Nikon Coolpix 5700 5MP Digital Camera w/ 8x Optical Zoom Review
Nikon Coolpix 5700 5MP Digital Camera w/ 8x Optical Zoom Feature
- 5.0 megapixel sensor creates 2,560 x 1,920 images for prints at 11 x 14 and beyond
- 8x optical zoom and 4 x digital zoom for 32x total; provides an equivalent zoom range of 35mm-280mm in 35mm photography
- Includes 16 MB CompactFlash card; MicroDrive compatible
- Connects with PCs and Macs via USB port
- Uses 1 rechargeable Li-ion EN-EL1 battery (included)
Building on the success of the amateur range of Coolpix cameras, Nikon has introduced the Coolpix 5700 in an attempt to bridge the gap between the amateur and professional markets. This time around Nikon has gone for a semicompact feel, combining an almost palm-size unit with a powerful features one would expect to find on a high-specification midrange digital camera.
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| The swiveling, swing-out screen on the Coolpix 5700 makes it easier to frame self-portrait, overhead, and floor-level shots. |
The Coolpix 5700 comes equipped with an automatic pop-up flash, plus a hot-shoe for additional flash units. The bundled NikonView 5 browser software makes it simple to download, organize, and print images. The package includes a lens cap, camera strap, 16 MB CompactFlash card, AV cable, USB cable, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and battery charger. It is compatible with CompactFlash memory cards (Type I or II), as well as IBM Microdrives.
The 5700 allows the use of the viewfinder or the LCD monitor (which rotates through 180 degrees after it's opened out) for framing a picture, providing full freedom of movement and allowing you to capture a picture at any angle--no matter how obtuse. Zoom capability has been increased on the 5700, and the camera features an impressive 8x optical zoom, the results from which are good at all levels and distances. Supporting a maximum resolution of 2,560 x 1,920 (4.91 megapixels), an ISO range of 100 to 800, and a top shutter speed of 1/4,000, this camera is definitely a good all-rounder, providing you with great flexibility under different conditions.
The 5700 performs admirably, producing results way above expectation. Color balance is good, and the overall results are of a very high quality. We did have a middling complaint about its size, which actually feels a bit on the small size. With an extra couple of centimeters added to the bodywork, the 5700 would have felt much easier to handle and control in everyday usage. The position of the camera strap attachment also seems awkward, being as it is located on the upper right quadrant of the lens housing, making it sometimes difficult to gain a good grip when in use.
These criticisms aside, the Coolpix 5700 is bound to be another sure-fire hit for Nikon, balancing the huge 5-megapixel image size against a competitive pricepoint. For those not yet ready to move up to the professional level of 35mm digital SLRs such as the Nikon D100, the Coolpix 5700 proves to be a worthy alternative. --Elly Russell
Pros:
- Palm-sized 5-megapixel camera with a powerful feature set
- Includes sizeable 16 MB memory card--can accept IBM Microdrives
- 8x optical zoom
Cons:
- Could be slightly larger for easier handling
A compact, lightweight digital still camera with 5.0 effective megapixels, the COOLPIX 5700 was developed to join the COOLPIX 5000 at the top of the Nikon COOLPIX digital still camera lineup, renowned for superior image quality and ease of use. The wide range of users the COOLPIX 5700 is expected to attract includes advanced amateurs, digital enthusiasts, and semi-professional photographers who demand high performance in every aspect of photography, as well as an air of sophistication. The compact, lightweight body is made of magnesium (Mg) alloy, which offers unparalleled portability. The camera's ergonomic, easy-grip design ensures secure handling and comfortable operation. The Vari-angle LCD monitor and the EVF (Electronic ViewFinder) with its great frame coverage combine to offer total convenience in every shooting position. And both deliver your images almost immediately. Features such as 5-area Multi Autofocus and various exposure metering settings, extremely popular in film-type cameras, will certainly satisfy conventional camera users.The COOLPIX 5700 incorporates an auto pop-up Speedlight, and also features an accessory shoe, which enables the attachment of an external Speedlight when more lighting is necessary. Multiple capture modes can be selected, including an all-new RAW image (NEF format) recording mode for untouched image quality, and movies with audio for up to 60 seconds. The COOLPIX 5700 also has a built-in speaker, making instant confirmation playback of movies possible. Features like the Noise Reduction Mode, Saturation Control and White Balance Bracketing will also help improving image quality. The COOLPIX 5700 is compatible with a broad range of quality accessories. With so many advanced features and accessories, the COOLPIX 5700 is sure to help you realize your digital dreams.
