Nikon Coolpix P330 Review

Nikon Coolpix P330 Features

At the core on the Nikon P330 sits the very same sensor as that found in the P7700. It measures 1/1.7-inches, the same size as the sensor on the Panasonic Lumix LF1 and Lumix LX7, is back illuminated and takes photos at up to 12.2MP. Although this is a drop in resolution from the P310’s 16.1MP, it should result in better performance at higher ISO levels.

The sensor itself offers Raw capture in Nikon’s ‘.NRW’ format, as well as full HD video capture at either 25p or 50i frame rate. On the subject of video, the P330 also supports stereo sound capture and optical zooming while filming.

On the rear of the Nikon P330 sits an LCD screen with a resolution of 921k-dots and measuring in at 3-inches. One feature that’s lacking – which will no doubt disappoint some enthusiast users – is a viewfinder of any sort, as is the capacity to fit an external viewfinder of any sort. If that’s something you’re after, the Lumix LF1 is the place to go.

Another feature lacking from the P330 is any kind of wireless of Wi-Fi functionality, a feature which has become more prevalent in compacts in recent times. Despite this, the P330 does have an on-board GPS system for capturing location information.

The P330’s lens, meanwhile, is a 5x optical zoom that covers a focal range of 24-120mm in equivalent terms, with a maximum aperture of f/1.8 a the wide end of the range. The lens also benefits from Nikon’s advanced lens-shift VR technology, complete with an Active mode, for both video and stills capture.

As you’d expect for an advanced compact from Nikon, the P330 features full PASM image capture modes. It also features a range of Auto shooting settings, including an auto HDR mode, for when you’re happy for the camera to do the work.

One element of the specification that is both somewhat surprising and welcome is the P330’s intervalometer. This is a feature usually reserved for Nikon’s higher-end DSLRs and can be used to capture a series on images at regular intervals for use in a time-lapse video, for example.

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Introduction

The Coolpix L330 is a new addition to Nikon’s Coolpix L series of budget-conscious compact cameras. Taking over from the previous L320, the new model gains a 20.2-megapixel CCD sensor and a higher resolution 460k-dot screen. Aside from these upgrades, the L330 is almost identical to its predecessor and retains the same 26x zoom lens with a focal length range (in 35mm camera terms) of 22.5-585mm. Lens-shift Vibration Reduction is carried over to help tame the effects of camera shake, and HD 720p video recording is another common feature. The L330 also continues the L series trend of being powered by AA batteries, rather than a Li-ion rechargeable power pack. This helps keep the new camera’s list price down to a relatively accessible £179.99 / €199.

Дисплей и интерфейс

В Nikon P330 используется привычная 3-дюймовая матрица с разрешением 921 тыс. точек. Точно такой же дисплей мы встречали не только в ее предшественнице, но и во многих других камерах Nikon, включая зеркалки и гибридные камеры. Он уже давно зарекомендовал себя благодаря большим углам обзора, приличному запасу яркости и высокой контрастности, да и цвета он отображает весьма неплохо. Конечно, это не лучший дисплей, но и он весьма хорош. Благодаря наличию антибликового слоя с камерой удобно работать даже при падении на экран прямых солнечных лучей. Фактически недостатков у дисплея всего пара. Первый — это тонкая защита, которая легко продавливается вплоть до соприкосновения с матрицей. Вторым же недостатком является невысокая устойчивость антибликового слоя к механическим воздействиям. В общем, носить камеру желательно в чехле или специальной сумочке, иначе антибликовый слой быстро покроется мелкими потёртостями и царапинами.

Иерархия меню осталась прежней. А вот сглаживание графических элементов и начертание пиктограмм было слегка доработано. Отличия незначительные, но благодаря им меню смотрится свежее и современнее. Анимации меню немного, но и та слегка притормаживает, а отключить её никак нельзя. Кроме того, реакции на нажатие не мгновенные — имеет место небольшая задержка. Её длительность мизерна, и ничего страшного в этом нет, но всё же она бросается в глаза. Для ознакомления с интерфейсом камеры ниже приведено несколько снимков экрана.

Introduction

The Nikon Coolpix P330 is a new pocket compact camera designed to appeal to the keen enthusiast photographer. The Nikon P330 has a 1/1.7-inch back-illuminated 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, 5x optical zoom with a focal range of 24-120mm, maximum apertures of f/1.8-5.6 and lens-shift Vibration Reduction, RAW (NRW) data processing, built-in Global Positioning System and Wi-Fi compatibility. The P330 boasts a sensitivity range of ISO 80 to 6400, built-in Neutral Density filter, creative PASM shooting modes, full 1080p HD video recording with stereo sound and slow and fast motion movies, a burst mode of 10 frames per second, 99-point autofocus system and a 3-inch 920,000-dot LCD screen. The Nikon Coolpix P330 is available in black or white for £349.99 / $379.95 / €419.00.