Nikon Coolpix 8700

Flash options are extensive, including one of the best fill-flash capabilities available. This goes some way to make amends, and there's a hot-shoe with full compatibility for Nikon's latest range of optional flashguns. Nikon's proprietary RAW file format (NEF) option and an in-camera TIFF file option are on offer, with images being saved to CompactFlash or Microdrive; as with the Sony F828, however, no media card is provided. We don't particularly like the design of the hinged door to the Type II CompactFlash slot; it's held shut by a weak spring and although it's unlikely to break there's no way of locking it. By contrast, exposure control, even of the built-in flash, was consistent and accurate using the 256-segment metering. This is probably the best system on the market, though flash shots sometimes had burned-out highlights if the subject was too close. The auto white-balance performance is also good, but it was occasionally fooled, so you shouldn't rely on it unreservedly.

Barring the noise issue, image quality is spectacular, with clean results at the lower ISO settings, and with little or no fringing. While the camera does have a few handling niggles, the smaller body size offers significant advantages over its obvious rival. However, at £766, the 8700 also has to contend with the excellent 6-megapixel Canon EOS 300D. The 8700 is undoubtedly good, but the Canon not only has a similar quality of output from its physically larger chip, but unmatched system versatility.

Author: Kevin Carter