A review of the Nikon Coolpix P3 digital camera
Nikon have produced two ‘Performance’ digital cameras in the P-series, the P3 and the P4. After reviewing both of these strong and sturdy models we came to the conclusion that are non-identical twins with only very few differences between them. Design |
| The Nikon Coolpix P3 is a very sturdy and robust digital camera that has a 3.5x zoom-nikkor lens that protrudes from the camera front with the optical viewfinder just above it. There is also a flash on the front of the matte silver body and not much else making the appearance minimal and sophisticated. The dimensions are exactly the same as it sibling being 92mm (w) x 61mm (h) x 31mm (d) and the weight is 170g so although it will slip in to your pocket you will sure know it’s there. The silver finish of the camera is susceptible to scratches so we recommend a case is kept to hand at all times. On top, there is a power button, shutter release button, mode dial and a Vibration Reduction (VR) button. The back of the camera is also quite minimal and everything you need is in easy reach. The 2.5” LCD monitor dominates the rear as usual with the zoom rocker at the top next to it. There is a menu button just above the d-panel and handy shortcut delete and playback buttons at the bottom. |
| Features |
| The Nikon Coolpix P3 has an impressive 8.1 mega pixels and a 3.5x zoom-nikkor lens to capture every scene whether it is near or far and the capability to focus on your subject as close as 4cm in macro mode. The optical Vibration Reduction function is featured on the P3 to ensure your images are clear and sharp and this even applies to movie mode so that you can rely on the camera to capture a sharp movie and with the continuous shooting mode at 1.8 fps the results are nothing short of excellent. There is an 11-point wide area auto focus system, which also ensures clarity in differing combinations of subject as more pixels have been added to each AF sensor. The main and most important difference between the Nikon Coolpix P3 and P4 is that the P3 has Wi-Fi capabilities so that once you have captured your images they can be instantly downloaded to your computer and emailed to friends or family or printed via a compatible printer without those messy wires or cables getting in your way. Clever stuff. |
| Performance |
| The images produced from the Coolpix P3 were of a very similar standard to those from the P4, particularly when the VR function was used as images were very clear and sharp. The Face Priority AF function was pretty impressive and as it focuses on the faces within an image you can be assured that the end result is amazingly clear and detailed. The menu is really easy to use and to find your way around and you will probably find that after a few days you can put the manual away as everything you need to use is in the menu. |
| What's In The Box? |
Rechargeable Li-ion battery, Battery Charger, USB Cable, AV Cable, Strap, Picture Project CD. |
| Overall Opinion |
| The nikon Coolpix P3 is a slightly better model than the P4 as it has Wi-Fi capabilities, but still a very simple and not greatly featured camera. We would suggest checking out the Style and Life ranges from Nikon before choosing a camera. |
| By Hayley Malyon |
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Pros + 8.1 mega pixels + Wi-fi technology + Face Priority AF + Vibration Reduction |
Cons - Predictable features |
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Picture Quality 8/10
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Battery Life 8/10
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Setup Simplicity 8/10
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Build Quality 10/10
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Ease of Use 8/10
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Overall Rating 
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27/11/2006
at 11:42:35am
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