Digital Trends

Coupling a 2/3-inch 8.31 megapixel CCD imager with an 8.9 - 71.2mm (35 - 280mm equivalent) Nikkor 8x optical zoom lens, the new model stores images on CompactFlash cards (Type-I or Type-II including Microdrives). Other features include a 5-area contrast detect AF system, macro focusing to 3 centimeters, a 235,000 pixel electronic viewfinder, a 1.8-inch LCD tilt / swivel LCD display, a built-in Speedlight flash unit and an external hot shot. Firmware features include burst modes up to 2.5 frames per second, a selection of programmed auto, aperture priority, shutter priority and manual modes, best shot select mode, autoexposure bracketing, shutter speeds from 1/8000 to 8 seconds and ISO ratings from 50 to 400. The Coolpix 8700 offers USB and NTSC / PAL video out connectivity, draws power from EN-EL1, 2CR5 or (with an optional adapter) AA batteries, and has dimensions of 113 x 105 x 78mm. The camera weighs 480 grams without battery or CompactFlash card.