Nikon Coolpix 8700

Nikon today announced the Coolpix 8700. It has an 8x optical zoom, a 1.8-inch LCD tilt / swivel LCD display and an 8 megapixel sensor.

DP Review writes:

'Looking very similar to the Coolpix 5700 the 8700 appears to share an almost identical body (although the LCD monitor is larger) and lens system (35 - 280 mm equiv, F2.8 - F4.2). The Coolpix 8700 has a magnesium alloy body, a Compact Flash Type I/II media slot, is powered by a rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery and can shoot continuously at 2.5 frames per second for up to five frames. This camera becomes only the second eight megapixel prosumer level digital camera announced to date (Sony's DSC-F828 being the first).'

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Steve's Digicams Coolpix 8700 Review is also impressed with the 8700 saying -

'The Nikon Coolpix 8700 is a worthy competitor in the prosumer digicam market. Its features are rich and the image quality excellent. A beginner will get terrific results in automatic mode, while the advanced photographer will be able to push the envelope; it's a camera that will grow your photographic skills. '

Megapixel gives the Coolpix 8700 a rating of 8.8 out of 10 for functionality and 9.4 out of 10 for photographic qualities.

ePhotozine writes - 'Overall the Coolpix 8700 will provide you with a powerful tool which will be able to produce excellent results. It is however let down by chromatic abberation problems and the reduction in quality when shooting at higher ISOs. The good points about the camera do easily outweigh the bad and we recommend it as long as you consider the negative aspects mentioned.'

CNET rates the Nikon Coolpix 8700 at 'Good' - giving it a rating of 7.2 out of 10.

If you're looking for the Nikon Coolpix 8700 Manual you can download it here (beware that this is a 19 Meg file).

Photoexels have a great review of the Nikon Coolpix 8700 and write 'Image quality is excellent, with a matrix metering that works well in all situations, the capability to shoot in RAW file format, macro as close as 3 cm (1.2 in.), and five focus areas for auto focus flexibility.'

Check out image samples of the Nikon Coolpix 8700 at
- Webshots Nikon Coolpix Image Samples
- PBase Nikon Coolpix 8700 Sample Images - and more here
- SmugMug images

See picture samples of this camera in comparison to other 8 megapixel cameras at DCRP.

Following is the Nikon Press Release:

Press Release
TOKYO - Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of the COOLPIX 8700 Digital Camera.

With an impressive 8.0 effective megapixels and a powerful 8x zoom lens, the COOLPIX 8700 is positioned as the lineup's newest flagship model. It delivers unmatched image quality - a hallmark of all Nikon products - and offers an advanced ergonomic design that greatly enhances operational ease and comfort.

The camera primarily targets users who already explore advanced forms of photographic expression, but are unsatisfied with current compact digital cameras. The COOLPIX 8700 meets their demands, especially those that require state-of-the-art image quality, higher zoom power and even greater portability and ease of use. Anyone in search of an extremely versatile, high-quality digital still camera will find the COOLPIX 8700 loaded with possibilities.

The COOLPIX 8700 carries an astonishing 8.0 effective megapixels for ultrahigh-definition photography. The professional-quality 8x Zoom-Nikkor lens ensures the clarity of your images. With its 8.9 - 71.2mm focal range (equivalent to 35 - 280mm in 35mm [135] camera format), the lens incorporates two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) lens elements to minimize chromatic aberration and give you clear and crisp image reproduction. In addition, the Optical Low-Pass Filter is optimized, which helps the new high-definition CCD image sensor make the most the incredible optical performance. The result is remarkably clear, natural images with unparalleled detail and contrast. The basic performance of the COOLPIX 8700 has also improved. This includes faster start-up time, faster data recording, shorter release time lag and a new AF-Assist illuminator for quick AF operation in low light.

The camera incorporates four exposure modes: Programmed Auto [P], Shutter-Priority Auto [S], Aperture-Priority Auto [A] and Manual [M] combine to give you the greatest degree of creative control possible. The COOLPIX 8700 also offers [AUTO] mode, in which the camera automatically selects appropriate exposures and shutter speeds, giving users high-quality point-and-shoot capability. And for striking images in practically any situation, the new COOLPIX features 12 versatile [SCENE] modes. Simply select the mode appropriate to your lighting conditions, and the camera is able to automatically adjust the focus, flash, contrast, sensitivity and white balance.

The COOLPIX 8700 features many advanced digital controls, such as BSS (Best Shot Selector), AE-BSS (Auto Exposure-Best Shot Selector) mode, Noise Reduction mode, Saturation Control and White Balance Bracketing. These are often crucial to obtaining optimum image quality. To help ensure that you don't miss those unexpected or fleeting moments, the COOLPIX 8700 also has a 5 shot buffer mode. Handy, innovative features such as movie capability with audio and the Time-lapse movie mode further enhance versatility, which is ideal for observational recording.

The newest member of the COOLPIX family comes equipped with a large, Vari-angle LCD monitor for increased visibility - even during bright daylight. Moreover, the improved high-resolution EVF (Electronic Viewfinder) offers greater contrast and clearer images. And the compact, lightweight magnesium (Mg) alloy body has been designed for maximum durability and portability, with a secure, comfortable grip for stability during shooting.

New Framing guides on the LCD monitor offer an optional means of achieving ideal composition, and the new real-time histogram display lets you select the best exposure value while shooting. For those who desire more creative freedom when editing, the COOLPIX 8700 also offers RAW data image mode.

The COOLPIX 8700 comes loaded with all the essential accessories: a battery and charger, an A/V cable, a USB cable and the comprehensive Nikon View software package. The camera is also compatible with a host of optional accessories, including wideangle, telephoto and fisheye converters. It can also be fitted with a Lens Hood that uses lens filters. In addition, the COOLPIX 8700's accessory shoe accommodates a number of Nikon's external Speedlights.

This incredible array of features and quality accessories helps make the COOLPIX 8700 a truly special achievement in digital photography.

Sales release schedule:
This camera is scheduled to be released in February 2004.

Note: Specifications, design, product name, standard accessories, and release schedule may differ by country or area.

Posted by Darren in our Nikon category on January 28, 2004

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