Nikon Coolpix P7700 Review

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Review posted 03/13/2013

Quick Take
Pros

  • Excellent image quality with large image sensor
  • Low light results are outstanding
  • Good optical zoom measurement versus other fixed-lens, large image sensor models in this price class
  • Response times are fast in all conditions
  • Full auto mode is easy to use
  • Plenty of manual controls will appeal to intermediate photographers
  • Rotating dial on four-way button is handy
  • Plenty of specialty buttons make it easy to select the commands you want
  • Popup flash works pretty well
  • Many different effects can be applied with precise adjustments
  • Separate ports available to add GPS or external microphone
  • Very sharp and bright LCD screen
  • Articulated LCD is handy feature
  • Several specific controls available for shooting movies
  • EV Comp dial has an indicator light to show you've made a change; helps ensure you don't accidentally change the EV comp
  • Hot shoe allows you to add various accessories
Cons
  • Camera is a little chunky
  • Power button can be a little tough to press because of small size and location between various dials
  • Some dials hang over the edge of the camera, meaning you may bump them out of place inadvertently
  • Close-up focus can be slow in some conditions
  • More aspect ratio options would be nice
  • No dedicated video button
  • Price will be a bit high for some people
  • P7700 might be more camera than beginners really need or want
  • Popup flash must be opened manually
  • All black design may seem a bit boring
Bottom Line
The number of high-end fixed-lens cameras aimed at intermediate and advanced photographers is growing, including the Nikon Coolpix P7700. Image quality is outstanding with this model, and it performs especially well in low light. Although most other $500 price point fixed-lens cameras also provide very good image quality, the P7700 offers a couple of advanced features, including an articulated, high-quality LCD screen and an above-average optical zoom lens. If you want top-notch image quality but don't want the hassle and expense of an interchangeable lens camera, the Nikon Coolpix P7700 is one of the best options currently on the market for less than $500. Read more in our Full Conclusion.
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Nikon's Coolpix series of point-and-shoot digital camera has a new flagship model for 2012, the P7700. Housed behind the 7.1x optical zoom lens (max aperture of f/2), the P7700 boats a 12.2 megapixel CMOS sensor capable of capturing Full HD 1080p video, as well as a 3.0-inch vari-angle LCD display. 

Designed to compete with entry-level DSLRs, the Coolpix P7700 includes all the Automatic and Creative Filter control features (19 Scene Modes) expected of compact digicams, as well as more professional capabilities like full manual controls and RAW shooting. These include a HDR effect with consecutive shot combining technology to capture wide dynamic ranges from any available light.

Let's talk about the HD video some more. Not only does the P7700 capture 1080p (some cameras are limited to 1080i or 720p), but you can do it with all the same flexibility from the various manual modes available while shooting stills -- think ISO sensitivity, shutter speed, white balance and the ability to zoom optically while the camera is in Auto mode. Further, the P7700 includes a built in stereo microphone as well as an input for an external microphone.

Nikon Coolpix P7700 Features
  • 12.2-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor
  • 7.1x zoom f/2 NIKKOR ED glass lens (28-200mm equivalent zoom range)
  • 3-inch vari-angle LCD monitor (921,000-dot)
  • Full HD 1080p video capability, including
    • Optical zoom when in full Auto
    • Auto, Manual, AP, Custom movie modes
  • Lens-Shift Vibration Reduction (VR)
  • Intelligent Autofocus and optical zoom
  • Full Manual Control (PSAM)
  • COOLPIX Picture Control and versatile bracketing functions
  • 19 Scene Modes and Scene Auto Selector
  • In-Camera Filters, including:
    • Nostalgic Sepia
    • Vivid
    • Painting
  • RAW Shooting
  • External Mic input
  • HDMI mini output

The Nikon Coolpix P7700 is available in Black for a MSRP of $499.95. See our Lowest Price button at the top right of this page to see the most current online pricing.

What's in the box?:
  • P7700 camera body
  • AN-CP22 Strap
  • UC-E17 USB Cable
  • EG-CP16 Audio Video Cable
  • EN-EL14 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery
  • MH-24 Quick Charger
  • LC-CP26 Lens Cap
  • NikonView NX 2 CD-ROM


Additional Product Views












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You can check out the price of this camera on Adorama by clicking here. 
Next: Specifications

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