The Coolpix P7000 has a relatively streamlined shooter's design and useful feature set.
Lori Grunin
I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology and handed out buying advice for what seems like forever; I'm currently absorbed by computers and gaming hardware, but previously spent many years concentrating on cameras. I've also volunteered with a cat rescue for over 15 years doing adoptions, designing marketing materials, managing volunteers and, of course, photographing cats.
Slightly bigger and heavier than the Canon PowerShot G12, the P7000 has the same fundamental design as that model, but with a longer lens.
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Controls
I like the operation of the P7000's back selector dial better than the G12's; it's far less prone to accidental selections. That button on the right is for changing your focus mode and area.
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Adjustment dial
I like the location of the adjustment dial better here than on the G12; it falls close enough to your thumb that it feels natural to operate.
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Optical viewfinder
Though shaped differently than the G12's, the viewfinder on the P7000 is about the same size and quality. It's especially useful on this camera, since its display doesn't swivel or tilt, so you can't get better visibility on it in direct sunlight.
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No, that's not Pac-Man getting hit by lightning
It's the button to pop the flash.
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Shooting options
This is a very interesting control for adjusting shooting options. The middle button on the Quick Menu dial pulls up the options for whichever setting is selected. I like the concept as well as the execution. However, when the flash is raised, that button is the only place to grip with your left hand.
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Shooting controls
In addition to the usual manual, semimanual, and automatic shooting modes, the P7000 has three user settings modes. I especially like the way you configure them, completely through the menus (see next slide).
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Custom settings
It's easy to program the custom setting options on the P7000. For instance, in order to create a setting based on shutter priority mode, you can simply select that mode; you don't have to be on it on the dial in advance. This makes it especially easy to update existing settings.
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Shooting display
The P7000's level takes up a bit too much real estate in the display.
