Customer Reviews
Avg. Customer Review:  Nikon 8700 - At last a digital that's better than film, March 16, 2004

The Nikon 8700 looks great on first sight, the quality is really good. It replaces my Nikon 5000 which was Ok but the progress made by Nikon since the 5000 was released is clear to see. I doubt the increase from 5 to 8 megapix will make that much difference to me as I only usually print at 6x8 and very occasionally 8x10.

Beth, my wife, has a 5700 which I bought for her at Christmas, the quality as you would expect is the same at 5megapix as the 8700. My reason for choosing the 8700 was the Scene mode, when I stopped using my Nikon SLR due to its size, I bought a Canon Z135 which had a scene mode and I used all the time.

The real benefit of the 8700 scene mode is that stuff like white balance, colour saturation and metering method are set up, this is the sort of detail you tend to ignore when photographing sunsets or snow scenes etc. The Scene menu is much, much easier to use on the 8700 that I expected, all 12 modes are available through the viewfinder, control panel or monitor without the need to access menus, I found the menus on the 5000 so cumbersome I just set up the main options I use, like spot metering etc on the 3 custom settings, I had to remember which was which, but it worked OK

The 8700 (and 5700) works much more like a SLR than a compact. If you don’t want to use interchangeable lenses, I would suggest there is little reason for choosing a digital SLR. The quality and range of the 8x optical zoom lens is all, most photographers could desire. The 8700 doesn’t require the cleaning of the CCD that the SLR digital need.

The camera is nice and light, but heavy enough to hold steadily, a problem with smaller compacts. It’s too large to slip into a pocket, so the Nikon 4200 or similar would probably be more suitable albeit with some drop in quality from the optics and less functionality.

The colour quality looks exceptional, there appears to be no noticeable purple fringing which is supposed to be a problem with the other 6 and 8 megapix cameras. It is slightly visible on the edge of bright white when the maximum zoom is used on the computer, this equates to a print of around 10 by 8 FEET.

The 8700 is a ‘snugger’ fit in the Nikon case than the 5700, due to the ‘extra bit’ on the monitor, but it’s not a problem, the case soon eases.

Just a few words of caution. There are two methods of transferring pictures to a computer, PTP (Picture Transfer Protocol) or Mass Storage. The default is Mass Storage as it works with all Windows versions since 98 whereas PTP only works with XP. There was no way my XP professional would work on Mass Storage, it kept returning “CF card not present or installed incorrectly” message. The card was clearly storing pictures OK though. The warning wasn’t clear as to why it wouldn’t transfer so I reformatted the CF card and reseated it several times before switching to PTP and away it went. For new users of Nikon digital, there doesn’t appear to be a version of Fotostation with the new software which is a shame, it can be bought separately but Nikon View 6 or Photoshop are both included to manage the pictures. Installing the new version of Nikon View didn’t interfere with Fotostation and readily acknowledged it. There is a small colour problem with RAW image and Nikon View 6 for which there is a downloadable fix, my 8700 came with the upgraded version. I love Scene mode, but find Portrait option too soft.

In summary, anyone thinking of moving to digital who demands high quality won’t be disappointed in any way with the 8700 (or 5700 if you don’t need 8mpix or Scene mode).

Nikon Coolpix 8700 Specifications

A new flagship for the Nikon COOLPIX series with 8.0 effective megapixels and an 8x Zoom-Nikkor ED lens

With an impressive 8.0 effective megapixels and a powerful 8x zoom lens, the COOLPIX 8700 is positioned as the lineup's newest flagship model. It delivers unmatched image quality - a hallmark of all Nikon products - and offers an advanced ergonomic design that greatly enhances operational ease and comfort.

The camera primarily targets users who already explore advanced forms of photographic expression, but are unsatisfied with current compact digital cameras. The COOLPIX 8700 meets their demands, especially those that require state-of-the-art image quality, higher zoom power and even greater portability and ease of use. Anyone in search of an extremely versatile, high-quality digital still camera will find the COOLPIX 8700 loaded with possibilities.

The COOLPIX 8700 carries an astonishing 8.0 effective megapixels for ultrahigh-definition photography. The professional-quality 8x Zoom-Nikkor lens ensures the clarity of your images. With its 8.9 - 71.2mm focal range (equivalent to 35 - 280mm in 35mm [135] camera format), the lens incorporates two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) lens elements to minimize chromatic aberration and give you clear and crisp image reproduction. In addition, the Optical Low-Pass Filter is optimized, which helps the new high-definition CCD image sensor make the most the incredible optical performance. The result is remarkably clear, natural images with unparalleled detail and contrast. The basic performance of the COOLPIX 8700 has also improved. This includes faster start-up time, faster data recording, shorter release time lag and a new AF-Assist illuminator for quick AF operation in low light.

The camera incorporates four exposure modes: Programmed Auto [P], Shutter-Priority Auto [S], Aperture-Priority Auto [A] and Manual [M] combine to give you the greatest degree of creative control possible. The COOLPIX 8700 also offers [AUTO] mode, in which the camera automatically selects appropriate exposures and shutter speeds, giving users high-quality point-and-shoot capability. And for striking images in practically any situation, the new COOLPIX features 12 versatile [SCENE] modes. Simply select the mode appropriate to your lighting conditions, and the camera is able to automatically adjust the focus, flash, contrast, sensitivity and white balance.

The COOLPIX 8700 features many advanced digital controls, such as BSS (Best Shot Selector), AE-BSS (Auto Exposure-Best Shot Selector) mode, Noise Reduction mode, Saturation Control and White Balance Bracketing. These are often crucial to obtaining optimum image quality. To help ensure that you don't miss those unexpected or fleeting moments, the COOLPIX 8700 also has a 5 shot buffer mode. Handy, innovative features such as movie capability with audio and the Time-lapse movie mode further enhance versatility, which is ideal for observational recording.

The newest member of the COOLPIX family comes equipped with a large, Vari-angle LCD monitor for increased visibility - even during bright daylight. Moreover, the improved high-resolution EVF (Electronic Viewfinder) offers greater contrast and clearer images. And the compact, lightweight magnesium (Mg) alloy body has been designed for maximum durability and portability, with a secure, comfortable grip for stability during shooting.

New Framing guides on the LCD monitor offer an optional means of achieving ideal composition, and the new real-time histogram display lets you select the best exposure value while shooting. For those who desire more creative freedom when editing, the COOLPIX 8700 also offers RAW data image mode.

The COOLPIX 8700 comes loaded with all the essential accessories: a battery and charger, an A/V cable, a USB cable and the comprehensive Nikon View software package. The camera is also compatible with a host of optional accessories, including wideangle, telephoto and fisheye converters. It can also be fitted with a Lens Hood that uses lens filters. In addition, the COOLPIX 8700's accessory shoe accommodates a number of Nikon's external Speedlights.

This incredible array of features and quality accessories helps make the COOLPIX 8700 a truly special achievement in digital photography.

Note: Specifications, design, product name, standard accessories, and release schedule may differ by country or area.

Nikon Coolpix 8700 Feature Highlights

Astonishing image quality
8.0 effective megapixels: The 2/3-inch-type CCD realizes 8.0 effective megapixels, which makes images of exceptionally high definition possible - even when cropped.

8x optical zoom: The 8x optical Zoom-Nikkor lens (f/2.8 - 4.2) offers a focal range of 8.9 - 71.2mm (equivalent to 35 - 280mm in 35mm [135] format). The lens incorporates two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements that minimize chromatic aberration for sharp, clear images.
Advanced image-processing technology: Nikon's exclusive image processing technology ensures natural color reproduction, detail and gradation. Its 256-segment Matrix Metering system enables optimal exposures in even the most challenging lighting conditions, while its Matrix Auto White Balance neutralizes color deviations created by ambient light sources.

Amazing creative potential
Exposure control: The COOLPIX 8700 offers Programmed Auto [P], Shutter-Priority Auto [S], Aperture-Priority Auto [A], and Manual [M], as well as Exposure Compensation for an exceptional degree of exposure control. Moreover, the camera's [AE-BSS] mode analyzes the tonal range and gradation of each image from a series of 5 consecutive shots and then automatically selects the one with the best relative exposure.

Macro Function: In Macro Mode, the COOLPIX 8700 delivers sharply focused images of subjects from as close as 3cm (1.2 in.).

BSS (Best Shot Selector): This convenient function automatically selects the sharpest image from a series of consecutive shots - especially valuable during macro or telephoto shooting.
RAW mode image recording: For those who desire more creative freedom when editing, the COOLPIX 8700 offers RAW data image mode.

Built-in Speedlight: The COOLPIX 8700 offers various flash modes, including Auto Flash, Flash Cancel, Red-Eye Reduction, Anytime Flash, and Night Portrait (Slow Sync Flash)

System compatibility: The COOLPIX 8700 is compatible with a broad range of quality accessories, including Wideangle Converter WC-E80, Telephoto Converter TC-E15ED, Fisheye Converter FC-E9, Remote Cord MC-EU1 and Lens Hood HR-5700. This also includes Lens Hood HN-CP11, which accommodates the attachment of a lens filter (77mm dia.). And the COOLPIX 8700's accessory shoe works with a broad range of Nikon's high-quality external SB-series Speedlights for even more flexibility in flash photography. Battery Pack MB-E5700 is also compatible with the COOLPIX 8700.

Versatile functions
12 Scene Modes: Users can enjoy flexibility with 12 Scene Modes: Portrait, Party/Indoor, Night portrait, Beach/Snow, Landscape, Sunset, Night landscape, Fireworks show, Close up, Copy, Back light, and Panorama assist. Just select the mode appropriate to the subject and the COOLPIX 8700 ensures the optimum exposure for the composition.

Continuous shooting: Enjoy continuous shooting at 2.5 (H) or 1.2 (L) frames per second, or use the new Multi-shot mode to capture 16 consecutive frames in a single image. Interval Timer shooting is also possible.

Movie modes: The camera offers four movie modes: TV movie (640 x 480 pixels; 30 fps) with audio, Small movie (320 x 240 pixels; 15 fps) with audio, Sepia movie (320 x 240 pixels; 5 fps) with audio, and Time-lapse movie (640 x 480 pixels; 30 fps).

Support functions: The COOLPIX 8700 offers convenient functions for you to take beautiful shots. Framing guides are displayed on the LCD monitor for ideal composition, and the real-time Histogram display helps you to choose the best exposure value.

Sophisticated design
Sturdy body: The Nikon Coolpix 8700 has a lightweight magnesium alloy body that is ergonomically designed for comfortable operation.

Vari-angle LCD monitor: The 1.8-inch-type Vari-angle LCD monitor ensures high visibility and makes shooting from almost any angle a possibility.

EVF: The improved Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) provides high resolution for greater contrast and clearer image display.

Nikon View Software
The supplied Nikon View Software allows users to browse uploaded images in thumbnail format (for a comprehensive view) or in an enlarged format (for closer inspection). The software also allows users to adjust the color balance, change the size of images for e-mailing or web posting, run a slide show of selected images and print them directly. Nikon View offers the ease of use that hobbyists require, the features that professionals demand and the adaptability everyone needs in order to serve in a diverse array of commercial and industrial applications.

Nikon Coolpix 8700 Major Features

• 8.0 effective megapixels
• 8x optical Zoom-Nikkor ED lens (equivalent to 35mm-280mm in 35mm [135] format).
• Nikon's updated, advanced image-processing algorithm on the system LSI for clear, crisp, color-accurate images
• Continuous shooting of up to 5 full-size (3,264 x 2,448-pixel) pictures at 2.5 frames per second (fps)
• Quick response: instant startup, reduced shutter release time lag and fast image processing
• 12 versatile preset Scene Modes
• Programmed Auto [P], Shutter-Priority Auto [S], Aperture-Priority Auto [A] and Manual [M] exposure control modes
• Superb Macro shooting capability as close as 3cm (1.2 in.) supported by convenient Best Shot Selector (BSS) function
• AE-BSS (Auto Exposure-BSS) for automatic selection of the best relative exposure - choose from highlighted or shadowy areas
• Nikon's exclusive 256-segment Matrix Metering, complemented by Center-Weighted, Spot and Spot AF area metering
• Fast, accurate Five-Area Multi Autofocus with the new AF-assist illuminator that assures sharp focusing in difficult compositions and low light
• Fast shutter speed of 1/4,000 sec. (available in all exposure modes) and maximum 10 min. Long-time exposure modes (Bulb and Time)
• Noise Reduction mode for long-time exposures
• Saturation control (5 steps and B&W) for in-camera color control
• 5 shot buffer mode retains the last 5 shots when the shutter button is continually pressed and then released in order to capture unexpected or fleeting moments
• Interval Timer Shooting takes a series of successive still images at preset intervals
• Movie - TV movie (640 x 480 pixels; 30 fps) with audio, Small movie (320 x 240 pixels; 15 fps) with audio, or Sepia movie (320 x 240 pixels; 5 fps) with audio, or Time-lapse movie (640 x 480 pixels; 30 fps) without audio
• Accessory shoe to accommodate attachment of external Nikon SB-series Speedlights
• Large vari-angle highly transmissible advanced TFT-LCD monitor for greater visibility - even in daylight
• The high resolution EVF (Electronic Viewfinder) enables clear image display with backlight illumination
• Tough, lightweight magnesium (Mg) alloy body featuring highly ergonomic design
• Extended battery life of approx. 210 images with Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL1, and 240 images with 2CR5
• System versatility, featuring compatibility with a wide range of COOLPIX converter lenses (Fisheye/Wideangle/Telephoto), a new filter-attachable Lens Hood and other accessories
• Nikon View Software is a highly versatile application for easy image transfer to computer, editing, e-mailing and printing
• Included accessories: Lens Cap, Camera Strap, AV Cable, USB Cable UC-E1, Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL1, Battery Charger MH-53, Nikon View CD-ROM