Nikon Coolpix P7000

Just like Canon did when the G11 downgraded its resolution from 14.7 megapixels (G10) to 10 megapixels, Nikon today unveiled the Coolpix P7000 which offers the same type of comfortable and wise resolution : 10 megapixels on a large CCD sensor of 1/1.7". This, with the new EXPEED C2 processor, should offer the P7000 pretty decent image quality at high ISO settings. The camera offers a maximum sensibility of ISO 3200. A high ISO mode can reach ISO 6400 and for special shots, a 3 megapixels ISO 12800 has been planned by Nikon's engineers. The larger than usual sensor will also give nicer bokeh and allow users to get their hand over the depth of filed. It gets an iris type shutter.
When its competitors offer short range optics to their prosumer compact cameras, Nikon is thinking af an alternative way when implementing a 28-200mm equivalent into the P7000. Its medium aperture is satisfying even if it is not as fast as the F/2.0 of the Panasonic LX5. The Nikon VR optical image stabilisation system is backed up by a digital system which redefines the image's pixels taking the camera's mouvements into account. To offer the best optical image as possible, the Coolpix P7000's lens gets 2 ED glass elements and 4 aspherical lenses. The P7000 can shoot as near as 2cm in macro mode and wide angle. Shortcuts to the most used focal length can be programmed (2 users sets) which gives the feeling to have a full set of premium lenses (28mm / 35mm / 50mm...). It is a premiere : the lens of the Coolpix P7000 gets a ND filter (-3EV) which can be activated with a button.
Serious amateurs need an optical viewfinder on their camera and the Coolpix P7000 offers one... but which only covers 80% of the actual captured image. Half a loaf is better than no bread. The screen is nice, it is the same as found on the expert DSLR range : 3" and 921,000 pixels. You will note the ergonomics on the image above : 2 dials to input settings (aperture, shuetters peed, ISO...), 2 programmable buttons and a sepcial ring which gives access to the main settings like ISO sensibility, bracketting etc... The G11 definitely inspired Nikon and we have to say that the body is a great success which will fully please prosumer users, the kind of users whioch have a Nikon D90 or D300s and wish to travel light when still being in a known environment. Of course, the P7000 offers PSAM creative modes and RAW format.
If one can be disappointed by the fact that the P7000 does not get Full HD video recording and only 720p at 24 fps quality, the P7000's video mode still offers a few interesting things :
- it records sound in stereo
- it gets an external microphone slot
- it gets an HDMI output
- its sound filters the wind's noise
- the 7x optical zoom remains active when recording videos
- you can extract a still from a video
- you can edit videos directly in the camera
- Sensor :
- 10 megapixels
- CCD
- 1/1.7"
- 7x (28-200mm) optical zoom lens F/2,8-5,6 (2 ED glass lnses and 4 aspherical lenses)
- MAx ISO setting : 3200 ISO (6400 ISO high mode and 12800 ISO in 3 megapixels)
- 720p at 24fps videorecording with stereo sound and active optical zoom
- Optical viewfinder
- Iris type shutter
- PSAM, D-Lighting and Nikon Picture Control
- Built-in ND (neutral density) filter
- RAW format (NRW)
- Expeed C2 processor
- 1.7 fps burst rate
- 3" / 921 000 pixels Clear Color LCD screen
- HDMI output
- SDXC support

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