Boasting an impressive 8-megapixel
resolution and 8x optical zoom lens, the Nikon Coolpix 8700 is a
great choice for professional and advanced amateur photographers.
Compared with its predecessor--Nikon's Coolpix 5700--the Coolpix
8700 has a faster start-up time, faster data recording, shorter
release time lag and a new AF-Assist illuminator for quick AF
operation in low light. It also features a movie mode with audio, a
lightweight magnesium alloy body, PictBridge compatibility, and much
more.
Optics and Resolution
The ultra-high resolution Coolpix 8700 has a 2/3-inch-type CCD that
captures up to 3264 x 2448 images for poster-size print
enlargements. Other resolution modes include 3264 x 2176, 2592 x
1944, 2048 x 1536, 1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960, 1024 x 768, and 640 x
480. The 8x optical Zoom-Nikkor lens (f/2.8 - 4.2) offers a focal
range of 8.9-71.2mm (equivalent to 35-280mm in 35mm format). It also
has a 4x digital zoom. The lens incorporates two ED (Extra-low
Dispersion) glass elements that minimize chromatic aberration for
sharp, clear images. Additionally, the Optical Low-Pass Filter is
optimized, which helps the high-definition CCD image sensor get the
best optical performance.
|
Movie Mode
In addition to snapping brilliant still photos, the Coolpix 8700 can
also capture video with audio. It offers four movie modes: TV movie
(640 x 480 pixels; 30 fps) with audio, Small movie (320 x 240
pixels; 15 fps) with audio, sepia movie (320 x 240 pixels; 5 fps)
with audio, and time-lapse movie (640 x 480 pixels; 30 fps).
More Features
The Coolpix 8700 offers Programmed Auto, Shutter-Priority Auto,
Aperture-Priority Auto, and Manual, as well as Exposure Compensation
for an exceptional degree of exposure control. Nikon's 256-segment
Matrix Metering system enables optimal exposures in even the most
challenging lighting conditions, while its Matrix Auto White Balance
neutralizes color deviations created by ambient light sources. The
convenient Best Shot Selector (BSS) function automatically selects
the sharpest image from a series of consecutive shots--especially
valuable during macro or telephoto shooting.
The 5-shot buffer mode retains the
last 5 shots when the shutter button is continually pressed and then
released in order to capture unexpected or fleeting moments. The
continuous shooting feature captures 2.5 (H) or 1.2 (L) frames per
second. Alternatively, you can use the new Multi-shot mode to
capture 16 consecutive frames in a single image. It's equipped with
a large, vari-angle 1.8-inch LCD monitor for increased
visibility--even during bright daylight and a high-resolution EVF
(Electronic Viewfinder) that offers greater contrast and clearer
images.
Other features include:
- Continuous shooting of up to 5
full-size (3,264 x 2,448-pixel) pictures at 2.5 frames per
second (fps)
- 12 Scene Modes: Portrait,
Party/Indoor, Night portrait, Beach/Snow, Landscape, Sunset,
Night landscape, Fireworks show, Close up, Copy, Back light, and
Panorama assist
- RAW mode image recording
- Accessory shoe to accommodate
attachment of external Nikon SB-series Speedlights
- Fast shutter speed of 1/4,000
seconds and maximum 10 minute long exposure mode (along with
noise reduction mode for long-time exposures)
Printing
|
| The camera's magnesium
alloy body is rugged and lightweight.
|
The Coolpix 8700 is PictBridge
compatible, which enables you to transfer pictures from your digital
camera to your printer, without a PC or image-editing software. All
PictBridge devices share three basic features: camera-to-printer
connecting, single-image printing, and uniform error messages (in
case something goes wrong)
Storage and Transfer
Images and video are stored on CompactFlash memory cards (Type
I/II), and the Coolpix 8700 is compatible with MicroDrives (no
memory card is included with this package). Files can be downloaded
to either a Mac or PC via USB 1.1 connectivity, which means it can
be connected to any USB-based Windows 98/Me/2000/XP and Mac OS 8.6
or later computer without installing any software.
Power and Size
The camera is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery (EN-EL1,
included, captures approximately 210 images). It can also be powered
by the optional MB-E5700 battery pack (6 AA batteries). It measures
4.4 by 4.1 by 3.1 inches and weighs 17 ounces (excluding battery).
