Nikon Coolpix P7100 Review

When one thinks of owning a professional camera, most likely the first things that will come to their mind are DSLR cameras. While this may be right to a very large extent, cameras, which are available in the compact form factor that can also offer some of the features and controls found on professional DSLR cameras. The advantages of having a professional compact camera are that it gives the user the ability to have most of the features of a DSLR in a compact camera body, which is much smaller than a DSLR. Nikon has been releasing professional compact cameras, since sometime now and have been building up on their existing line-up. Nikon recently unveiled the Nikon Coolpix P7100.

The Coolpix P7100 is based on the P7000, which was released last year and has some interesting features, which everyone, including professional photographers can find handy. Read on to know more about this flagship camera from Nikon’s Coolpix range of cameras.

Design and Build Quality
The P7100 is fairly larger than most compact point and shoot cameras found in the market. The camera has an all black finish, giving it a very professional look. The matte finish adds class to the camera. Besides the black finish, there are hints of white on the buttons and the dials indicating the names of the controls. The front of the camera features the lens, complete with a lens ring. One can remove this ring to add another compatible lens upon the existing one. On the face of the camera is a scroll dial, along with the AF assist, function key and the viewfinder. The sides feature the eyelets where one can attach the neck strap that Nikon packed-in along with the camera.

The camera has numerous dials and buttons that help the user control the different settings. There are a total of 7 dials and 10 buttons on the camera, excluding the shutter release button and the 4-way jog dial that doubles up as a scroll dial. Majority of the buttons are located to the right of the screen and a few have been placed on the top of the camera. The 3-inch flip-out screen at the back allows one to conveniently shoot images from either high or low angles. The build quality of the hinges is good and there were no problems, while tilting it. The dial located at the side of the screen has standard camera functions such as timer, macro, etc. This dial acts as a button as well. There are two other dials featured on the back of the camera.

At the top of the camera is a dial for adjusting EV rating, mode dial as well as a handy dial for quickly accessing various settings such as ISO sensitivity, white balance bracketing, etc. As with most cameras, the zoom rocker is attached to the shutter release button. Also placed at the top of the camera is a flash mount allowing one to add an additional flash, if the on-board flash is not sufficient enough. The flash of this camera is housed within the body of the camera and to deploy it, all one has to do is press the flash button on the back of the camera. Connectivity options for the P7100, include a mini HDMI and a proprietary USB port. These ports are located to the  right of the camera and are housed under a plastic flap. The other connectivity option comes in the form of a 3.5mm jack for mic. This is located to the left of the camera and the flap that conceals this port is made out of plastic. When the flaps for the connectors are closed, they flush along the body of the camera, thereby giving the camera a nice look.

The battery bay houses the battery and memory card slot. The flap for it works with a locking mechanism and the build quality feels sturdy. The overall build quality of the camera is really good and it has a rich look and feel to itself. Being a bit bulky, it would be slightly difficult to fit in one's trouser pocket. One would feel comfortable carrying this camera in a bag, instead. Clicking images using the right hand is possible, because of its compact form factor, however, with it being a bit heavy at 395g, the handler may experience some strain.