Nikon updates their flagship compact camera spot with the new Coolpix P7800. The core technologies of the P7800 remain the same as its predecessor, with a 12.2-megapixel 1/1.7-inch backlit CMOS sensor, and a 7.1x 28-200 (equivalent) f/2.0-4.0 Nikkor optical zoom with VR optical image stabilization. The main upgrade is a new 921k-dot electronic viewfinder (EVF) – a welcome addition for outdoor shooters, action photographers and people who use the P7800 for video.
Nikon Coolpix P7800 Key Features & Specs:
- 12.2-megapixel 1/1.7-inch backlit CMOS sensor
- 7.1x 28-200 (equivalent) f/2.0-4.0 Nikkor VR optical zoom lens
- New 921k-dot electronic viewfinder (EVF) with diopter
- Sensitivity from ISO 80-3200, expandable to ISO 6400 (Hi 1)
- NRW RAW shooting
- Built-in 3-stop neutral density filters
- 8 frames per second high-speed burst (6 frame limit)
- 3-inch 921k-dot tilt-swivel RGBW LCD display
- 1080p full HD video with built-in stereo mic and manual exposure control
- Built-in pop-up flash with Commander Mode for remote flash control
- Flash / accessory hot shoe
- Compatible with GP-1 GPS unit and ME-1 external stereo microphone
Nikon’s P-Series Coolpix cameras are a popular and proven platform with great features and solid performance. The sensor is large enough to provide better image quality than most compacts and the fast aperture 7.1x zoom offers great performance in a wide variety of conditions. Full HD video with stereo sound, PASM modes with RAW shooting, a flash hot shoe, and a fast 8 FPS burst rate round out the P7800’s feature set. The new EVF will make a real difference, too – especially since the P7700 had no viewfinder at all – just the tilt-swivel LCD display. An eye-level viewfinder offers a third point-of-contact, helping to steady the camera for sharper still photos and smoother handheld video.
The P7800 is up against some very tough competition, though. There are similarly-sized interchangeable lens mirrorless cameras with larger sensors that sell for about the same amount. There are also pocket-sized cameras with performance comparable, or even better than the P7800. When it’s powered down and the lens is collapsed, the P7800 *is* smaller than a mirrorless camera and it does offer great control, performance and image quality. And if you’re already a Nikon DSLR owner with a Speedlight flash or other compatible accessories, then the P7800 is a natural complement to your system. These cameras have always been popular with Nikon owners and I’m sure the P7800 will be, too – especially among photographers who weren’t happy with the viewfinder-less P7700.
One thing that’s notably missing is built-in Wi-Fi, something that’s becoming almost mandatory for new high-end cameras now. The P7800 is compatible with Nikon’s optional WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter but that will cost you an extra $60.
Along with the Coolpix P7800, Nikon is also introducing a new LED video light for Coolpix and Nikon 1 cameras. The Nikon LD-1000 LED Movie Light uses four LED lights and a diffusing dome to create soft, even continuous lighting for videos. It runs on four AAA batteries and comes with a removable bracket.
The Nikon Coolpix P7800 should be available later this month (September, 2013). The suggested retail price is US $549.95. The LD-1000 LED Movie Light is scheduled to be available in October for $99.95.
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