Nikon Coolpix P7100 Review

The Nikon Coolpix P7100 is the update to the Nikon Coolpix P7000 adding a front dial, tilting screen and according to Nikon "Enhanced high speed performance, quick response, a new user interface and HD movie recording." They also moved a few of the buttons around. 

Nikon Coolpix P7100 Features


Nikon Coolpix P7100

Key Features
10.2 megapixel 1/1.7inch CCD Sensor
7.1x VR Optical zoom lens (28-200mm 35mm equivalent)
3inch 921k dots, vari-angle screen
Horizontal level
720p Video, Stereo, Microphone socket
RAW (Nikon NRW)
ISO100-6400
HDR Mode / Backlighting
P/A/S/M
Optical viewfinder
2cm Macro mode
Effects


Nikon Coolpix P7100 Handling

Handling - A redesigned front grip and a new front "Sub-command dial", a redesigned rear thumb grip, (previously there was a button there, but it's now been moved) and the tilting screen are the most obvious changes compared to the previous model. There is an optical viewfinder with an 80% view. The viewfinder is quite small but could be handy in extremely bright outside weather.

The camera is quite big, but when switched off it will fit in baggy trouser pockets. The top left dial is the "Quick menu dial" and on the back is the "Main command dial", as well as the "Rotary multi-selector" surrounding the OK button. There is a basic 24 page printed manual, with the full 260 page manual on CD. The exposure compensation dial is quite useful, and when you have this on, a small orange light is lit up.


Nikon Coolpix P7100

Menus - The menus are split into the usual Photo / Playback and Setup - they are clear and easy to read. Another set of menus are accessible through the Quick Menu Dial where you can set Quality, ISO, WB, Bracketing, My Menu and Colour. Colour options are: Standard, neutral, vivid and black and white with each of these customised so you can set sharpness, contrast and saturation. The black and white option lets you set a colour cast, such as sepia and cyanotype (blue), as well as set a filter effect (yellow, orange, red, green). The function buttons can be customised and you can set function 1 to MF, Metering, Continuous, Flash exp. compensation, Active D-Lighting and Manual flash level (when used in combination with a command dial) and function 2 to Virtual horizon, view/hide histograms, view/hide framing grid and built in ND filter.


Nikon Coolpix P7100

Battery Life - Rated at 350 shots (according to CIPA standards), we were able to take just over 350 shots with a fully charged battery, this is quite good compared to a number of other compact cameras.



Speed - We took a number of shots to test the camera's responsiveness, from switch on to first photo, shot to shot, focusing speed etc. We take a number of shots and then use the average to ensure accurate and consistent tests, making it easy to compare with other cameras. We have shown the Panasonic Lumix GF3 here as a comparison.


Nikon Coolpix P7100
Panasonic GF3
Shutter Response <0.05 <0.05
Wide - Focus / Shutter Response 0.2
0.2*
Full zoom - Focus / Shutter Response 0.2
0.2*
Switch on Time to Taking a Photo 2.3
0.9
Shot to Shot without Flash 2s
0.6
Shot to Shot with Flash 2.4s
1.3
Continuous Shooting
(shots before slow down) 1fps (~)
4fps (13 shots)
Continuous Shooting - Flash 1fps (3 shots)
N/A
Continuous Shooting - RAW 1.4fps (5 shots)
4fps (6 shots)
Focusing and shutter response is quick, although continuous shooting and shot-to-shot time isn't especially impressive. Menus are quite quick, and once you get used to setting the controls, this becomes quite quick as well.



Nikon Coolpix P7100

Nikon Coolpix P7100 Performance
Here are several sample photos taken in a variety of lighting conditions, click "Hi-Res" to view full size sample photos, there are more sample photos in the equipment database where you can also add your own photos: