Review of the Nikon Coolpix 8700 Digital Camera - an 8-Megapixel CCD Powerhouse

In the search for a digital camera that’s packed with professional features but can be used by the amateur, coming across the Nikon Coolpix 8700 is to photographers what the Lost Dutchman mine is to treasure hunters. It has one of the largest megapixel resolution systems available – 8 effective megapixels – despite being two years on the market. The good news for consumers is that the camera is moderately priced, supported well by Nikon and can deliver excellent quality prints up to 20” by 30”. 

This is truly the last step before moving to a Digital SLR. The features of the 8700, however, are so advanced as to make moving to an SLR format unnecessary. 

Size and Speed - recall that phrase about big things in small packages?
It’s arguably the lightest and the smallest of 8 megapixel though it features a rugged and powerful Nikkor ED-glass 8x fixed zoom lens that rates the 35mm equivalent of a 35-280mm autofocus telephoto. Add to that a choice of four metering options – center weighted, 256-segment Matrix metering, Spot or Autofocus Spot options. The center-weight is perfect for a central subject, especially portraits; the Matrix for most shots on the fly; Spot for targeting a specific area and AF spot to engage focus and metering on a specific area of a subject. Don’t overlook the shutter speed on this unit – as fast as 1/4,000th of a second and as prolonged as 8 full seconds. Artistic images caught by literally stopping time with the faster speeds and by drawing time out in slow motion (great for water and unusual lighting effects in both directions).