Nikon Coolpix 8700Nikon moves into 8 megapixel territory with a long zoom, and a new body, but the same legendary Nikon feature set!<<Image Storage & Interface :(Previous) | (Next): Test Results & Conclusion>> Page 11:Video, Power, SoftwareReview First Posted: 03/22/2004 |
US
and Japanese versions of the Coolpix 8700 include an NTSC video cable for connecting
to a television set. European models will doubtless support PAL timing and connections,
given the Video Mode option in the settings menu. All images that would normally
appear on the LCD are routed to the external video display so that the television
screen becomes an enlarged version of the LCD monitor and can be used both for
image playback and composition.
Power
The
Coolpix 8700 runs on a rechargeable EN-EL1 lithium-ion battery pack, housed
inside the hand grip, or an external AC adapter which plugs into the front
of the camera (available as a separate accessory). The camera can also utilize
one 6V 2CR5/DL245 lithium battery, or six AA batteries via an external Power
Pack (also available as a separate accessory).
The table below summarizes my power measurements on the Coolpix 8700. Here's
a table with the power-consumption numbers I measured:
| |
(@ 8.4 v) |
(with 680mAh, 7.4v battery pack) EN-EL1) |
| Capture Mode, w/LCD | |
|
| Capture Mode, w/EVF | |
|
| Half-pressed shutter w/LCD | |
|
| Half-pressed w/EVF | |
|
| Memory Write (transient) | |
|
| Flash Recharge (transient) | |
|
| Image Playback, LCD | |
|
Overall, the Coolpix 8700 does a bit better in the battery-life department than did the earlier 5700, as Nikon both reduced its power consumption slightly, and apparently reformulated their EN-EL1 battery to increase its capacity from 650 to 680 mAh. The net is about a 15% improvement in run time in capture mode, and a 36% increase in playback. With a worst-case run time of only about 100 minutes though, and very little savings when running from the EVF vs the rear-panel LCD though, the 8700's battery life still leaves something to be desired relative to other high-end digicams. I'd thus highly recommend that serious shooters either (a) pick up an extra battery or two along with the camera, (b) spring for the optional handgrip/battery pack accessory, or look into a third-party external power pack, like the Maha PowerEx LiIon PowerBank described below.
I mentioned Nikon's external power pack above. Another consequence of the LiIon battery technology used in the 8700's power pack is that the camera requires a higher voltage on its external power jack to operate. This isn't an issue for studio use, but it does mean that most of the NiMH-based external power packs out there won't power the 8700 in the field. Fortunately, Maha Energy makes a LiIon external "PowerBank", sold under the "PowerEx" brand that will power the 8700 just fine. For about $60, this (very nicely packaged) unit will power the 5000 for a total of more than 5 hours in capture mode with the LCD operating, when used in conjunction with the internal battery. (!) This is a really excellent run time, just what you'd need for all-day intensive shooting. One note - Maha makes both NiMH and LiIon versions of the PowerBank, make sure you get the LiIon model for the 8700. (Model number MH-DPB140LI.) Here's a link where you can find them online for a good price. Highly recommended! (For more information, read my review of the PowerBank packs.)
Included Software
The Coolpix 8700 ships with Nikon's own Nikon View, version 6.2, for Mac and
Windows. This is a basic organize/view/print application: You'll still want
some sort of commercial image-editing application (like Adobe Photoshop or Photoshop
Elements) as well.
Not Included: "Brainware"
Every manufacturer includes some level of needed software with their cameras,
but what's missing is the knowledge and experience to know what to do with it.
For lack of a better term, I've called this "Brainware." There's a
lot involved between snapping the shutter, and watching a beautiful, professional-quality
print spool off your printer, and there's sadly very little guidance as to how
to get from point A to point B.
Fortunately, Uwe Steinmueller of OutbackPhoto.com has come up with an excellent series of e-books that detail every step of the process, show actual examples of files moving through the workflow, and the final results. If you want to get the absolute best prints possible from your digital files, you owe it to yourself to purchase one of the Outback Photo Digital Workflow books.
In the Box
The following items are packaged with the Coolpix 8700 :
- Lens cap
- Neck strap
- NTSC Video cable (PAL for European models)
- USB cable
- Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery EN-EL1
- Battery Charger MH-53
- Software CD
- Quick Start Guide
- Instruction Manual
Follow Imaging Resource: