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Category: Beginner to Serious Amateur

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This Nikon Coolpix P3 Review is based on a production model. All sample images are unretouched, except where specified.

This review has been submitted to DIWA Awards [Total: 69%].

Sculpture
24.5mm, P, Multi-Pattern
1/175.8 sec., F5.1 and ISO 50

The Nikon Coolpix P3 is quite a camera, with a very effective Vibration Reduction (VR) technology (Nikon speak for Image Stabilization) and no-hassle Wi-Fi wireless transfer of your images from camera to PC. Though it does not offer total exposure flexibility, it does give more experienced photographers Programmed Auto and Aperture-Priority modes. Add to that already very attractive mix Manual AF area frame and corresponding Spot AF area metering, AF-assist Illuminator, auto exposure bracketing and auto WB bracketing, Best Shot Selector, and many other practical features, and you have a very performing digital camera in a compact body.

The Nikon P3 is compact and attractive in its metallic silver (plastic and metal composite) body with chrome accents. It features 8.1MP resolution and a 3.5x optical Zoom-Nikkor lens (36– 121mm, 35mm equivalent) with a real Six-blade hexagonal iris diaphragm (10 steps in 1/3EV increments, f/2.7(W)-5.3(T), min. f/7.6).

Besides AUTO mode and 16 easy-to-use Scene Modes, more advanced photographers will appreciate Programmed Auto with Program Shift, Aperture-Priority mode, Manual White Balance, up to 99 Manual AF areas, and even WB Bracketing. Macro mode allows you to get as close as 4 cm (1.6 in.). The LCD is extra large at 2.5 in. with 150,000 pixels resolution and movie mode is 640x480 pixels 30fps, with sound.

The Nikon P3 includes an effective Vibration Reduction (VR) technology ("Image Stabilization") developed for its digital SLR lenses which allows handholding the camera at slow shutter speeds.

Built-in Wi-Fi technology is really cool and allows no-hassle wireless transfer of images from camera to Wi-Fi enabled PC and PictBridge-enabled printer (with optional PD-10 Printer Adapter). You can even set the camera to shoot and transfer immediately to your PC. If the latter is plugged into a projector, you can have an instant slide show that grows as each picture is automatically transferred (read more in User's Experience).

I find that using the Wi-Fi technology in the Nikon P3 to be liberating! No hunting for where I stored the cable and no fumbling around to plug it in the right way. It's pretty simple and it works great! Every digital camera should be equipped with it.

With good to very good image quality and its many practical features, the Nikon Coolpix P3 will appeal to the advanced amateur photographer desiring a compact and light digital camera with image stabilization and wireless ability.

In Canada, Nikon Canada offers an exclusive 2-year warranty for all COOLPIX and the D70s and D50 digital SLR cameras purchased from a Nikon Canada Authorized Dealer.

See if you fit the Nikon Coolpix P3 User Profile below:

 

Nikon P3 User Profile • Desire a 8MP resolution digital camera with very good image quality. • Want Image Stabilization to prevent blurred pictures due to camera shake. • Want wireless transfer capability to PC and printer. • Want an easy-to-use point-and-shoot with advanced manual controls. • Want a digital camera for general family use.