The dpreview has published the test shots for Nikon Coolpix P7700. The camera uses 1/1.7" back-illuminated sensor, and it seems that the images are slightly better at higher iso. Similar (the same?) sensor is present in the latest advanced compact cameras from other manufacturers (Olympus XZ-2). Nikon P7700 has very attractive lens, the longest in advanced compact cameras, covering 28-200 mm (35 mm eqv) with fairly big maximal aperture, F2.0-F4.0. [Fuji X-S1 has even bigger zoom and bigger sensor but it is not really compact camera]. While P7700 lost an optical viewfinder of its predecessor, it has a fully articulated screen and extensive external controls. Frankly, the difference in image quality between cameras in the same category is not huge, and I suspect that the "fine-tuning" of any advance model can have bigger effect. For example, I use the lowest setting for noise reduction on Fuji X10, and most my pictures were taken at iso 100 or 200, and I am happy with the resolution. I wish Fuji X10 would have build-in neutral density filter as Nikon P7700 or Panasonic LX7, because the maximal shutter speed on Fuji X10 at open aperture is about 1/1000 sec, and on sunny day at some point the diffraction can be an issue.
On other hand, right now Nikon 1 mirrorless camera can be bought on
Amazon for less than 500 USD for a single lens kit (10-30mm), and two lens kit (including 30-100mm lens) is priced at 600+. While the whole thing is not compact, it is not huge camera by any means. The images are amazingly good for 1" sensor. While kit lenses are not fast, the focus is very fast, and 30-110mm lens offer longer reach (~300 mm 35mm equv) compared to P7700. At that price it is very tempting buy. For sure, Nikon 1 V2 will be better camera, but it is not announced yet, and the price probably will be higher.
For me the advantage of compact cameras such as P7700 are: bright optics, external controls (buttons and dials) and super-macro mode. I have not mentioned size and weight because my Fuji X10 is not significantly smaller or lighter than Nikon 1 cameras with 10-30mm lens. Frankly, I prefer to have camera with good lens over pocketable camera, but it is personal folly. Just to be clear: compact cameras such as Olympus XZ-1 / XZ-2 or Panasonic LX7 produce very good images, but the manual zoom on Fuji X10 is just joy to use. For me Fuji X10 is a toy camera: I like to play with it :-)
No comments:
Post a Comment