If you are looking for a camera that is simple and light, yet doesn't look like a wafer stick that has gone on a serious diet, the Nikon Coolpix P2 will probably end up on your list of selections. The size of this compact shooter is not something we would rave about. Instead, its Wi-Fi capability, which does away with the need for cumbersome wires and cables, took our breath away -- for a short while -- until we realised that it doesn't connect to the Web.
Design
Nikonians will probably recognise the design of the Coolpix P2 instantly. What more can we say when the design of its cameras hasn't really changed much compared with recent models like the Coolpix 7600 and Coolpix 7900? Measuring 91 x 60 x 39mm and weighing 170g (without battery and media), this compact shooter extends another 24mm to reveal its 36-to-126mm (35mm equivalent) Zoom-Nikkor lens. Although we preach the importance of using two hands to take a picture, the Coolpix P2 has a convex right edge that facilitates one-hand shooting.
 You can reach the white balance and ISO settings from the mode dial itself. |
Along the top edge of the unit, a mode dial which cycles among 10 of the most commonly used functions -- including Wi-Fi, white balance, ISO and picture quality settings -- allows users to easily adjust the values without delving into the menus. The shutter button, power switch and speakers accompany the mode dial on an otherwise lonely stretch of brushed aluminum body.
While we witness cameras getting smaller and LCD screens getting bigger, we cannot say that the Coolpix's 2.5-inch display is the largest anymore. Recent offerings from Kodak and Sony have started to offer users 3-inch, touch-enabled screens.
 Looks familiar? Yes, the control layout didn't have earth-shattering changes from the previous Coolpixes. |
Over at the right edge of the P2 is an A/V-out connection. A slide-out cover along the bottom of the unit conceals the memory card and Lithium-ion battery. If you use a tripod a lot, be aware that the plastic threading on the Coolpix P2 will suffer from wear and tear at a faster rate than one with metallic threading.
Being one of the early adopters of wireless connection on compact digital cameras, the company has spared no efforts in making its Wi-Fi capability on the Coolpix stand out. Even on the unit itself, the clearly labeled Wi-Fi connection occupies slightly over a quarter of the left edge (from the back) of the camera.
Features
 The Wi-Fi connection is a big thing on the Coolpix P2. |
However, while the Coolpix P2 offers a Wi-Fi connection option to instantly transfer pictures to a nearby computer or a Pictbridge-compatible printer with a wireless printer adapter, this feature doesn't come at the snap of a finger. To accomplish this, you need to install the proprietary PictureProject software that comes with the purchase of the unit. Of course, you'll need to install this software onto a wireless-enabled notebook or PC to communicate with your camera.
Although the camera is already bursting with 16 scene modes, the Coolpix P2 goes the extra mile with two additional advanced options for 11 of these scenes. These advanced modes allow users to better select more personalised customisation for their pictures.
There are very limited creative controls on this snapshot camera. You can control only the aperture from F2.7 to F7.6 in 1/3EV increments. Other features include a D-Lighting function that posts correct images which are imperfectly exposed; the Face autofocus mode that can identify a human face and keep it in sharp focus within a limited distance; and in-camera red-eye fix function.
Most digital cameras doubles as a video recorder -- the Coolpix P2 does, too. Budding movie enthusiasts can select from seven available movie options with the VGA (640 x 480) resolution at 30fps being commonly used. To add to that nostalgic element, you can record movies at 320 x 240 in sepia or black and white.
Performance
Waking up the Coolpix P2 for its first shot from slumber takes approximately 3.5 seconds. You can shave off about one second if you disable the welcome screen. Shot-to-shot pictures came in at under 2 seconds without flash.
Although the camera has Wi-Fi, it doesn't connect to the Internet and might disappoint users who wish to send images via the Web to their friends on the spot. Installing the PictureProject software is a breeze -- just click and follow through the series of instructions. Configuring a notebook to the P2, however, takes more than just clicking Next on the setup menu -- you will need basic knowledge of setting up a wireless LAN connection. Coincidentally it also means that if you are to connect to the Coolpix using Wi-Fi, you will have to give up Internet connection on your laptop -- which means you won't get the best of both worlds.
That said, perhaps we can expect the next wave of Wi-Fi-enabled Coolpix cameras to be able to connect to the Internet. During our tests, the Wi-Fi range reached approximately 10m through a wall and some obstacles. Using the Shoot and transfer mode on the P2 wasn't difficult -- that is if you can get past the 80-second wait for the camera to connect. Thereafter, you can shoot at will and the PictureProject app will automatically show the pictures you have just taken almost instantly (2 seconds). However, using the Wi-Fi connection drains the battery at a faster rate and also heats up the camera at the same time.
You wouldn't want to use this Coolpix in some covert operations because the noise generated by the zoom function would give your location away. It took a nifty 1 second to go from wide-angle to full telezoom. Shutter lag won't bear you down a lot on this camera averaging at 1 second for illuminated shots and slightly longer for ambient surroundings.
Generally, we have few complaints with the shooter. Pictures from the Coolpix P2 contain a lot of details though we tend to get blown-out whites in some of the images. We did notice some white fringing in a couple of our high-contrast pictures, however, which wasn't visible unless the photo went into high magnification. Noise was also more visible at higher ISO levels.
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nikon camera
06/06/2008, 05:17 PM
rating
7/10
I like cool pix P2. This camera is small in size but in work it is great giant. Very great featured camera.
Pros: Solid image quality.
Excellent video specs.
Zippy performance.
Cons: Nothing.
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ving
27/06/2007, 12:59 PM
rating
8/10
won this camera in a competition about a year ago. i am only now looking to upgrade.
Pros: excellent camera, does very well in most situations. colour reproduction is pretty good and images are sharp. very easy to use.
Cons: dial on top is easily bumped.
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