Frequently Bought Together
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Nikon COOLPIX P7100: Hands-on preview by dpreview.com
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images? |
Product Description
From the Manufacturer
If you're looking for a compact companion to your D-SLR gear for road trips and vacations, grab the Nikon COOLPIX P7100 and keep on shooting. This portable camera doesn't compromise quality or creativity, delivering the versatility, performance and speed that keeps you in the game. Get amazing photos and HD (720p) movies with intense detail powered by a large 10.1-MP, 1/1.7" CCD sensor and Nikon's imaging technology. Process every moment with faster performance—even minimize image blur with VR image stabilization. Then add in-camera special effects to take your photos in a new direction. You'll keep the photography passion burning.
Superior Nikon image quality
Large 10.1-MP, 1/1.7" CCD image sensor
Perfectly portable, the P7100 delivers high performance to ensure that images and movies astound you with incredible detail and sharpness. A large 10.1-MP, 1/1.7" CCD sensor minimizes image noise and faithfully renders superb color in everything from portraits to travel photos. Fast image processing powers through your most demanding needs for capturing spontaneous shots, frame after frame. The P7100 even minimizes the chance of a blurred shot thanks to VR image stabilization paired to a 7.1x wide angle Zoom-NIKKOR ED glass lens. Keep photography your non-stop passion with a non-stop camera.
Capture the “decisive moment”
High-speed performance
As a photographer, nothing is more important than capturing "the decisive moment." And nothing is more essential than a camera that can grab the moment. The P7100 captures each photo with incredible responsiveness powered by Nikon's EXPEED C2 image processing engine technology. Fire frame after frame the moment you turn on the camera—compose then shoot. Fast auto focus ensures images are caught in sharp detail. Go ahead, shoot in RAW for greater control. Get high-resolution photos or shoot HD movies with the compact, yet powerful P7100 in your pocket. Heed the creative call when the moment beckons.
Pursue your creative vision
Manual control puts you in charge
You see an image a certain way. Pursue that vision. Don't let your camera limit what you create. With the P7100, you control the camera's functionality, which means you have the power to customize each shot the way you desire. The P7100 puts you squarely in the driver's seat via dedicated controls for PSAM and a multitude of camera functionality commands. Every exposure nuance is in your hands. Wish to personalize even more? Consider adding in-camera special effects such as the new Cross Process or HDR.
Put your vision in motion
HD (720p) movies with stereo sound
Put your vision in motion with HD movie recording, and make dazzling photojournalism, travel, even mini documentaries in HD (720p) with stereo sound. The P7100's versatile 7.1x wide angle Zoom-NIKKOR ED glass lens gives you control from wide angle to telephoto to macro. The director in you will love how easy and fun it is to create productions. Tell your own vision.
A new angle on your world
Ultra high-resolution Vari-Angle monitor
The P7100's 3-inch Vari-Angle (921,000-dot) monitor not only delivers great viewing of in-camera still and movie creations, it also lets you take your creative passion to new levels. Whether working indoors or out, capture what you see from most any point of view. Adjust the Vari-Angle monitor, with its Clear Color Display and anti-reflection coating, to observe what the camera sees—even when you're in the most unconventional position or stretching the limits to reach a unique angle.
Level the playing field
Display the Virtual Horizon indicator on the LCD to ensure the camera is level relative to the horizontal plane and also confirm horizontal inclination.
Enhanced NRW (RAW) file format
Nikon's own NRW (RAW) file format contains the original image information captured by the CCD image sensor for each shot. This permanent record of the unprocessed data lets you modify and edit the image freely without worrying about any degradation in image quality.
Product Description
Nikon COOLPIX P7100 ~ 10.1MP Digital Camera, Black
Available Warranties for This Item
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
156 of 158 people found the following review helpful
By Teo Calbaz
For the past two decades I've been an avid photographer. My professional equipment choices have leaned towards Nikon. My point and shoot purchases towards Canon. I was in the market for a camera with the following attributes:
A decent travel camera.
Full Creative and manual controls.
Swing out LCD screen.
Compatibility with the Nikon Creative Lighting System.
Portability
High quality images including RAW output.
Good reliable performance
Good build quality
The Canon G12 was definitely in the running. So was the Olympus XZ1, Panasonic LX5 and the deeply discounted Nikon CoolPix P7000 These were all good camera's mind you. In the end I choose the P7100 after taking the Canon G12 and Nikon P7000 out for a test drive.
For the past week I've been putting my P7100 through its paces.
First thing I noticed was that the 3" LCD screen rendered beautiful almost photo surreal images and made shooting overhead in a crowd or doing Macro photography a breeze. The problems with the menu in the P7000 seemed to have all been ironed out in the P7100. Navigation and overall performance was quick and responsive.
There seems to be a button for everything including two customization buttons that offered quick access to favorite features such as Nikon's D-Lighting for difficult lighting situations or the Virtual Horizon display for taking level photo's.
I have large hands so even though this camera was a little larger then the usual size in this category it felt very comfortable and well balanced, especially with the rubberized grip.
One of the intriguing features was the HDR mode for back-lit situations. As I understand it the P7100 takes several pictures with a little D-Lighting magic and offers up a composite image. It seemed to work perfectly. Just for fun I plugged in my Nikon SB-400 flash. Works beautifully. I didn't really try out the video since I have no need of it.
From Twilight to dusk most of my photo images were keepers.
So here's what we got in Pro's and Con's.
Pro
Abundant manual and creative control.
Articulated 3" 921,000 dot LCD screen.
Built in 2 stop ND filter (wonderful!)
Outstanding battery life
720p @ 30fps video (love the frame rate)
Rubberized covering for good grip
Live Histogram
Con
Stingy Viewfinder. But it's better then nothing.
All of the documentation is PDF's on a CD ROM.
Drivers for RAW files are not available yet for Windows.
720p @ 30fps video (not 1080p but love the frame rate)
Summary
The 35 to 200mm equivalent zoom capability renders beautiful clean photo images from ISO 100 through 400. I had a lot of fun experimenting and playing with the scene modes. The P7100 is quick and responsive. I'm very happy with this camera and its performance. This is a camera for people who want full creative control.
Five Stars!
Update:
Relax and rejoice! Adobe just released the Lightroom 3.5 update that includes Nikon P7100 Raw support. Images look great in Lightroom.
update Nov 2012:
Over a year later. Still love this camera. No complaints. I use it more then my Nikon DSLR D700! Its my go to camera for total creative control.
A decent travel camera.
Full Creative and manual controls.
Swing out LCD screen.
Compatibility with the Nikon Creative Lighting System.
Portability
High quality images including RAW output.
Good reliable performance
Good build quality
The Canon G12 was definitely in the running. So was the Olympus XZ1, Panasonic LX5 and the deeply discounted Nikon CoolPix P7000 These were all good camera's mind you. In the end I choose the P7100 after taking the Canon G12 and Nikon P7000 out for a test drive.
For the past week I've been putting my P7100 through its paces.
First thing I noticed was that the 3" LCD screen rendered beautiful almost photo surreal images and made shooting overhead in a crowd or doing Macro photography a breeze. The problems with the menu in the P7000 seemed to have all been ironed out in the P7100. Navigation and overall performance was quick and responsive.
There seems to be a button for everything including two customization buttons that offered quick access to favorite features such as Nikon's D-Lighting for difficult lighting situations or the Virtual Horizon display for taking level photo's.
I have large hands so even though this camera was a little larger then the usual size in this category it felt very comfortable and well balanced, especially with the rubberized grip.
One of the intriguing features was the HDR mode for back-lit situations. As I understand it the P7100 takes several pictures with a little D-Lighting magic and offers up a composite image. It seemed to work perfectly. Just for fun I plugged in my Nikon SB-400 flash. Works beautifully. I didn't really try out the video since I have no need of it.
From Twilight to dusk most of my photo images were keepers.
So here's what we got in Pro's and Con's.
Pro
Abundant manual and creative control.
Articulated 3" 921,000 dot LCD screen.
Built in 2 stop ND filter (wonderful!)
Outstanding battery life
720p @ 30fps video (love the frame rate)
Rubberized covering for good grip
Live Histogram
Con
Stingy Viewfinder. But it's better then nothing.
All of the documentation is PDF's on a CD ROM.
Drivers for RAW files are not available yet for Windows.
720p @ 30fps video (not 1080p but love the frame rate)
Summary
The 35 to 200mm equivalent zoom capability renders beautiful clean photo images from ISO 100 through 400. I had a lot of fun experimenting and playing with the scene modes. The P7100 is quick and responsive. I'm very happy with this camera and its performance. This is a camera for people who want full creative control.
Five Stars!
Update:
Relax and rejoice! Adobe just released the Lightroom 3.5 update that includes Nikon P7100 Raw support. Images look great in Lightroom.
update Nov 2012:
Over a year later. Still love this camera. No complaints. I use it more then my Nikon DSLR D700! Its my go to camera for total creative control.
83 of 85 people found the following review helpful
By sycamore
I have been using the P7100 for over a month now. I am familiar with the camera as I used the P7000 before (for one year and since it came out). I did have problems with the P7000, but mainly issues with the lens cover not opening fully and those issues developed very early on. The Coolpix P7100 does not exhibit those problems so it's a great camera. I tested it on a 1000 pictures in one week. It takes wonderful pictures with very appealing and natural colors. Everybody comments on the picture quality. So optics are great.
The camera is user friendly with lots of dials that save time. The predecessors did not have all the dials. I have used the camera in all possible modes and find it responsive. I have captured action pictures such as surfers, bikers, runners, volley ball players and the camera delivers wonderful results with very sharp pictures.
I am not a photographer. I just enjoy taking pictures. But I have taken the time to learn the camera. One can snap some shots without bothering with the manual settings. But it can do so much if the user takes the time to learn its potential; and most photographers who use it as a backup do use those features. It's not to be compared to a DSLR. People often make that mistake. However, the picture quality is very close to that of a DSLR. I know, because people who own DSLR have commented on P7100 pictures being very much like those of a DSLR. It's a very smart camera, as long as it is used as it should. If you don't want to bother with the features available then there are other products on the market, simpler and cheaper or just use an iphone.
I love the long (200mm) zoom which is very useful in some situations. Comparable advanced compacts don't have the long zoom.
The camera performs wonderfully in low light - I often take pictures in difficult light conditions (such as mountain scenes),in very low light, twilight etc., and I am consistently happy with the results. But those features were equally good with the P7000.
The RAW write time has improved from the predecessor and is very acceptable now.
It's always possible to find flaws with a camera. People have different expectations. But I use this camera all the time and I love it. I like to challenge it with hard to do shots and I have fun. I always get good results in my opinion (and several other people who saw my pictures). It is the only camera I use. My SLR is a film camera. I don't see the point of switch to DSLR, not with the P7100.
This camera is fairly new and just because someone owns a DSLR, and perhaps a Nikon DSLR does not imply that this person has carefully taken the time with the P7100. Every product requires an acquaintance time. All I can say is that I like what comes out of this camera and I love the pictures that other people take with this camera; and many people take much better pics than me with that same camera.
The only disappointment for me is the lack of a user's guide; but I use the P7000 guide if I need to refer to it should I forget something. The P7100 has few added features though, such as scenes with effects. For the most part I know the camera and rarely need the book, but for someone new to the camera it might be a problem.
I do recommend this camera.
The camera is user friendly with lots of dials that save time. The predecessors did not have all the dials. I have used the camera in all possible modes and find it responsive. I have captured action pictures such as surfers, bikers, runners, volley ball players and the camera delivers wonderful results with very sharp pictures.
I am not a photographer. I just enjoy taking pictures. But I have taken the time to learn the camera. One can snap some shots without bothering with the manual settings. But it can do so much if the user takes the time to learn its potential; and most photographers who use it as a backup do use those features. It's not to be compared to a DSLR. People often make that mistake. However, the picture quality is very close to that of a DSLR. I know, because people who own DSLR have commented on P7100 pictures being very much like those of a DSLR. It's a very smart camera, as long as it is used as it should. If you don't want to bother with the features available then there are other products on the market, simpler and cheaper or just use an iphone.
I love the long (200mm) zoom which is very useful in some situations. Comparable advanced compacts don't have the long zoom.
The camera performs wonderfully in low light - I often take pictures in difficult light conditions (such as mountain scenes),in very low light, twilight etc., and I am consistently happy with the results. But those features were equally good with the P7000.
The RAW write time has improved from the predecessor and is very acceptable now.
It's always possible to find flaws with a camera. People have different expectations. But I use this camera all the time and I love it. I like to challenge it with hard to do shots and I have fun. I always get good results in my opinion (and several other people who saw my pictures). It is the only camera I use. My SLR is a film camera. I don't see the point of switch to DSLR, not with the P7100.
This camera is fairly new and just because someone owns a DSLR, and perhaps a Nikon DSLR does not imply that this person has carefully taken the time with the P7100. Every product requires an acquaintance time. All I can say is that I like what comes out of this camera and I love the pictures that other people take with this camera; and many people take much better pics than me with that same camera.
The only disappointment for me is the lack of a user's guide; but I use the P7000 guide if I need to refer to it should I forget something. The P7100 has few added features though, such as scenes with effects. For the most part I know the camera and rarely need the book, but for someone new to the camera it might be a problem.
I do recommend this camera.
60 of 60 people found the following review helpful
By Frank B
Amazon Verified Purchase
I have had the P7100 for over 3 weeks and I am extremely pleased with it. I think the quality of the RAW images from the P7100 are as good as many a DSLR at ISO 100. The JPEGS are also, excellent. Of course, as the ISOs get higher there is more noise due to the smaller sensor, but it does very well at all ISOs for a compact camera, but do not expect DSLR low noise levels.
I find the ergonomics and features of the P7100 are excellent and very much like a DSLR. I love the articulated LCD. For me, the articulated LCD makes a huge difference. I now am taking photos with perspectives I simply did not try to get before with a fixed LCD. Also, I can steady the camera against my body with the LCD in horizontal position to reduce camera shake and it is easier to see in bright sunlight. There is a Command Dial and a Sub-Command dial and the two dials makes Manual Mode easy to use, although this is not a mode I typically use, as there is no histogram available when using Manual Mode prior to taking the photo and you can not see exposure changes reflected in the LCD, as you can in other modes (P,S,A, ), when using Exposure Compensation. I particularly like the exposure compensation dial and the range of up to +/-3f/stops. Also, the placement of the AE-L/AF_L button is such that I can easily press and hold it with my thumb and press the shutter with my index finger (you can not release it without canceling the setting). There is also a Quick Menu Dial that allows you to access many parameters without having to go through the menu system. The menu system is O.K. but it could be better arranged. I find that there are enough buttons and dials (which are laid out well) so that I do not need to access the menus much. There are also 3 custom user modes that can be set up, but I have not done so. Some people say that having an optical viewfinder which is small and shows "only" 80% of the field of view makes it next to useless. I do not agree. In situations where it is difficult to see the LCD (so far I have not had to use the optical viewfinder due to this problem with my P7100) or for action photos it is very useful. Also, the optical viewfinder held against your face helps to steady the camera and reduce camera shake. Of course, the Nikon 7100 has built in vibration reduction. My P7100 is replacing my P7000 which had a fixed LCD and I did use the optical viewfinder when I had trouble seeing the LCD and for action shots and it was very useful. The fastest shutter speed is 1/4000, however it can only be used at wide angle and f/8. So for practical purposes the fastest shutter speed available is usually 1/2000. There is a built in neutral density filter enabling you to reduce exposure by 3 f/stops to avoid overexposure. Also, the built in flash has exposure compensation of +/-2 f/stops available. I believe you can use Nikon external Speedlight flashes SB-400, 600, 700 and 900, as well as the Su-800 wireless commander with the P7100. However, I don't know if all the features of these flashes can be used. I think for example, to use a wireless flash you may need the Commander.
I find that the speed of the P7100 is fine with the menus changing quickly and generally fast focus. There are times when focus slows down and I may have to change the focus setting to get focus. This occurs in low contrast situations. Overall, though I am happy with the way it focuses. The time it takes to write RAW files and RAW/JPEG is a little slow and Nikon hopefully will improve on this in the future "editions". Also, the number of frames per second is low compared to some cameras, so action photography is a bit more of a challenge. I think that to get faster frame rates Nikon would have to use a different type of sensor and probably this would result in a lessening of picture quality. So I am happy that Nikon did not go that route and I like the extra challenge of catching the moment rather than relying on the camera to take a bunch of frames.
The P7100 is about as heavy and large as I am willing to accept in a compact camera. However, it fits easily into the front pocket of my shorts and into my jacket pocket. I can also just squeeze it into the front pocket of my well worn jeans. My only purpose in switching from a DSLR to a smaller camera was so I could carry it in my pocket and 'forget' about it. The P7100 meets those requirements and the extra size and heft, compared to some compacts, gives it a very nice feel in my hands. The reason I chose the P7100 over its competitors was because of the extra focal length on the telephoto side. For me, the new small interchangeable lens mirrorless cameras with an equivalent focal range of 28mm to 200mm lens are still too big and heavy to bother with. I do have the Nikon wide angle converter and adapter for the P7100 so I have a total focal length range of 21mm to 200mm equivalent - when I decide to carry the converter/adapter with me. :)
I will not comment on the P7100's video capabilities, as I do not use video.
For my photographic purposes I would rate the P7100 with 4.5 stars. It is the best compact camera I have owned. I rounded up to 5 stars rather than down to 4 stars when I rated it above. I highly recommend it.
I find the ergonomics and features of the P7100 are excellent and very much like a DSLR. I love the articulated LCD. For me, the articulated LCD makes a huge difference. I now am taking photos with perspectives I simply did not try to get before with a fixed LCD. Also, I can steady the camera against my body with the LCD in horizontal position to reduce camera shake and it is easier to see in bright sunlight. There is a Command Dial and a Sub-Command dial and the two dials makes Manual Mode easy to use, although this is not a mode I typically use, as there is no histogram available when using Manual Mode prior to taking the photo and you can not see exposure changes reflected in the LCD, as you can in other modes (P,S,A, ), when using Exposure Compensation. I particularly like the exposure compensation dial and the range of up to +/-3f/stops. Also, the placement of the AE-L/AF_L button is such that I can easily press and hold it with my thumb and press the shutter with my index finger (you can not release it without canceling the setting). There is also a Quick Menu Dial that allows you to access many parameters without having to go through the menu system. The menu system is O.K. but it could be better arranged. I find that there are enough buttons and dials (which are laid out well) so that I do not need to access the menus much. There are also 3 custom user modes that can be set up, but I have not done so. Some people say that having an optical viewfinder which is small and shows "only" 80% of the field of view makes it next to useless. I do not agree. In situations where it is difficult to see the LCD (so far I have not had to use the optical viewfinder due to this problem with my P7100) or for action photos it is very useful. Also, the optical viewfinder held against your face helps to steady the camera and reduce camera shake. Of course, the Nikon 7100 has built in vibration reduction. My P7100 is replacing my P7000 which had a fixed LCD and I did use the optical viewfinder when I had trouble seeing the LCD and for action shots and it was very useful. The fastest shutter speed is 1/4000, however it can only be used at wide angle and f/8. So for practical purposes the fastest shutter speed available is usually 1/2000. There is a built in neutral density filter enabling you to reduce exposure by 3 f/stops to avoid overexposure. Also, the built in flash has exposure compensation of +/-2 f/stops available. I believe you can use Nikon external Speedlight flashes SB-400, 600, 700 and 900, as well as the Su-800 wireless commander with the P7100. However, I don't know if all the features of these flashes can be used. I think for example, to use a wireless flash you may need the Commander.
I find that the speed of the P7100 is fine with the menus changing quickly and generally fast focus. There are times when focus slows down and I may have to change the focus setting to get focus. This occurs in low contrast situations. Overall, though I am happy with the way it focuses. The time it takes to write RAW files and RAW/JPEG is a little slow and Nikon hopefully will improve on this in the future "editions". Also, the number of frames per second is low compared to some cameras, so action photography is a bit more of a challenge. I think that to get faster frame rates Nikon would have to use a different type of sensor and probably this would result in a lessening of picture quality. So I am happy that Nikon did not go that route and I like the extra challenge of catching the moment rather than relying on the camera to take a bunch of frames.
The P7100 is about as heavy and large as I am willing to accept in a compact camera. However, it fits easily into the front pocket of my shorts and into my jacket pocket. I can also just squeeze it into the front pocket of my well worn jeans. My only purpose in switching from a DSLR to a smaller camera was so I could carry it in my pocket and 'forget' about it. The P7100 meets those requirements and the extra size and heft, compared to some compacts, gives it a very nice feel in my hands. The reason I chose the P7100 over its competitors was because of the extra focal length on the telephoto side. For me, the new small interchangeable lens mirrorless cameras with an equivalent focal range of 28mm to 200mm lens are still too big and heavy to bother with. I do have the Nikon wide angle converter and adapter for the P7100 so I have a total focal length range of 21mm to 200mm equivalent - when I decide to carry the converter/adapter with me. :)
I will not comment on the P7100's video capabilities, as I do not use video.
For my photographic purposes I would rate the P7100 with 4.5 stars. It is the best compact camera I have owned. I rounded up to 5 stars rather than down to 4 stars when I rated it above. I highly recommend it.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
2.0 out of 5 stars
The lens doesn't open
The camera is not bad in and of itself, but, like many others, I am having to send it in for repairs because the lens stopped opening completely. Read more
Published 38 minutes ago by Carolyn Dandenault
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Pictures!
I know nothing about cameras but wanted something that took better pictures than your typical "point and shoot" camera. Tried this because the price was good (299. Read more
Published 3 days ago by Abcdef
5.0 out of 5 stars
Simply awesome
it's very hard choose a camera, nowadays there are a lot of options of really good cameras, i get canon, sony, olympus, and nikon. Read more
Published 7 days ago by Felipe Raigoza
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing camera
Tons of features, great aperture, great external controls.
Take great shots low noise on hi iso, and good low light non-flash movement shooting.
Take great shots low noise on hi iso, and good low light non-flash movement shooting.
Published 24 days ago by Ben Johnson
5.0 out of 5 stars
A SERIOUS COMPACT FOR JUST ABOUT EVERYONE
This camera has been on the market now for nearly 2 years so it's probably a little late to write a review. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Robert D. Williams
5.0 out of 5 stars
I love this compact camera!
I had an old kodak compact superzoom, that was getting on in years, so when looking for a replacement I picked this one. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Michael A. Bise
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good learning camera, good Nikon service
Almost one year of usage. Over 3800 pictures taken. Satisfied with the picture quality and details. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Geoscientist
4.0 out of 5 stars
Nikon Coolpix P7100
My first thought was "do I need another camera"? I already have a Nikon D5000 DSLR. But, I needed to have an easy camera for my weekly hiking group expeditions. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Michael J. Gallagher
2.0 out of 5 stars
Great when it works
Takes great pictures and video when it works. Had to sent it back twice under warranty (first the shutter broke, then the mic on the video gave out). Read more
Published 2 months ago by HomeOwner
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very pleased
I am an amateur photographer. I am still learning what all the bells and whistles do. So far the camera is what I expected: a quality point and shoot with a viewfinder.
Published 2 months ago by Dan c
