Nikon Coolpix P7000

Category:	Type:	Image Sensor	:
Point-and-Shoot	Compact	Optical Zoom	:
Beginner	Ultra Compact	Image Stabilization	:
Serious	Ultra Zoom	Display	:
Advanced	DSLR	Shooting Mode	:
Pro	DIL	Movie	:
		Price check…	:

With the Coolpix P7000, Nikon returns to the serious amateur photographer category with a compact digital camera that is heavy on features. It features 10.1MP resolution (on a 1/1.7-in. CCD), 7.1x wide-angle optical zoom (28-200mm equiv.), built-in Lens-shift (optical) image stabilization, and a 7.5-cm (3.0-in.) LCD display screen with a high 921k-dot resolution.

Nikon P7000 Key Features:

• 10.1MP on a 1/1.7-in. CCD image sensor
• 7.1x wide-angle optical zoom (28-200mm equiv.), f/2.8 (W) – f/5.6 (T), 6-blade iris diaphragm, and built-in ND filter
• Optical Image Stabilization
• Optical Viewfinder
• 7.5-cm (3.0-in.) 921k-dot LCD screen
• HD 720p (1280×720) movie at 24fps with stereo sound, AF and zoom available during recording, optional external microphone
• ISO 100-3200, HI 1 (6400)
• NRW (RAW)
• 3 Control Dials
• Zoom Memory Function
• Interval Timer Shooting
• Hot Shoe, wireless remote flash support
• Active D-Lighting
• Electronic Virtual Horizon
• HDMI output

The Nikon P7000 bucks the trend for ever more megapixels by lowering the image sensor resolution from 13.5MP on the P6000 to 10.1MP on the P7000 so as to improve the low light capability of the sensor. Improvements over the P6000 include a longer optical zoom (7.1x vs. 4x), higher ISO capability (max. 3200 native, pushed to 6400 and 12800 vs. max. 1600 native, pushed to 3200 and 6400), HD 720p video with stereo sound (vs. VGA monaural sound), electronic level, ISO bracketing, Zoom Memory, 3 control dials, and 3.0-in. 921k-dot resolution (vs. 2.7-in. 230k-dot). The P7000 loses the built-in GPS functionality and this may or may not changrine some photographers. What you gain is a camera that is now fast (start up of 0.9 sec. vs. 3 sec.).

The Zoom Memory Function deserves a mention: it allows you to set a number of focal lengths into memory and recall them one by one, simulating the use of prime lenses of that specific focal length.

The Coolpix P7000 compares favorably with its direct competitors, the Canon G12 and Panasonic LX5, with the LX5 being more compact and sporting a faster lens (F2 vs. F2.8) and a 24mm wider lens (vs. 28mm) than the other two. The P7000 however has a built-in optical viewfinder and a much longer zoom (P7000 7.1x vs. G11 5x vs. LX5 3.8x).

The Nikon Coolpix P7000 targets the serious and advanced photoraphers who desire a compact camera they can bring with them when they decide to leave the DSLR home. It comes in Black, priced at about US $500 (CAD $500).