Nikon introduces 8 Mega Pixel Digital Camera for semi-professional consumer market. We reported about the new Sony 8MP DSC-828, which is available for pre-order.

The Nikon Coolpix 8700 () incorporates an 8.0 effective megapixel CCD, which produces image sizes of up to 3,264 x 2,448-pixels for prints larger than 20x30-inches. The camera also employs an 8x Optical Zoom-Nikkor lens, with Nikon's own Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass, designed to get the photographer close to the subject without sacrificing image quality, color representation or sharpness.
Nikon has employed the highest resolution (238,000 pixel) electronic viewfinder (EVF).

The Nikon Coolpix 8700 will be available at retail in March 2004 at an MSRP of $999.95.

Nikon Coolpix 8700 Features:

Nikon Coolpix 8700 Key Features:

* 8.0 effective megapixels (3,264 x 2,448-pixels)

* 8x optical Zoom-Nikkor ED lens with a zoom ratio of 35-280 mm

(equivalent to 35mm-280mm in 35mm [135] format).

* 238,000-pixel high resolution through-the-lens EVF (Electronic

Viewfinder), enhances user experience with backlight illumination

* Programmed Auto [P], Shutter-Priority Auto [S], Aperture-Priority Auto

[A] and Manual [M] exposure control modes

* RAW data image mode -- NEF

* Quick response -- instant startup, reduced shutter release time lag and

fast image processing

* 12 preset Scene Modes, including the new Panorama Assist Mode

* Continuous shooting of up to 5 full-size images at 2.5 frames per

second (fps)

* Macro shooting capability as close as 1.2-inches supported by Best Shot

Selector (BSS) function

* AE-BSS (Auto Exposure-BSS) for automatic selection of the best relative

exposure - highlight, shadow or histogram

* Nikon's exclusive 256-segment Matrix Metering, complemented by

Center-Weighted, Spot and Spot AF area metering

* Fast, accurate Five-Area Multi Autofocus with the new AF-assist

illuminator that assures sharp focusing in difficult compositions and

low light

* Noise Reduction Mode for timed exposures

* In-camera color control -- Saturation control (5 steps and B&W)

* Movie - TV movie (640 x 480 pixels; 30 fps) with audio, Small movie

(320 x 240 pixels; 15 fps) with audio, or Sepia movie (320 x 240

pixels; 5 fps) with audio, or Time-lapse movie (640 x 480 pixels; 30

fps) without audio

* Large vari-angle highly transmissible advanced TFT-LCD monitor for

greater visibility -- even in bright sunlight

* Hot shoe for external Nikon SB-series Speedlights and accessories

Nikon Coolpix 8700 Key Features:

* 8.0 effective megapixels (3,264 x 2,448-pixels)

* 8x optical Zoom-Nikkor ED lens with a zoom ratio of 35-280 mm

(equivalent to 35mm-280mm in 35mm [135] format).

* 238,000-pixel high resolution through-the-lens EVF (Electronic

Viewfinder), enhances user experience with backlight illumination

* Programmed Auto [P], Shutter-Priority Auto [S], Aperture-Priority Auto

[A] and Manual [M] exposure control modes

* RAW data image mode -- NEF

* Quick response -- instant startup, reduced shutter release time lag and

fast image processing

* 12 preset Scene Modes, including the new Panorama Assist Mode

* Continuous shooting of up to 5 full-size images at 2.5 frames per

second (fps)

* Macro shooting capability as close as 1.2-inches supported by Best Shot

Selector (BSS) function

* AE-BSS (Auto Exposure-BSS) for automatic selection of the best relative

exposure - highlight, shadow or histogram

* Nikon's exclusive 256-segment Matrix Metering, complemented by

Center-Weighted, Spot and Spot AF area metering

* Fast, accurate Five-Area Multi Autofocus with the new AF-assist

illuminator that assures sharp focusing in difficult compositions and

low light

* Noise Reduction Mode for timed exposures

* In-camera color control -- Saturation control (5 steps and B&W)

* Movie - TV movie (640 x 480 pixels; 30 fps) with audio, Small movie

(320 x 240 pixels; 15 fps) with audio, or Sepia movie (320 x 240

pixels; 5 fps) with audio, or Time-lapse movie (640 x 480 pixels; 30

fps) without audio

* Large vari-angle highly transmissible advanced TFT-LCD monitor for

greater visibility -- even in bright sunlight

* Hot shoe for external Nikon SB-series Speedlights and accessories