3. Handling, Strength, Build

Of all the 8-million pixel digicams on the market, the Nikon Coolpix 8700 is certainly the most compact. This is worth noting because we have said time and time again that the digicam system will never match the reflex, so compactness gives a definite edge in this fiercely competitive market. In fact, the 8700 is almost a pocket camera, which puts it in a good position compared to its rivals. But, being designed more as a compact than a reflex, this advantage could soon be a drawback for those who want a digicam that feels a bit like a reflex. Its zoom and focusing systems are the same as on an ordinary compact. There are buttons galore and no ring on the lens shaft itself as the other competing digicams offer, with the exception of the Olympus. The Sony DSC-F828 is a perfect example of this and is fantastically convenient to use.

The 8700 is strongly built and beautifully finished, but it does have some irritating little faults: a lamp hidden under the flash cover assists focusing. When it is triggered, the flash pops out automatically, even if you have deactivated it. It's only a detail, but a detail that gets annoying after a while. Another disconcerting thing is the position of the on/off switch right by the release button. Users often confuse it with the zoom control (which is actually at the back and controlled with the thumb), so you suddenly find the camera has gone off when you thought it was zooming. To round off our list of downsides, we can complain about the long and painful path you have to take when you want to use one of the many scene programs. Why the heck couldn't they be accessed directly with the dial?

On the upside, it has an outstanding LCD screen at the back. This is multi-directional, a feature it shares with the Canon Pro 1 (and PowerShot G1), and its excellent definition and brightness make it ten times easier to focus. Getting the frame right is a real pleasure with the Coolpix 8700. Likewise, the electronic viewfinder is a good one, and though it can't give the same detail as an SLR, it's not that far off.

To conclude this rundown, we can say that the 8700 turns out well in the end, even if you have to practice a bit before you realize everything it can do. It handles well and you really do feel it is not just a pretty face. Its little failings are soon got over and don't ruin the good impression, though very exacting users will look for their satisfaction elsewhere.