Nikon COOLPIX P7700 Compact Digital Camera - Black (12.2MP, 7.1x Optical Zoom) 3 inch LCD

Nikon's P7700 is a fairly bulky yet comfortable camera with some pretty good specifications that will entice more advanced photographers with it's exceptional amount of manual controls and the choice between RAW, Jpeg or both image shooting, as well as quality video recording.

When I first got this out of the box, my eyes were ALL over the place, this camera has so many buttons and dials on it, it may make some peoples head explode in confusion, luckily I just managed to keep mine intact however it did take awhile to stop being bamboozled by the vast sight of buttons.

On a positive note, this camera has a lot of grip so you wont need to worry about this beast slipping out of your hands so easily.

Another thing that impressed me was it's LCD screen, it can be rotated in so many different angles that it makes it useful in almost any situation where you may not normally be able to see the screen on normal cameras.

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* What's in the box:
Nikon P7700 camera | Lens cap | Nikon themed neck strap | USB - Micro USB cable | Micro-USB - A/V cable | Battery | Battery charger | ViewNX2 software disk | Reference manual (disk) | Quick start book.

I was very pleased to see a lens cap and quality strap included in the contents, Sony's RX100 didn't come with either of these and for such high priced cameras I believe they should come as standard.

* Additional purchases:
You will need a memory card to go with this camera as like every camera these days, they never come with them: SanDisk SDHC 16GB Class 10.

There are many other brands available with different classes and capacity's, though I would recommend getting a capacity of 8GB+ (I use 16GB), with a class speed of 10.

* Optional Extra's:
Remote Cord (1m) | Remote Control | Speedlight SB-400 External Flash | SB-700 Speedlight Flash Unit | SB-910 Speedlight Flash Unit | Stereo Microphone | GPS Unit | Hand Strap | HDMI Mini to HDMI Male 1.8m Cable.

The amount of accessories available is very impressive, they are quite expensive, however if this is going to be a camera that you will be using a lot, I think some of these may be a good investment.

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One thing that people will really like about this camera (which I certainly do) is the amount of different ports available, this makes the camera more usable in various situations providing you have the the appropriate accessories.

Camera ports & slots:
Hot-shoe | Microphone connector (for 3.5mm mini-pin jack) | Mini HDMI connector | Micro USB slot | GPS slot (GPS unit required to use this function) | Battery & Memory compartment | Tripod receptacle.

My favourite port included is the option to include a better external microphone to get better sound when recording video.

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As already mentioned, this camera has many buttons and dials on it's body such as: Exposure compensation dial | Mode Dial | Auto Mode | Scene Mode | Effects | Programmed auto | Shutter-priority auto | Aperture-priority auto | Manual | U1, U2 & U3 (User setting modes) | Movie | Movie custom setting | Quick Menu | Rotary multi-selector | Fn1 & Fn2 (Function) | Main & Sub-command dials | AE-L/AF-L (Auto Lock Exposure & Focus) | And of course you have the normal 'On/Off', shutter, zoom, menu, display, playback and delete buttons.

Overall, there is 18 different buttons/sliders/dials, it's pretty intense to take in at first but eventually you will get used to all these buttons, but it may take awhile. When my friend visited, I asked him to pick up the camera and have a little play with it as I wanted to see if he would struggle also, and the first thing he said to me was "woah, there are way too much buttons on this thing", which proves it's not just me.

There are a few things you may need to get used to:

1) The flash needs to be manually popped up by pressing the button, it wont pop up automatically when needed.

2) Even on auto mode, if you plan to take some really close up shots, you must remember to manually adjust the focus to "close-range only" or "macro close-up", also by turning this camera off, the settings when next turned on will be reset.

3) A lot of functions and settings cannot be used (or even found) on the auto modes, you will need to have a good play around before you even notice some settings even exist! I found out later on this camera does indeed have a track focus along with so many more different focuses, I actually stumbled across this on accident because I was on one of the manual settings (before, if you were to click to the right on auto mode, nothing would happen).

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Navigating around the actual menu system is actually quite simple as you just keep pressing down but it can be a bit tedious, the layout could be better such as Sony's RX100 menu system which breaks the settings down into tabs making it so much faster to find the ones you really want.

As for picture quality, I've had a bit of hit and miss with this camera, most have been positive such as a showroom filled with motorbikes, those photos came out very detailed, as for close-up shots and outdoors in decent lightings were very good. But then I've also had some bad photos such as in the late evening to which I used the appropriate scene settings and it came out blurry. I also took some photos of a firework display (I had to use the night scene hand-held mode as the fireworks setting NEEDS a sturdy tripod), when it came out on the LCD it looked awesome, just like the other night shots, but when viewed on the computer at it's proper size... not so much, though it would be fine for Facebook pictures or smaller prints, I certainly wouldn't recommend it on bigger prints or canvases.

This cameras strongest point is it's close-up focus(which you have to manually choose by pressing down)), as I've already mentioned it's the best I've seen on any camera, it even makes the RX100 feel ashamed as you can properly get up close and personal, whilst taking a nice clear shot. Don't get me wrong, the RX100 is fantastic for macro shots, however it can't get anywhere near as close to subjects like this camera can.

Another awesome feature this camera has is the ability to edit different photos during playback, this includes retouching, straightening, rotation and filter effects such as fish-eye, vignette and more!

The overall recording quality is fantastic, very smooth & crisp indeed, though I found it to sometimes struggle focusing on certain objects when indoors and trying to zoom in on them. I tried the same scenario on the RX100 and it didn't have a problem, however the RX100 slightly dimmed in brightness when zoomed whereas the P7700 didn't.

Now the problem I have is I can't help but compare Nikon's P7700 to Sony's RX100 as I own both of these cameras, which offer great customizability and have a similar price-tag.

They both offer things that the other doesn't such as:

Nikkon P7700 Pros:
+ Fantastic grip & extremely easy to hold.
+ Almost twice the amount of zoom.
+ Fully adjustable screen.
+ External microphone connector.
+ Hot-shoe.
+ Loads of accessories available.
+ Ability to do very close-range shots.
+ Comes with quality strap and lens cap.

RX100 Pros:
+ 1" Image sensor.
+ Very compact (fits in pocket).
+ Takes great night shots.
+ Dual-record (takes pictures same time as recording video).
+ Record on any mode and even adjust the shutter speed whilst recording!
+ Track-focus on all modes, and quicker to get too which makes it easier to select what you want to focus on.
+ Very easy to navigate.
+ Function button more useful as you can choose up to 7 settings!
+ In-camera help menu.
+ Control Ring.

So as you can see both have different positive aspects which make them both stand out from each other, but what it really comes down to is picture quality which I personally think the RX100 has a lot over the P7700.

That said, don't rule out the P7700 because it can take stunning photos, especially when you get familiar with the manual settings, it's just that because I own another camera of similar type in the same price margin, I naturally compare them both.

So overall, I would still recommend this camera, if you want a camera that's extremely comfortable to hold, has manual control, a brilliant rotatable LCD screen & is customizable with a lot of accessories available, then Nikon's P7700 is most definitely the camera for you.

Unlike Nikon's Style range, this Coolpix will not slip into a shirt pocket. The new flagship Performance model has a chunky appearance and is built like a miniature professional workhorse. The marled black finish has a lovely visual appeal and great tactile feel. It fits great in the hand and the gripping parts have a rubberised finish affording secure handling. If you are seeking a first class, fully automated compact camera which offers a vast range of shooting options that you can customize to your hearts's desire, you might not need to look any further.

Without trying to get too geeky, it has a fast sensor offering some 12.2 megapixels, a beautiful fast, bright Nikkor 7 x zoom lens giving a 28-200mm comparable range at f/2-4, shoots in a range of JPEG settings as well as RAW, and has a brilliant, fully articulated 3 inch LCD screen which you can swivel to your satisfaction to get the best shot, or deflect bright sunlight; a first for this size of compact camera. As well as producing great stills in variable light, it also captures excellent full HD video. Under the hood of its light, magnesium body, it also hosts a batch of Nikon's famed features, such as auto-focus and vibration reduction technology, to make it very user friendly and provide excellent photographic results. Its full specs can be checked out at Nikon UK web site. At first glance it may appear very complex for a small camera as it is liberally sprinkled with dials, buttons and switches. It soon becomes clear, however, that these are not there to intimidate, but to take the hard work out of setting up the camera and offer great user enjoyment. They are all ergonomically located for ease of use. The many features offered put this camera ahead of the compact competition in most areas and would shame many DSLRs. At 13.9 ounces fully loaded, it is, of course, much lighter and far less bulky; costing a fraction of the price of a DSLR.

Although conceived as a prosumer model, beginners should not be put off buying as it gives mouthwatering results at fully automatic settings. As expected, it also has the full range of semi-automatic and manual settings which can be mastered with experience or fully enjoyed by the advanced hobbyist or professional. Some of the flash lighting features are amazing and it has an interesting range of optional extras.

It is not perfect. Some Professional Review sites complain at having to remove the lens cover after switching on the P7700. I need to do this each time I use my DSLR. The fact that it does not have an automatically closing/opening lens lets me use a variety of filters. I currently have a 40.5mm UV filter fitted for additional lens protection. Others see the lack of a viewfinder a major drawback. Personally, I have yet to find a half decent viewfinder on any compact and feel the P7700's extremely versatile LCD screen makes one totally redundant. A few also find it a nuisance that you cannot start up the camera when the LCD screen is closed. I find this feature saves accidental switch-on with related potential battery loss and protects the screen at the same time.

Like most cameras, the P7700 ships without a memory card. REMEMBER to get one! It also arrives without a carrying case and a printed User Manual. Although it is small enough to fit into a jacket or coat pocket, I use a Lowepro Apex 100AW to carry and store my camera. Even with the strap fitted, the Coolpix fits easily and there is adequate room for little extras. After you register your purchase with Nikon, they will send a printed Manual on request. I find it helpful to have a User Manual in the field till I am fully familiar with a new camera.

This is a great little camera and, if you are prepared to compromise a little, it may well serve most of your photographic needs.

Why did I buy the Nikon P7700? First, if I had wanted to go for all out image quality at the cost of flexibility and control I would have bought the Sony RX-100 and if I had wanted to balance creativity and size I would have bought a Canon G15. Second, my purchase of the Nikon is the more surprising because it was bought as a pocket rocket for when I did not want to carry my full SLR kit, which is all Canon gear based on a 7D body. So why did I give up the chance to use my existing Canon flashlites with a G15?
For my intended use the Nikon is a good compromise. It is a balance that meets my creative needs and in my mind is no more or less of a compromise than the Sony or the Canon. The P7700 is a little larger than a true compact but still fits comfortably into a coat pocket or a rucksack side pocket. The wealth of easily accessible adjustment is what I bought it for. Handling the camera told me that its size was good in the hand and the controls well placed, better than the Canon that was almost too small for the level of control it had on display. I thought I would miss an optical view finder but looking through the one on the G15 it was poor any way. The revelation is how good the fully articulated screen on the P7700 is. Above head and close to the ground shots are a breeze and the screen, although more difficult to view in very bright direct sun does still work. So the articulated screen beats an optical view finder for me on a pocket camera, I am now an ex-view finder snob. Another plus is that the screen can be flipped through 180 for storage, thus protecting it when not in use. I have still fitted a screen protector as a precaution though. On the face of it the lens is a little slower than the Sony or the Canon but at f2-4 is still fast, put aside the zoom range and I think the Canon had the better lens but I wanted zoom range so the Nikon won on that as well. The build quality is OK, but not stunning, watch it when you open the battery cover, it feels a bit fragile to me. The Canon in particular feels a far more robust piece of kit, followed by the Sony, the Nikon comes third and requires respectful handling. The Nikon does not have a built in lens dust protector but a loose lens cap. The dust seal is much better provided you don't lose the cap, I have drilled the side of the cap so I can attach it with a cord to the neck strap. I am used to Canon menu's and controls but found the Nikon quite intuitive to adjust and the 3 user defined pre-sets allow genuine broad programmed pre-set-up including lens zoom start position. There have been no glitches or hang-ups from the firmware. Photo results? Skin tones are good and general colour balance fairly true but not as intense as I am used to from my Canon 7D. Recycling time for RAW is much better than some reviews suggested, I am using a Scandisk Extreme -Pro 95mb/sec card, perhaps that is why, either way no problems. To my eye there is perhaps a general slight over exposure, but RAW adjustment within the NX software supplied is effective. Depth of field work is nice, but then you do have 200mm of lens to play with, likewise for Bokeh (on my experimental shots). Auto focus is acceptable in low light and very good in normal external conditions. The P7700 has manual focus built in which is useful but is operated via stepped adjustment using the rear top hat. It's nice but without the finese of a focus ring, fine adjustment needs 'tweaking' of the tripods position for macro work. Infra-red assist is effective in low light but be prepared for complaints - it's a very bright IR light that has been described as off putting by friends and family subjected to it. With regard video capability I dont really have a view since I dont use it much. It's 1080 HD and there is a button that makes it work! The flash is surprisingly good up to about 6m but there is a hot shoe for an external flash should you want one. I can recommend the Nikon but whether you purchase it really depends on your priorities since all 3 pro-end compacts I considered come with both plus points and limitations. Would I still buy it knowing what I now know? For my balance of use, yes.