjust the camera's focal range by pressing the Focus / Delete button below the LCD monitor. The default setting automatically focuses on subjects 12 inches (30cm) or more from the lens. By pressing the Focus button twice, you can fix the focus at Infinity (indicated by the mountain range icon), which automatically disables the camera's flash. This mode is best used for photographing distant outdoor scenes like seascapes or colorful autumn trees. (The User Manual also suggests that you can use this mode to shoot through foreground objects like windows.) Pressing the button a third time activates the Macro (close-up) mode (indicated by the flower icon), which allows the camera to focus on subjects as close as 1.6 inches. Unlike most digital cameras, the 775's Macro range extends from its minimum focus to infinity, however it restricts the zoom to approximately half of the full telephoto extension. The Focus / Delete button also activates the Self-Timer function in Normal or Macro Focus modes, with a shutter release range of 3 or 10 seconds.

The 775's 3x zoom lens enables you to zoom in on subjects at a distance, enlarging the image area up to three times its normal size. The Digital Zoom function magnifies an image by 1.25, 1.6, 2.0 or 2.5x, however, it achieves this magnification by interpolating data from the center portion of the CCD's active area, rather than enlarging the scene optically. Digital Zoom may be useful for low-resolution imaging, like Web pages or photos for emailing, but it does not provide the quality magnification of an optical zoom lens. To activate the camera's optical zoom, you simply press the right Arrow button until you've reached the furthest end of the optical telephoto capability. If you continue to press the right Arrow past this barrier (the LCD monitor must be turned on), it will automatically activate the Digital Zoom, displaying the enlargement factors at the top of the monitor next to the zoom range indicator. You'll notice a change in quality as the digital zoom increases, such as a loss of image sharpness or increase in image artifacts (a good reason to avoid using the Digital Zoom if at all possible).