Nikon Coolpix P7800

Nikon Coolpix P7800 on show at IFA in Berlin.

(Credit:

Nick Hide/CNET)

I criticized Canon for its disappointing G16 update to the G series, but Nikon’s no innovation revelation either in this class. The Coolpix P7800, which sort of replaces the P7700 — Nikon cameras never really discontinue, they just fade away — offers just a few enhancements over the P7700, but doesn’t seem to address that camera’s real weaknesses.

For the P7700, Nikon dropped the optical viewfinder, but this year’s P7800 gains an electronic viewfinder. Given how small the direct-view optical finders have become, the EVF is a nice addition. Although the LCD remains 3 inches, it’s now one of the increasingly popular RGBW versions that use an extra set of white pixels to increase visibility and improve brightness. Nikon updated the design slightly, dropping the left-side dial of frequently needed settings and replacing it with a combination of shortcut button and typical quick-control screen.

Nikon Coolpix P7800 and S02 cameras on show at IFA (pictures)

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In all other respects, the camera remains identical to its predecessor: same sensor, same lens, same processing engine (although I’m sure the latter’s been tweaked a bit). The lens is fine and fast, although I did see more distortion than I’d like. But the P7700 was one of the slowest performers in its class — this series has been notoriously slow for generations — and Nikon has said nothing about speed improvements. Even Canon addressed its speed problems for the G16. Nor does Nikon indicate that its done anything to improve photo quality; while not bad, the P7700 did have room for improvement.

Here’s its current competition:

 

Canon PowerShot G16

Fujifilm X20

Nikon Coolpix P7700

Nikon Coolpix P7800

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100
Sensor (effective resolution)

12.1MP CMOS

12MP X-Trans CMOS

12.2MP BSI CMOS

12.2MP BSI CMOS

20.2MP Exmor CMOS

1/1.7-inch 2/3-inch 1/1.7-inch 1/1.7-inch 1-inch
(13.2 x 8.8mm) Sensitivity range ISO 80 – ISO 12800 ISO 100 – ISO 12800 ISO 80 – ISO 3200/6400 (exp) ISO 80 – ISO 3200/6400 (exp) ISO 100 – ISO 25600 Lens 28 – 140mm
f1.8-2.8
5x 28 – 112mm
f2-2.8
4x 28 – 200mm
f2-4
7.1x 28 – 200mm
f2-4
7.1x 28 – 100mm
f1.8-4.9
3.6x Closest focus (inches) 0.4 3.9 0.8 0.8 1.9 Burst shooting 9.3fps
unlimited JPEG 12fps
11 JPEG/n/a raw 8fps
6JPEG/ n/a raw 8fps

6JPEG/ n/a raw 2.5fps
(10fps with fixed exposure)
n/a Viewfinder Optical Optical None EVF None Autofocus n/a
Contrast AF n/a
Contrast AF n/a
Contrast AF n/a

Contrast AF 25-area Contrast AF Metering n/a 256 zones 224 segment 224 segment n/a Shutter 15 – 1/4000 sec 30 – 1/4000 sec 60 – 1/4000 sec 60 – 1/4000 sec 30 – 1/2000 sec; bulb Flash Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Hot shoe Yes yes Yes Yes No LCD 3-inch fixed 922,000 dots 2.8-inch fixed
460,000 dots 3-inch articulated
921,000 dots 3-inch articulated

921,000 dots 3-inch fixed
921,600 dots IS Optical Optical Optical Optical Optical Video (best quality) 1080/60p
H.264 QuickTime MOV
Stereo 1080/60p H.264 QuickTime MOV Stereo 1080/30p
H.264 QuickTime MOV
Stereo 1080/30p

H.264 QuickTime MOV

Stereo 1080/ 60p/50p
AVCHD Stereo Manual iris and shutter in video n/a No Yes Yes Yes Zoom during movies Yes Yes Yes
(Auto only) Yes

(Auto only) n/a Mic input No Yes Yes Yes No Wireless connection Wi-Fi No No Optional
via WU-1a ($59.95) No
Battery life (CIPA rating) 360 shots
(not CIPA standard) 270 shots 330 shots 350 shots 330 shots Size (WHD, inches) 4.4 x 3.0 x 1.6 4.6 x 2.7 x 2.2 4.7 x  2.9 x 2.0 4.7 x  3.1 x 2.0 4.0 x 2.4 x 1.4 Weight (ounces) 12.6 (est) 12.8 13.8 14.1 (est) 8.5 Mfr. Price

$549.99

$599.99

$499.95

$549.95 $649.99 Availability

October 2013

March 2013

September 2012

September 2013 July 2012

With so many companies stepping up the pace in the $500 to $1,000 range, notably Sony, it’s hard to watch when some seem to choose to coast for a year in a particularly competitive market segment.

The LD-1000 LED Movie Light.

(Credit:

Nikon)

On the other hand, in conjunction with the P7800 Nikon has announced an interesting, oddball little accessory for continuous lighting (primarily for video shooting). Its an LED array with diffuser whose head can rotate for indirect illumination. The LD-1000 is “dumb” in the sense that it doesn’t talk to the camera, but that means you can use it with any camera, not just Nikons. You attach it to a bracket that mounts via the tripod connector. It will come in black or white and is slated to ship in October for $99.95.

Nikon Coolpix P7800