Nikon Coolpix 8700Nikon moves into 8 megapixel territory with a long zoom, and a new body, but the same legendary Nikon feature set!(Next): Executive Overview>> Page 1:Intro and HighlightsReview First Posted: 03/22/2004 |
 | | 8.0 (effective) megapixel CCD delivers images up to 3,264 x 2,448 pixels. |
| | Nikkor lens provides 8x, 35-280mm equivalent zoom range. | |
| | "Articulated" LCD tilts/swivels 270 degrees. | |
| | White balance bracketing and noise reduction modes extend capability. | |
| | Electronic viewfinder for better framing accuracy with long zoom lens. |
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Manufacturer Overview Learn how to really use full-functioned cameras like this one - Visit our free Photo Lessons area!
As I say before each of my Nikon reviews, Nikon is one of the names that literally needs no introduction in the world of photography. Long a leader in the film world, they now offer cameras for both the serious amateur and working professional, in both the film and digital worlds. The new Nikon Coolpix 8700 is the latest in a long line of Nikon digital cameras that have helped define the state of the art in prosumer cameras from the early days of the digital revolution. With an 8-megapixel sensor, an 8x 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 Coolpix 8700 is poised to compete at the very top 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, the new Nikon Coolpix 8700 is a powerful package of photographic technology. - Read on for all the details!
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High Points
- 8.0-megapixel CCD delivering image resolutions as high as 3,264 x 2,448 pixels.
- 8x, 8.9-71.2mm Nikkor ED lens with 35-280mm zoom equivalent focal length range.
- Electronic viewfinder with information display.
- As high as 4x digital zoom.
- 1.8-inch color LCD monitor with swivel design.
- Automatic and manual focus control, with adjustable focus area.
- Maximum aperture of f/2.8-4.2 depending on zoom setting.
- Available shutter speeds from 1/4,000-second to eight seconds, ten minutes in Bulb mode (up from the 5700's five minutes).
- Program AE, Flexible Program AE, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual exposure modes.
- 256-segment Matrix, Center-Weighted, Spot, and AF Spot metering modes.
- Seven White Balance modes with a White Balance Bracketing mode.
- Auto sensitivity or ISO equivalents of 50, 100, 200, and 400 (5700 offered up to 800, but did not offer 50).
- 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.
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