Quantcast
PCWorld.com is upgrading some back-end systems. Some site features, such as user registration, may be temporarily unavailable.
Subscribe to magazine

Spotlight: Powerful Cameras for Serious Shooters

This month the spotlight shines on advanced digital cameras, including consumer SLRs and 8-megapixel models.

Kalpana Ettenson

  • 0 Yes
  • 0 No

New Twins From Nikon

Click here to view full-size image.

Photograph: Marc Simon
Nikon gave us a preview of two new 8-megapixel cameras, the Coolpix 8400 and Coolpix 8800. We didn't receive production units in time for full testing; by the time you read this, however, production models should be available, priced at $900 and $1000, respectively.

The two have much in common. Their rugged, black bodies have electronic eye-level viewfinders with diopters to adjust for your eyesight, bright 1.8-inch LCD monitors that fold out and rotate, and a hot shoe for connecting an optional flash gun. The 8400 has a 3.5X zoom lens that starts at 24mm (35mm equivalent)--great for wide-angle shots. The 8800's massive lens barrel houses a 10X zoom that starts at 35mm and includes built-in vibration reduction.

These cameras' controls are generally laid out well, although we kept turning them off when we meant to zoom. A rocker by your right thumb lets you zoom smoothly and precisely.

Unlike previous Nikon models, the 8400 and 8800 have proper mode dials. You can quickly and clearly select full-automatic shooting or the usual manual or semiautomatic setting. We loved being able to apply two banks of user settings to the manual modes, and we quickly programmed the Func button to switch between them.

In our informal testing, both Nikons showed bright and accurate colors, sharp focus, and a lot of contrast. We found the 8400 easier to carry; the 8800, however, excelled at a car race we attended, allowing us to get close-up shots of the drivers and cars. We're looking forward to seeing how the production units do in our lab tests.

  • Recommend this story?
  • 0 Yes
    0 No

Featured APC Accessories

  • APC Back-UPS ES Safeguards your equipment from damaging surges and spikes that travel along your utility & data lines.
  • APC SurgeArrest Performance Highest level of protection for your professional computers, electronics and connected devices, as well as provides surge protection.

Deal Breakers

Special Offers for PC World Users

People who read this also read:

  • 15 Minutes to a Secure Business Get the Secure in 15 toolkit starting with the "15 Minutes Month-at-a-Glance" calendar. McAfee will send you additional tools and tricks to stay protected around the clock.
  • A Buyer's Guide to Data Protection Implementing data protection products and processes can be daunting. Make the right decisions by exploring what is available and what makes sense for your organization. Use this simple guide to evaluate different vendor offerings.

Sponsored Links