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Nikon Coolpix 8400 By: Shawn Barnett & Dave Etchells (none) Select a topic Reference: Datasheet 8400 Sample Images 8400 Imatest Results --------------------------------- 1. Intro and Highlights 2. User Report 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 8400 Review --------------------------------- Digital Camera Comparometer (TM) --------------------------------- <-- Digital Cameras (Home) <-- Digital Camera Reviews Index (Next): User Report>> Page 1:Intro and Highlights Review First Posted: 09/16/2004, Updated: 12/13/2004

	*	8.0 (effective) megapixel CCD delivers images up to 3,264 x 2,448 pixels.
	*	Nikkor lens provides 3.5x, 24-85mm equivalent zoom range.
	*	"Articulated" LCD tilts/swivels 270 degrees.
	*	White balance bracketing and noise reduction modes extend capability.
	*	Electronic viewfinder for optimum framing accuracy

 

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Manufacturer Overview

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Announced September 16, 2004, the Nikon Coolpix 8400 fills-in the high end of Nikon's "prosumer" lineup. It incorporates most of the features of the top-end 8800 model, minus the 8800's anti-shake system and long zoom lens. With one of the widest-angle zoom lenses on the market (extending down to 24mm equivalent focal length), the Nikon 8400 marks out territory of its own though, as an ideal high-end digital camera for anyone forced to shoot in confined spaces. (Realtors come immediately to mind.) With an 8-megapixel sensor, a 3.5x zoom lens with ED glass, and the panoply of advanced features we've come to expect from the upper end of Nikon's digicam line, the Nikon 8400 is designed to compete at the middle of the "prosumer" digital camera market. At the same time though, optional fully automatic operation and a rich collection of 12 "scene" modes make it easy for even rank amateurs to use. All in all though, the new Nikon Coolpix 8400 is probably going to be most appealing for the new possibilities offered by its ground-breaking 24mm equivalent wide angle lens. - Read on for all the details! 

 

Nikon Coolpix 8400 High Points

• 8.0-megapixel CCD delivering image resolutions as high as 3,264 x 2,448 pixels.
• 3.5x, 6.1-21.6mm Nikkor ED lens with 24-85mm zoom equivalent focal length range.
• As high as 4x digital zoom.
• Electronic viewfinder (235,000 dot) with information display.
• 1.8-inch color LCD monitor (134,000 dot) with swivel design.
• Automatic and manual focus control, with adjustable focus area.
• Maximum aperture of f/2.6-4.9 depending on zoom setting.
• Available shutter speeds from 1/3,000-second to eight seconds, ten minutes in Bulb mode.
• Program AE, Flexible Program AE, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual exposure modes.
• 256-segment Matrix, Center-Weighted, Spot, and AF Spot metering modes.
• Eight White Balance modes with a White Balance Bracketing mode.
• Auto sensitivity or ISO equivalents of 50, 100, 200, and 400.
• Image Adjustment menu, Sharpness, Saturation, and Noise Reduction controls.
• Continuous, High Speed Continuous, Ultra High Speed Continuous, Multi-Shot 16, Best Shot Selector, and Movie (with sound) shooting modes.
• "Best Shot Selector" or BSS, captures multiple images (up to 10) in low light where the image is likely to be blurred; the camera then selects the sharpest and saves it to the card.
• "Exposure BSS" takes up to five shots and selects the best for shadow and highlight detail.
• Built-in self-timer.
• Built-in, pop-up flash with five settings.
• AF Assist Lamp.
• Voice Memo function.
• External flash hot shoe.
• Images and movies stored to CompactFlash Type I or II memory cards, plus MicroDrive.
• Uncompressed TIFF, NEF (RAW data), JPEG, and QuickTime and WAV file formats.
• USB cable and interface for quick connection to a PC or Macintosh.
• Power supplied by rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack (included) or optional AC adapter.
• NTSC or PAL video outputs with appropriate cable included.
• Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compatibility.