New Nikon Coolpix P7700 Updates High-End Compact Line

Nikon has updated their popular P-Series high-end compact camera with the new P7700 – “”the ultimate go-to travel camera or D-SLR companion.” The Nikon Coolpix P7700 bumps resolution from 10 to 12-megapixels, increases video resolution to 1920 x 1080 full HD and replaces the P7100’s tilting LCD screen with a fully articulated 3-inch display. But the most important change to the P7700 is a new, faster, 7.1x 28-200mm (equivalent) f/2.0-4.0 Nikkor VR zoom lens. That’s faster by a full stop across the whole zoom range and will make a real difference for both low light shooting and depth-of-field control. The Nikon tech reps tell me the P7700’s lens is almost twice as big as the P7100’s f/2.8-5.6 zoom and the optical viewfinder had to be eliminated to make room. But honestly, who wouldn’t trade the optical viewfinder for a faster lens?

Nikon Coolpix P7700 Key Features & Specs:

12.2-megapixel 1/1.7-inch backlit CMOS sensor
New 7.1x 28-200 (equivalent) f/2.0-4.0 Nikkor VR optical zoom lens
EXPEED 2 image processing
Sensitivity from ISO 80-3200, expandable to ISO 6400 (Hi 1)
8 frames per second high-speed burst (6 frame limit)
3-inch 921k-dot tilt-swivel 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
Price: $499.95

The P7700 is powered by a large 1/1.7-inch 12.2-megapixel backlit CMOS sensor with Nikon’s EXPEED C2 image processing. Although the processing goes by the same name as the system in the P7100, it’s obviously been improved since the P7700 now has full HD video and can shoot still photos as fast as 8 frames per second (with a 6 frame limit). Of course, the P7700 offers plenty of shooting modes and manual controls, including dual exposure adjustment dials, RAW shooting and bracketing options as well as aperture priority, shutter priority and full manual exposure modes. It even offers manual exposure control for video. For less experienced photographers there’s the Scene Auto Selector mode and 19 Scene Modes.

The new 7.1x f/2.0-4.0 zoom lens on the P7700 is the most compelling feature in my opinion. Most compact cameras with fast aperture lenses have much shorter zoom ranges – usually in the neighborhood of 3x. That big aperture will make a real difference in the versatility and creative control with possible with the P7700. That said, I think large high-end compacts like the Nikon P7700 and the Canon G-Series have become anachronisms. For about the same amount of money, you can now buy interchangeable lens mirrorless cameras that are about the same size and offer much better performance and image quality. I know Nikon will sell plenty of P7700s – especially with that new lens. But I urge anyone who’s considering buying a P7700 to take a close look at the mirrorless camera options. For the Nikon loyalists, consider the Nikon One mirrorless cameras (read our Nikon J1 Pro Review). They don’t have the rugged, professional look and feel of the P7700 but don’t let that fool you – they definitely have better image quality and performance.

The Nikon Coolpix P7700 camera should be available from stores and online dealers next month (September, 2012). The suggested retail price is US $499.95.

Nikon Coolpix P7700 Press Release >>