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Nikon Coolpix P7100 review
Ilse Jurriën : January 17th 2012 - 02:20 CET
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 Nikon Coolpix P7100 review : In August of last year, Nikon introduced a new advanced digital compact camera as an addition to its P-series (Performance series). The Nikon Coolpix P7100 is a mega-zoom camera for the serious photographer and has a 10 megapixel 1/1.7-inch CCD sensor and a Nikkor wide-angle lens. The 7.1x zoom lens has a range of 28 to 200 mm with aperture values of f/2.8-5.6 and a grey filter (ND) for an accurate light reading. Additionally, the Nikon Coolpix P7100 is equipped with a 3" tilting screen with a high resolution and 921.000 focal points. The Nikon Coolpix P7100 also has the EXPEED C2 processor, which contributes to fast data processing.
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Nikon Coolpix P7100 review
The Nikon Coolpix P7100 camera follows up the one year older Nikon Coolpix P7000. Both cameras are equipped with the same 10 megapixel CCD sensor and the same Nikkor lens. Both cameras are also capable of recording 720p HD videos. However, there are also a few differences that are worth mentioning. The Nikon Coolpix P7100 is a lot faster, the start-up time and the lag time have been reduced, and focusing is faster. Additionally, the tilting LCD screen is another welcome, eye-catching addition. The camera is equipped with a second function button together with a turning multi-selector. The Nikon Coolpix P7100 also has a Special effects mode.
Review Nikon Coolpix P7100
The Nikon Coolpix P7100 feels comfortable to handle and feels robust, the magnesium body is fairly big and heavy and reminds me of the competing Canon PowerShot G12, which is just as big. Other competing compact cameras, such as the Panasonic Lumix LX5, Fujifilm FinePix F550 EXR and the Samsung EX1 are substantially smaller. The Nikon Coolpix P7100 makes good use of space on the camera, there are buttons everywhere, and the camera can be completely programmed according to taste. The Nikon Coolpix P7100 is equipped with two function buttons where the user can attach a function, such as ISO, white balance, lighting, RAW, Picture Control and D-Lighting.
Nikon P7100 tilting screen
Next to the large amount of buttons, the Nikon Coolpix P7100 is equipped with a high resolution 3" tilting screen. The screen with almost 100% RGB color is of outstanding quality. Because the screen can be tilted, it is easier to shoot from awkward angles. Next to the tilting screen, the Nikon Coolpix P7100 is also equipped with an optical viewfinder. Personally, I made little use of this, as the viewfinder offers coverage of only 80% and looks a bit unclear. You will most likely use the viewfinder in bright sunlight, because the screen is harder to read.
Nikon Coolpix P7100 image quality
The Nikon Coolpix P7100’s image quality is very good, especially for a compact camera with a small sensor. The Nikon EXPEED C2-image processing system offers a high image quality with little noise. The Nikon Coolpix P7100 camera has a sensitivity range of ISO 100 to 3200; however, from ISO 800 noise becomes visible. ISO 3200 is practically unusable. The image stabilization works well, just like the built-in flash. The colors appear natural and the photos are sharp. The Nikkor lens effectively contributes to minimizing chromatic aberration and colored borders. Additionally, the Neutral Density grey filter contributes to better lighting.
Photograph with the Nikon Coolpix P7100
The known Nikon D-Lighting function ensures that insufficiently lit shadows in high-contrast conditions are being effectively salvaged so that a well-lit photo is the result. Additionally, Picture Control gives the photographer a lot of creative freedom; in this mode the photographer can adjust the Nikon Coolpix P7100 according to their own wishes. The Nikon Coolpix P7100 can simultaneously shoot JPEG as well as RAW files. The RAW format is not the for Nikon DSLR photographers known NEF, rather Nikon uses the NRW (Coolpix RAW) format.
Nikon Coolpix P7100 special effects
Next to 19 scene modes, the Nikon Coolpix P7100 also has a Special Effects mode. Both modes can be selected via the settings dial. There are 10 filter effects available, next to the known effects such as Sepia and Soft, there are also effects available in which various adjustments are possible. Think of the option Cross Processing, where the color can be adjusted to achieve a higher contrast and saturation. In the option Selective color, you can choose a color to emphasise, such as a blue sky; the rest of the photo is shown as monochrome. You can see the result on the LCD screen, before you take the photos.
Nikon P7100 review conclusion
The Nikon Coolpix P7100 is a lot faster than its predecessor, which makes it a fine camera to photograph with. Once you get used to the tilting screen, you can certainly start to see its value. The Nikon P7100 digital compact camera offers good image quality and it can be completely adjusted according to your own preferences. Chromatic aberration is effectively minimized and the lighting is very good, in part thanks to D-Lighting. The Nikon Coolpix P7100 is clearly a camera for serious / professional photographers; it is a shame to use such an advanced camera only in Auto mode, even though this does work fine. The Nikon Coolpix P7100 is only available in black for a retail price of about 450 Euros.
Nikon Coolpix P7100 review rating
• User-friendliness : 80
• Features : 85
• Image quality : 90
• Design : 75
• Price : 80
• Rating : 85 out of 100
Nikon Coolpix P7100 review
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Nikon Coolpix P7100 test photos
Download original : Nikon Coolpix P7100 photo (4.11MB)
Download original : Nikon Coolpix P7100 picture (4.03MB)
Download original : Nikon Coolpix P7100 test photo (4.36MB)
Download original : Nikon Coolpix P7100 test picture (4.09MB)
Download original : Nikon Coolpix P7100 photo (3.87MB)
Download original : Nikon Coolpix P7100 picture (4.25MB)
Download original : Nikon Coolpix P7100 sample photo (4.45MB)
Download original : Nikon Coolpix P7100 sample picture (4.16MB)
Download original : Nikon Coolpix P7100 photo (4.33MB)
Download original : Nikon Coolpix P7100 picture (4.31MB) |
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