Since Photokina is approaching very fast, we're seeing more and more new digital cameras being pushed onto the market, one of the latest high-end products of this type to make an appearance being Nikon's new Coolpix P7000 compact digital camera, which guns for the advanced amateur segment, but also for those users looking for a nice camera that will allow them to develop their photography skills.

The 10.1‐megapixel COOLPIX P7000 features a large 1/1.7-inch CCD sensor coupled with a 7.1x Wide Angle Optical Zoom‐NIKKOR ED Glass Lens for consistent superior image quality.

Moreover, the camera also packs Nikon's new EXPEED C2 high performance digital image processing engine to ensure high‐ quality pictures with stunning color and sharpness.

ISO sensitivity ranges from ISO 100 to 6400 (expandable to ISO 12,800 in low noise Night Mode) to ensure good-quality shots when shooting in low‐light or photographing fast‐moving subjects.

The P7000 also offers a variety of functions that enable superior rendering when shooting at high sensitivities, including a Low Noise Night Mode and a Noise Reduction Filter, while the camera also features a 5 - Way VR Image Stabilization System, which utilizes a variety of tactics including optical lens shift to minimize the effect of camera shake to help banish the blur while shooting handheld or in low-light.

The Zoom Memory function allows the camera's 28‐200mm (35mm equivalent) lens to be used in a way that simulates use of a prime lens, ideal for shooting at a preferred angle of view and the P7000 also adds controls and buttons for key features like ISO, white balance, bracketing and exposure compensation.

The new innovative and independent Quick Menu dial ensures easy access to key functions with the comfort of analog operation, while advanced users will also enjoy the benefits of shooting RAW/NRW files for creative freedom, and macro abilities as close as 0.8 inches.

The P7000 can also record HD video at 720p at 24 frames – per - second (fps) with optical zoom and autofocus control, while letting users record audio with an external stereo microphone via the microphone input.

An accessory microphone or Nikon Speedlight can be mounted on the P7000's hot shoe.

Additional features of the Nikon COOLPIX P7000 digital camera include the 3-inch 921,000‐dot Clear Color Display with wide viewing angle, as well as the large optical viewfinder with diopter adjustment dial.

Plus, the camera's Subject Tracking automatically activates autofocus while tracking moving subjects, like active children or unpredictable animals, while the Scene Auto Selector automatically recognizes the shooting situation and adjusts the camera's settings accordingly for great pictures anywhere.

It's also important to mention that the new camera's Electronic Virtual Horizon Indicator gives the user visual confirmation that the camera has a level horizon.

The Nikon COOLPIX P7000 will be available in late September 2010 for $499.95, which is a fairly OK price point, given the numerous features it provides.  

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