The New Nikon COOLPIX P7700: Control, Quality and Portability

The Nikon COOLPIX P7700 is the successor to the high end, point-and-shoot P7100, and features several refinements for greater control and imaging capabilities. Much of the technology has been retained from the predecessor, such as the 1/1.7”-sized sensor, large 3.0” articulating LCD monitor, 28-200mm (35mm equivalent) NIKKOR ED lens and full manual controls. The P7700 strays in innovative fashion by integrating the ability to command and control auxiliary speedlights, a larger maximum aperture of f/2.0 and an increase in effective resolution up to 12.2 megapixels.

The P7700 strives to be an additional camera for many photographers whose main cameras are DSLRs, or for photographers looking to gain more control without having the burden of carrying a full-size interchangeable lens camera. Its large sensor and full manual exposure capabilities give you more freedom when shooting and enable you to be the deciding factor in the way your images look.

Imaging Capabilities

A 12.2 megapixel backside illuminated 1/1.7” CMOS sensor provides high-resolution imagery and improved low-light performance. The backside-illuminated sensor lends itself to lower noise levels when working in less-than-ideal conditions, which is further aided by the EXPEED C2 image processor, maximum f/2 aperture and ISO sensitivity up to 6400. The large-sized sensor, kept over from the P7100, provides excellent image quality, but it is still small enough to maintain a compact overall form factor. The images provided by the sensor are complemented even more by the camera's ability to shoot in the RAW (NRW) file format. RAW imagery is unprocessed and provides the greatest amount of image information, allowing you a greater modification range when working during post production.

The image processor also provides adequate speed throughout the camera, providing the ability to record 8 full-resolution frames per second (up to 6 consecutive frames) and full HD 1080p video. When recording video, you are afforded full manual control over the optical zoom and exposure controls for managing the overall look of your videos. Sound is recorded via a built-in stereo microphone and your imagery can be viewed directly on an HDTV via the HDMI output.

While the manual PASM modes are enticing to many, the P7700 also integrates a plethora of intelligent technology for users who do not have time or desire to dial in exposure settings manually. There are 19 different Scene Modes that can be applied depending on the conditions; or you can switch to full auto control and have the camera select from one of these modes for you. Additionally, there are several creative special effects available in-camera for applying directly to your images or video—Soft Focus, Sepia, Defocusing, Creative Monochrome, High Key and Low Key, among others.

Optical Sophistication

The built-in 6-42.8mm f/2-4 lens (equivalent to 28-200mm in 35mm format) has a fast, bright maximum aperture and a wide range of focal lengths for capturing almost any situation. This wide maximum aperture also lends itself to selective focus and shallow depth of field applications. The NIKKOR ED lens construction provides a high level of sharpness, contrast and color fidelity, while the 7-blade rounded diaphragm helps to render the out-of-focus areas in a smooth manner. A built-in neutral density filter also helps to control exposures by allowing you to decrease your shutter speed up to three stops. This is especially useful when photographing in extremely bright situations or when trying to convey movement in a more fluid manner.

The long-reaching 7.1x optical zoom is enhanced by the Lens-Shift VR image stabilization technology, which helps to compensate for camera shake, equivalent to approximately 4 stops. This is ideal when working at the long end of the zoom range where it becomes increasingly difficult to maintain a steady shot; or when working in macro applications as close as 0.8” away from your subject.

Complete Creative Control

The P7700 integrates a full palette of manual controls for precise handling of your exposures. Select from Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority or full Manual for deciding on the level of input you provide the camera. When working in these modes you are also able to apply exposure compensation in 1/3 steps up to +/- 3 stops and AE bracketing up to 5 individual frames.

Unique in the world of compact, point-and-shoot cameras, the P7700’s built-in flash is capable of acting as a flash commander for wirelessly controlling compatible Nikon Speedlights, including the SB-910, SB-900, SB-800, SB-700 and SB-600. This wireless flash control enables you to create lighting groups, modify your light settings from your camera and trigger the flashes via the pop-up flash. A hot shoe is also integrated into the design, which allows the direct attachment of auxiliary on-camera flashes or other accessories such as the GP-1 GPS unit or ME-1 External Stereo Microphone.

Sleek and Compact Design

At the heart of the P7700 is the fact that it is designed as a compact camera for maximum portability and durability. It features a magnesium alloy body cover and right-hand grip for ergonomic control and greater heft than other compact cameras. Monitoring and image viewing is done on the 3.0” 921K-dot vari-angle LCD monitor, which can conveniently be closed with the screen facing inward for greater protection while traveling.  When working with the screen, it can pivot out 90° and then tilts for use at a wide array of viewing angles including extreme high and low positions.

The Nikon COOLPIX P7700 is the next viable compact camera in line that offers both the manual control and image quality that appeal to advanced photographers, as well as the automatic features and intuitive usage that appeal to everyone. This camera pairs both realms well with the inclusion of a large image sensor, efficient resolution and versatile optical zoom, while still offering innovative technologies such as the wireless flash commander capability and an ultra fast continuous shooting rate. In addition to the imaging developments, the inclusion of a NIKKOR ED lens with a wide f/2.0 maximum aperture contributes greatly to the overall appeal of this camera.

Specifications