Nikon's P-range of COOLPIX cameras have long been at the top of the advanced compact market. The latest addition, the P7100, arrives with a new LCD screen, several design alterations and a host of 'under the hood' improvements. The question is, how does the camera perform when put to the WDC test? Read on to find out...
Nikon COOLPIX P7100 Review
Photographers wanting the same advanced functionality and, to a certain extent, image quality as found in their DSLRs but without the bulk now have a host of options from which to choose. This has undoubtedly put pressure on the high end of the compact market, and area in which Nikon had previously excelled with its triple-figure P series of COOLPIX models. The latest incarnation, the P7100, promises to build upon the success of its predecessor and deliver advanced performance and excellent image quality in a relatively compact body – but does it deliver?
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Nikon COOLPIX P7100 review – Features
Much of the inner workings of the P7100 remain the same as its P7000 predecessor. It features a 1/1.7in CCD sensor with a resolution of 10.1MP, maintaining the same pixel count as the P7000 (which itself had dropped from the P6000’s 13.5MP). The P7100’s sensor covers an ISO100-3200 range, with a Hi 1 setting equivalent to ISO 6400, and a new ‘Low noise night mode’ which ranges from ISO 400 up to ISO 12,800. The sensor is paired with Nikon’s EXPEED C2 processor that had previously debuted on the P7000 model. HD video capture is also facilitated with videos recorded at a resolution of 720p.
A 7.1x optical zoom comprised of Nikkor optics features, covering a comfortable focal range of 28-200mm with maximum apertures of f/2.8-5.6 at either end of the zoom, while shake reduction for the lens is provided in the form of Nikon’s lens-shift VR system.
One of the main standout features of the P7100 is the model’s LCD screen. The compact features a 3in, 921k-dot LCD screen which pulls away from the camera and pivots around a hinged vertical axis.
Internal changes are otherwise minimal. The camera’s characteristic full PASM controls remain, although these are now complemented with a set of one-click Effects which enhance images in post-production.
Other changes or improvements under the hood between the P7000 and P7100 are minimal. The camera’s characteristic full PASM controls remain, although these are now complimented with a set of special effects – these include two mechanical shooting effects, namely the defocus during exposure and zoom exposure control, whilst several instant post-production effects also present.