Nikon Coolpix 8800 Review

Controls on the back:   The SEL button switches between the EVF and the color LCD. The AE/AF LOCK button is used to hold the exposure and focus (the mode can be changed by a menu option for just AE or AF or both). Next to that is the zoom lens control, in playback mode it functions as the INDEX and ZOOM control. To the right is the jog dial, this is used to change shutter and aperture settings, etc.

The MENU button calls up the onscreen menu system. Below that is the QUICK (review) button that displays the last image captured in 1/4-screen over the live preview, press it a second time to display the image full-screen.

The 4-way selector lets you navigate menus and make selections, it also lets you select images during playback. The trash can button is for deleting images in playback mode, and enables the self-timer in record mode. The DISP button controls the amount of data that is overlayed on the EVF or LCD.

Controls on side of the lens barrel:   The AF button allows you to change focus modes from Normal, Macro and Landscape (infinity.) Next is the mode switch to enable or disable VR (Vibration Reduction.)

Located on top is a large monochrome data LCD. You can see the most commonly changed camera parameters at a glance without turning on the color LCD. This display can be illuminated by pressing the "light bulb" button. The Power switch is built around the shutter release. The large dial is the Command Dial, it's used to select modes and change various parameters.

Press and hold the Exposure Compensation (+/-) button and rotate the Jog Dial to select the desired exposure override value (-2 to +2EV). In playback this button lets you record audio memos that are attached to images. To the left is the Flash mode button, which allows you to change from Auto, Auto with red-eye reduction, Flash cancel, Fill flash, Slow sync, and Rear-curtain sync.

The FUNC button lets you assign frequently-used functions and allows the selected settings to be adjusted without accessing the menu system.

The Coolpix 8800 is equipped with a CompactFlash Type II card slot that allows the use of Type I or II CF cards or Microdrives. (Nikon only "approves" Sandisk, Lexar Media and Renesas Technology CF cards and IBM/Hitachi Microdrives.)  The Coolpix 8800 is FAT and FAT32 compliant so it can be used with devices >2GB in capacity.

On the left side under a large rubber flap are the I/O ports:   The DC IN port is for connecting an optional AC power adapter. Below that is the multi-connector for Audio/Video output (NTSC or PAL selectable) and connecting to a computer (USB 2.0 High-Speed.) The camera also features a built-in microphone and speaker.

The Coolpix 8800 is powered by an EN-EL7 lithium rechargeable battery pack. This is the same battery pack used by many of the Coolpix cameras. It can power the camera for approx. 240 shots using either the color LCD or EVF.

The EN-EL7 battery pack is charged outside of the camera with the supplied MH-56 charger. This is a small and compact (100-240 VAC) charger that can replenish a fully depleted pack in about 120 minutes.

Also included is the ML-L3 Remote control. This allows you to trip the shutter in record mode for self- portraits and is also handy when doing macro shots on a tripod.