Despite the surprise that Amazon also has 3 months after publication of the latest firmware updates (from December 2010) still cameras with old firmware delivers, and the fact that you get from Amazon probably generally always unsealed original packaging, I was both the valent haptic the camera done as confirmed also extremely positive about the picture quality. And am still and will remain so.
But first I had quite problems really should get sharp photos. Firstly, it was because the AF assist lamp apparently not always hit the point where it should be in my opinion sharply. Secondly, the AF has something to ask when using the AF assist lamp general problem yourself sharp - you often get a red box instead of a green, because it can not find the point of focus. This is also with new firmware that. If you switch the AF assist lamp from generally succeed spontaneously much sharper photos, even in relatively low light conditions.
Even "Active D-Lightening" for brightening shadows is often useful if you are struggling with strong chiaroscuro contrasts has (example: sunshine in the street, the area between two house fronts on the other hand is in deep shadow). But I have this function generally switched off, as this also brighten light areas somewhat unnatural act and the colors dull and cold in the highlighted areas for my feeling. Apparently then also occurs increasingly on noise in these lightened areas. Therefore, I have this function in general disabled by editing these problem cases with other programs after.
As can be set in P7000 color saturation, contrast and sharpness ("Picture Control"), I have filed for "good" photos, which also can be extra editing is good in any of the following values available Custom modes:
Sharpness +1
Contrast 0
Saturation +1
In addition:
Noise reduction to the lowest level
Active D-Lightening: from
Raising the contrast I avoid because the images then very "over-sharpened" look, especially in wide-angle shots with clear, defined lines (eg architecture).
The image stabilization works well, in my opinion, but could intervene more - the other cameras can be better.
When switching on the face detection and multiple faces even in low light are well recognized; one switches additionally to continuous shooting, in my P7000 is the right camera side quite warm (battery), but has no effect so far.
The continuous shooting mode is acceptable, even series with the flash are possible, but the speed in both cases is not huge, despite class 10 SDHC card. This was known to me and I can live with it. Sometimes I think stop: More per second would be 'ever quite well ...
The internal, fully sufficient, flash pops up only on request from (which is advantageous) and is adjustable in 3 levels of brightness - very good! For portrait shots at close range but it is recommended that the flash intensity scale down, otherwise the faces are too bright; here then a separate, attachable flash is more suitable.
Especially comfortable I find the DSLR-esque dials the camera. Many common functions and settings (eg ISO and aperture values) can be set quickly without long menu Search. In addition, 3 pushbuttons are used (keys) directly with addition of a function. For me, the "D-Lightening" and "RAW" is. So I can at the touch of RAW files make. Disadvantage: These buttons must be pressed before the trigger and held until after triggering. Something finger acrobatics is therefore necessary, but you get used to the quite fast.
The "rotary multi selector" on the back of the camera brings an example in the P-mode access to additional features that are not printed right on the edge of the multi selector, for example, the rapid change in the measuring field size (AF area mode) on or off the Face Detection. I did rather by accident - a look at the manual (which you are in PDF format from CD unfortunately must print yourself) would have these options revealed faster.
Display: Genial sharp, brilliant resolution, a good size. Those who are satisfied with 450,000 sub-pixels, is your own fault. Anyone who has seen this ingenious 921,000 subpixels and thus works, is enthusiastic. I've seen so far is nothing better than the screen of the P7000! Even with unfavorable angle the display is still easy to read. And: It is made of glass, not plastic! Scratch as quickly as in cheap compact car will not in any case and is easy to clean.
What else?
Spirit level, switchable histogram, bracketing, distortion correction (for wide-angle shots), zoom and auto focus even when Video, adjustable zoom speed, etc., etc. It's all there, what the advanced amateur wants so and the beginner does not need now. The menu system is also intuitive and of slowness or inertia I can not say anything. I am not one who flippert frantically through the ads and wants to set a new personal record in the menu leaves. All displays can be carried off easily and the scrolling works without dropouts or trailer, the Scriptures are absolutely clear and legible. Probably here the new firmware has much improved.
Well, I think for my part:
The Nikon P7000 has the makings of a classic, because in terms of image quality and setting possibilities you can so quickly no camera candle to - certainly not those whose manufacturers think 16 megapixels are the ne plus ultra. Because with its 10 megapixels beats most 16 MP compacts regarding noise and image quality in high ISO range of lengths. But there's a perfect score!
Important Note:
For installing the new firmware absolute requirement for a memory card. The update is first loaded onto the card and then installed on the card inserted in the camera (installation takes place via the camera menu).
