8-megapixel sensor captures 3264 x 2448 images for poster-size plus print enlargements
8x optical zoom and 4x digital zoom (for 32x total zoom)
Movie mode with audio; 5-shot buffer mode; fast start-up time
Store images on CompactFlash type I/II memory cards; Microdrive compatible; no memory card included
Editorial Review:
"The Power of Eight". With an impressive 8.0 effective megapixels and a powerful 8x zoom lens, the COOLPIX 8700 is positioned as the line-up'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.
Boasting an impressive 8-megapixel resolution and 8x optical zoom lens, the Nikon Coolpix 8700 is a great choice for professional and advanced amateur photographers. Compared with its predecessor--Nikon's Coolpix 5700--the Coolpix 8700 has a faster start-up time, faster data recording, shorter release time lag and a new AF-Assist illuminator for quick AF operation in low light. It also features a movie mode with audio, a lightweight magnesium alloy body, PictBridge compatibility, and much more.
Optics and Resolution The ultra-high resolution Coolpix 8700 has a 2/3-inch-type CCD that captures up to 3264 x 2448 images for poster-size print enlargements. Other resolution modes include 3264 x 2176, 2592 x 1944, 2048 x 1536, 1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960, 1024 x 768, and 640 x 480. 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 format). It also has a 4x digital zoom. The lens incorporates two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements that minimize chromatic aberration for sharp, clear images. Additionally, the Optical Low-Pass Filter is optimized, which helps the high-definition CCD image sensor get the best optical performance.
See detailed views of the 8700's features:
Front Back Top
Movie Mode In addition to snapping brilliant still photos, the Coolpix 8700 can also capture video with audio. It 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).
More Features The Coolpix 8700 offers Programmed Auto, Shutter-Priority Auto, Aperture-Priority Auto, and Manual, as well as Exposure Compensation for an exceptional degree of exposure control. Nikon's 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. The convenient Best Shot Selector (BSS) function automatically selects the sharpest image from a series of consecutive shots--especially valuable during macro or telephoto shooting.
The 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. The continuous shooting feature captures 2.5 (H) or 1.2 (L) frames per second. Alternatively, you can use the new Multi-shot mode to capture 16 consecutive frames in a single image. It's equipped with a large, vari-angle 1.8-inch LCD monitor for increased visibility--even during bright daylight and a high-resolution EVF (Electronic Viewfinder) that offers greater contrast and clearer images.
Other features include:
Continuous shooting of up to 5 full-size (3,264 x 2,448-pixel) pictures at 2.5 frames per second (fps)
12 Scene Modes: Portrait, Party/Indoor, Night portrait, Beach/Snow, Landscape, Sunset, Night landscape, Fireworks show, Close up, Copy, Back light, and Panorama assist
RAW mode image recording
Accessory shoe to accommodate attachment of external Nikon SB-series Speedlights
Fast shutter speed of 1/4,000 seconds and maximum 10 minute long exposure mode (along with noise reduction mode for long-time exposures)
Printing
The camera's magnesium alloy body is rugged and lightweight.
The Coolpix 8700 is PictBridge compatible, which enables you to transfer pictures from your digital camera to your printer, without a PC or image-editing software. All PictBridge devices share three basic features: camera-to-printer connecting, single-image printing, and uniform error messages (in case something goes wrong)
Storage and Transfer Images and video are stored on CompactFlash memory cards (Type I/II), and the Coolpix 8700 is compatible with MicroDrives (no memory card is included with this package). Files can be downloaded to either a Mac or PC via USB 1.1 connectivity, which means it can be connected to any USB-based Windows 98/Me/2000/XP and Mac OS 8.6 or later computer without installing any software.
Power and Size The camera is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery (EN-EL1, included, captures approximately 210 images). It can also be powered by the optional MB-E5700 battery pack (6 AA batteries). It measures 4.4 by 4.1 by 3.1 inches and weighs 17 ounces (excluding battery).
What's in the Box This package includes the Coolpix 8700 digital camera, rechargeable lithium-ion battery (EN-EL1), battery charger (MH-53), lens cap, camera strap, USB and A/V cables, and CD-ROM with Nikon View editing software and drivers. Optional accessories include: Fisheye Converter (FC-E9), Wideangle Converter (WC-E80), Telephoto Converter (TC-E15ED), Step-Down Ring Lens Adapter (UR-E12), Lens Hood (HR-E5700), Lens Hood (HN-CP11), AC Adapter (EH-53), Car Battery Charger (MH-53C), Remote Cord (MC-EU1), and Soft Case (CS-CP11).
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
My favorite digital I've owned I've had a few digital cameras before this one, and I hated the quality of each and everyone of them. I was a novice (still am very much an amateur, so don't expect technicalities in this review) I was drooling over a Rebel that I can't afford nor, do I know how to use yet when I came across this one. I wanted a camera that took good crisp, clear shots, with good color. I have a digital scrapbooking business and my camera is a HUGE part of my business, so macro shots had to be good too. Plus, I scrap my own... more info
Best of the line The 8700 is the successor to the 5400 and 5700, now with 8:1 zoom. It has all the features of a SLR with a LCD monitor but is smaller and lighter (no interchangeable lenses).
Compact, full featured, great pictures, but not for action scenes I'm a novice photographer and the Nikon 8700 was the first camera I bought
that was a step above the point and shoot Olympus camera I've owned for
over 6 years. I had read many great reviews on this camera and it lived up to all those
expections, minus one: this camera is not ideal for taking sports or
action pictures. I was quite disappointed with the results after trying
to take decent pictures of my sons playing indoor basketball and outdoor
soccer. I finally... more info
Amazing functional camera! This is a wonderful little camera. I started my little addiction to Nikon with a $500 3MP point and shoot. I used it for a long time, this was when digital camera's first became everywhere. I decided to spend the money and get a GOOD new one. This one was perfect. I own a mini DVD camcorder and I'm sad that the quality of video isn't as good as the video from this camera! And easy to add to your computer. I am not a photographer, and this camera was very easy to learn. It has so much it can do, but other... more info