Nikon Coolpix P7800 Detailed Review

In additional Coolpix P7800 was introduced by Nikon in September 2013. It belongs to the enthusiast Compacts category.

Nikon is well-known and shouldn’t require further introduction, please see our manufacturer’s page for more digital cameras by Nikon.

Also Coolpix P7800 has a Compact CMOS sensor with size of 8 x 6 mm² (0.30″ x 0.22″).

The Coolpix P7800’s image sensor has an effective resolution of around 12 megapixel. The resolution is somewhat below average but will be sufficient for most purposes. Photos with this resolution can easily be printed to A3 size.

The Nikon supports taking images in RAW. RAW images are stored as they come from the sensor, without any in-camera processing or sharpening. Converting to JPEG or other formats takes place on the computer, using software like Adobe Lightroom or Nikon’s RAW converter. This involves one extra processing step but almost always results in superior image quality. Some filters, like converting to monochrome (black and white) will only yield decent results when used with RAW images.

The Coolpix P7800 uses an electronic viewfinder with a resolution of 0.92 megapixel, close to the practical minimum for a viewfinder like this.

The magnifcation is c. 0.50x, an average value for an electronic viewfinder.

The Coolpix P7800’s shutter speed varies from 1/4000s to 60s.

The Coolpix P7800’s usable sensitivity ranges from 80 ISO to only 1600 ISO.

Additionally, the Nikon’s sensitivity can be boosted to 3200. However, ISO boosting will almost always lead to an increase in noise.

The Coolpix P7800 supports all general exposure modes.

The Nikon allows spot exposure for the difficult occasion.

The Coolpix P7800’s auto focus processor uses 99 AF points (or sensors). A basic rule of thumb says that the more AF points you have, the better. More AF points mean a better chance to have a point at the location of interest in a scene, a big plus in challenging situations (e.g. with low contrast subjects).

Manual focus is also possible with the Nikon, a plus in tricky situations or for some creative freedom.

The Coolpix P7800 has a built-in flash with a diapason of up to 10m (33 ft.). That range will fit for almost all occasion.

The Coolpix P7800 features a monitor with a diagonal of 75.00mm (3.0 in.) and a resolution of c. 0.92 megapixel. That’s about average.

The camera’s display is articulated, a plus for selfies and other challenging situations.

The Coolpix P7800 does not feature a touch screen.

Display characteristics at a glance:

Coolpix P7800 video supported the resolution with 1920 x 1080 pixel.

Also the camera is equipped with an external microphone.

Nikon Coolpix P7800 Video parameters:

Built-in wireless connectivity is not available with the Nikon. You will need appropriate accessories to wirelessly transfer images between camera and smartphone.

Connect the Nikon to a monitor or TV set over HDMI.

The Nikon supports USB 2.0.

Connection parameters:

The camera supports SD HC and SD XC cards.

Memory cards characteristics:

The Nikon Coolpix P7800 works with a EN-EL14 battery. The battery lifetime is a generous 350 shots. Usually enough for a full day or more.

The battery can be charged over USB while in camera. Very useful, especially on vacation when most people bring a USB charger for their smartphone anyway.

The Coolpix P7800’s battery battery parameters:

The Nikon Coolpix P7800’s dimensions are 118.5 x 77.5 x 50.4mm³. (4.7″ x 3.1″ x 2.0″). This includes the lens. The camera’s weight is a reasonable 399 grams (12.9 oz.), lens included.

Here is front and top view of the Coolpix P7800:

To put the size of the camera in context, here it is next to a typical ID card (c. 86mm x 55mm, about the size of a credit card).

The Coolpix P7800 is not much bigger: