Review Date: November 7, 2010
Category: Serious Amateur
Nikon P7000
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This Nikon P7000 Review is based on a production model. All sample images are unretouched, except where specified.
The Nikon P7000 is the best Nikon compact to-date with a top-of-the-line system camera that bristles with dials and buttons, putting a lot of DSLR-like power in a medium-compact body. It is not pocketable and you’ll carry it in a large coat pocket or slung over your shoulder or neck.
The P7000 is well-built with a small but very effective handgrip with a non-slip rubber surface. All these dials and buttons mean less reliance on the Menu for the most often used functions. There is a Mode Dial like you find on a DSLR, plus an Exposure Compensation Dial, a Command Dial (for shutter speed), a Rotary Multi Selector Dial (for aperture), and a Quick Menu Dial. I found the P7000 intuitive to use after a break-in period.
The screen display is a beautiful 3.0-in. (921k-dot) LCD which gains up very well in low light. You can display various grid lines, a virtual horizon and a live histogram. I only wished that it could tilt up and down. For those who need it, there is even a built-in optical viewfinder.
Image quality is very good at the low ISOs and noise is controlled up to ISO 400. RAW and a whole range of semi-auto and full manual shooting modes are available for the advanced photographer. The P7000 shoots 720p HD movie with stereo sound.
Performance as far as startup time and shutter lag is very good, though shot to shot times is a bit long at 2.5 sec. Time to access and return from the menu is also on the long side. Otherwise you should find that the P7000 meets your demanding needs.
The Nikon P7000 optionally accepts an external flash, a wide-angle converter (21mm equiv.) and supports a remote control.
Add the Nikon P7000 to your short list if you are considering a compact system camera to take the place of your DSLR on those occasions you want to leave the latter at home. If you don’t mind some of the limitations and don’t require interchangeable lenses, it’s a great compact camera and Highly recommended for serious photographers.
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