New Nikon Coolpix P7000

Now this is one camera us Nikon users here at Bluedog are keen to try out.
Due for release next week in stores across Australia, it could well give the Canon G11 a run for its money.

Yes, I have a Canon in my kit. I grabbed the G9 after rave reviews from colleges and while I have been a bit if a Nikon fan, there has been a huge gap in this arena between the two and I am the first to admit Canon, to date has been winning. Could this change?

Nikon claims the COOLPIX P7000 ‘combines advanced shooting functions and simple operability in a compact body that looks, feels and performs like a digital SLR. Features include a high performance NIKKOR lens, Zoom Memory function and Long Exposure NR, providing greater control over shooting and resulting images.’

No doubt its list of features is impressive, and as a photographer who requires a good quality professional’s compact that can perform like a digital SLR, this is catching my eye, especially at only approx. 360 g and for a couple of extra grams I can add an external speedlight. But has Nikon caught up? Let’s see.

Street photojournalism in areas such as Burma where these two images were taken by Danielle Lancaster is often much easier with a point and shoot.

Our top 5 features from Nikon’s claim to fame list:

1. An effective pixel count of 10.1 million pixels and a 7.1× optical zoom NIKKOR lens with a zoom range beginning at the wide-angle 28mm focal length (equivalent with 35mm [135] format)

A large CCD image sensor, high-performance NIKKOR lens and new image-processing engine—EXPEED C2—that achieves greater image quality and faster image processing, have been adopted for rendering capability that enables capture of photographic works of art.


i. Large 1/1.7-inch RGB CCD image sensor Individual pixels with greater pitch enable richer tonal expression and a broader dynamic range for excellent image quality, even with shooting at high sensitivities.
ii. NIKKOR lens A lens-shift vibration reduction (VR) function and two ED lens elements that effectively suppress chromatic aberration have been adopted for the 7.1× optical zoom NIKKOR lens that covers a wide range of focal lengths from the wide-angle 28mm to telephoto 200mm (equivalent with 35mm [135] format). These features of the NIKKOR lens enable capture of sharp, high-resolution images.
iii. Built-in ND filter: Enables a three-stop decrease in shutter speed. This allows you to apply slower shutter speeds when shooting in bright surroundings.
iv. 6-blade iris diaphragm


2. Specify zoom focal length and register camera settings
i. Zoom memory
This function allows you to easily specify a preset focal length with zoom photography. As zoom can immediately be switched from a wide-angle position to a specified telephoto focal length, capturing images at the intended angle of view is fast and easy.
ii. User setting modes
Up to three combinations of settings specified by the user can be registered by the camera. Simply rotate the mode dial to apply registered settings and achieve the intended results quickly.


3. Superior rendering with shooting at high sensitivities in dark surroundings
i. Low noise night mode
The camera automatically detects surrounding brightness and controls noise while applying a higher ISO sensitivity setting.
ii. Noise reduction filter
The level of noise reduction processing performed can be adjusted according to shooting intent.
iii. Long exposure NR
Reduces the noise that occurs with shooting in dark surroundings at slow shutter speeds.


4. High-speed response that ensures certain capture of fleeting scenes
Preserve precious photos with instant capture of sudden movements or fleeting expressions. A power-up time of approximately 0.95 seconds and a shooting time lag of approximately 0.23 seconds ensure quick response to sudden photo opportunities.


• Power-up time measured according to CIPA guidelines. Shooting time lag measured according to Nikon standards: 28mm focal length (equivalent in 35mm [135] format), shooting distance of 2 m, ambient brightness of LV 10; images recorded to 4-GB Class 10 SDHC memory card.


5. Tone level information display for checking exposure
The new tone level information function not only allows users to verify exposure with a histogram (graph showing brightness distribution), but also allows them to choose the desired tone (brightness) from nine levels.


• The horizontal axis shows the number of pixels and the vertical axis shows luminosity.

Just another feature we think is tops for those of us who see the world a little curved.