Nikon Coolpix 8400: A Wide Angle Solution

Click images to enlarge.

The front of the Coolpix 8400 features its ED (extra low dispersion), 3x optical lens. This 3x zoom lens has one major difference than any other compact digicam on the market right now - a remarkable wide angle of 24mm. The lens can be protected with the included lens cap, which can be attached to the camera with the supplied cord. In between the lens and the built-in, pop-up flash is a tiny microphone. The built-in flash has a working range of 1.7' - 19.7' at wide angle and 1.7' - 9.8' at telephoto. To the right of the flash is a circular AF-assist lamp. Below this is the AF ranging sensor. At the lower-right corner of the camera is the infrared receiver for the included remote controller.

Click to enlarge.

The back of the 8400 features a 1.8" LCD screen with 134K pixels. The LCD monitor has a twist and flip design, meaning that it can be folded out and rotated 90° in one direction and 180° in the other. By rotating the LCD, pictures can be framed from a variety of angles that would be impossible with a fixed monitor design. Above the LCD monitor is the electronic viewfinder that is surrounded with rubber. Just to the left of the viewfinder is a diopter adjustment knob. Since the viewfinder is electronic, it displays the exact same information as the LCD monitor. It can be enabled by folding the LCD monitor back into the camera body. To the right of the viewfinder are the AE/AF lock button and the zoom controller. At the upper-right corner is the "Command Dial". To the right of the LCD monitor are the Menu, Quick Review, Delete/Self-timer, and Display buttons along with a multi-directional controller with a separate "set" button in the middle. Below the LCD monitor are the Focus and Monitor buttons.

Click to enlarge.

On the top of the camera, just above the viewfinder, we can see the flash hot shoe that can be protected with a plastic tab, which slides into place. To the right of the hot shoe is the "Control Panel" that displays shooting information while the camera is on. At the lower-right is the Mode dial that is used to select the desired shooting mode. Just above and to the left of the Mode dial is the LCD illuminator button. After pressing this button, the Control Panel will light up for approximately 8 seconds before turning off again. On the top of the handgrip are three main buttons: Function, Flash mode, and Exposure Compensation/Voice Memo. Finally, surrounding the shutter button is the main power switch.

Click images to enlarge.

On the bottom of the camera is the battery compartment for the included EN-EL7 rechargeable Li-ion battery. The battery is kept in place and protected by a hinged door with a locking mechanism. To the right is the metal tripod mount, which is offset from the lens, but centered on the camera. The tripod mount is surrounded by rubber grips to help add traction when it is mounted on a tripod.

Click images to enlarge.

On the right side is a swinging door that reveals the flash compartment. The Coolpix 8400 supports Compact Flash (type I and II) and Microdrive storage cards. Above and to the right of the flash compartment is the 8.4V DC-in port for the optional AC adapter. The port is protected by a rubber tab that is attached to the camera. There is also a post for the neck strap on this side.

Click images to enlarge.

On the left side of the camera is a rubber tab that covers the A/V-out and USB ports. In addition, there is a speaker and the other post for the neck strap.