Nikon Coolpix P7000 packs 7.1x zoom, HD video

With camera announcement season fully underway, Nikon adds the Coolpix P7000 to its advanced point-and-shoot line. The P7000's key upgrades over the previous generation include a 7.1x optical zoom and 720p HD video recording.

The Coolpix P6000 was introduced two years ago with a tantalizing feature set. Now, Nikon pushes ahead by opting for a potentially lower-noise 10.1 megapixel CCD sensor, the same physical size as the P6000's 1/1.7-inch imager. It's not the APS-C sized sensor every enthusiast has been hoping to see in a compact camera, but the P7000 packs in several features usually reserved for its DSLR counterparts. Program, aperture priority, shutter priority and full manual shooting modes will be available to the user.

The Nikon P7000's Nikkor lens will include a built-in neutral density filter. The 7.1x optical zoom lens will cover an equivalent focal range of 28-200mm and will feature two ED glass elements. Lens-shift VR image stabilization is included to combat blur in low-light and handheld images. Using the new zoom memory feature, the user can set a preferred focal length and have the camera return to that position on command.

Equipped with a 3.0-inch, 921k-dot LCD, the P7000 will also offer a built-in optical viewfinder. A virtual horizon indicator acts as a built-in, electronic level to give the photographer a visual cue when the camera is level.

The P7000 will offer 720p HD video recording with audio recorded via a built-in stereo microphone. Those looking for a little bit more in audio quality will be able to utilize an external microphone input. Optical zoom is also available in movie mode, and an HDMI port will allow for connection to an HDTV.

The ISO range has been expanded, stretching now from ISO 100 up to an equivalent setting of ISO 6400. The P7000 supports RAW shooting, outputting .NRW files.

Pricing and availability
The Nikon Coolpix P7000 is priced at $499.95. No release date has been confirmed yet, though it could be expected as soon as the end of the month.