Nikon Coolpix P7700 vs P7800: A Hands-On Comparison of Nikon’s High-End Compacts

When Nikon launched the Coolpix P7700 and its successor, the P7800, they positioned themselves firmly in the enthusiast compact market, offering feature-rich cameras with fixed but versatile zoom lenses. These models have long attracted photographers who want advanced manual control and DSLR-like handling without the bulk of an interchangeable lens system. I’ve spent extensive time with both cameras across multiple shooting disciplines, putting their core technologies, ergonomics, and image quality through rigorous practical tests.

In this detailed analysis, we’ll break down what sets these two models apart - and more importantly, how those differences manifest in everyday shooting scenarios. Whether you prioritize portraiture, landscapes, wildlife, or travel, this Nikon compact camera comparison will help you select the ideal match for your photographic needs.

First Impressions and Ergonomics: Handling at a Glance

Jumping straight into the physical attributes, both cameras share very similar body dimensions and control layouts, maintaining the hallmark rugged yet compact design Nikon enthusiasts admire. The P7700 measures 119 x 73 x 50 mm with a weight of about 392g, while the P7800 is marginally larger at 119 x 78 x 50 mm and weighs 399g. This subtle size increase is worth noting for photographers who prize pocketability or carry comfort.

Personally, during extended handheld shooting sessions, the P7800 feels slightly better balanced - likely due to the thicker grip accommodating a fuller handhold. Both cameras have robust button placements and a clickable control dial layout, though the P7800 adds an electronic viewfinder (EVF), which I'll detail shortly.

From the top-down perspective, controls retain consistent functionality, offering dedicated exposure compensation dials, mode selectors, and ISO adjustment wheels, which keeps manual operation intuitive and immediate.

The inclusion of a fully articulated 3-inch screen with the same 921k-dot resolution on both models guarantees comfortable shooting at awkward angles - a boon for macro shooters and vloggers alike. While neither camera offers a touchscreen interface, the physical buttons are well spaced and tactile.

In short, ergonomics favor the P7800 for users who appreciate a small form factor with an electronic viewfinder and slightly beefier grip, but both cameras remain solid, pocket-friendly options for photographers on-the-go.

Sensor and Image Quality: Is There an Edge?

At the heart of the P7700 and P7800 is a 1/1.7-inch (7.44 x 5.58 mm) CMOS sensor with a resolution of 12 megapixels, delivering images capped at 4000 x 3000 pixels. However, the sensor technology differs subtly. The P7700 employs a standard CMOS sensor, whereas the P7800 upgrades to a backside-illuminated (BSI) CMOS - a notable technical upgrade.

BSI technology is designed to improve low-light sensitivity by capturing more light per pixel. In practice, these advantages manifest as marginally better dynamic range and lower noise at higher ISOs. The DxO Mark scores reflect this, with the P7800 slightly outperforming the P7700 in overall score (54 vs. 53), color depth (21.2 vs. 21.1 bits), and low-light ISO (200 vs. 191).

While this may not revolutionize image quality between the two, the P7800’s sensor lends a subtle boost for photographers tackling challenging lighting or who can't always use a tripod.

For skin tones in portrait photography, both cameras render natural colors with minimal bias, aided partly by Nikon’s color science. However, the P7800’s faster autofocus and improved processing allow for sharper captures in live portrait sessions, particularly useful when combined with its impressive f/2.0 lens aperture at 28 mm.

Autofocus and Performance: Tracking the Moment

Both cameras feature contrast-detection autofocus systems with 99 focus points, face detection, and AF tracking functionalities. That said, the P7800 introduces continuous autofocus, enhancing its capability to maintain focus on moving subjects - a decisive improvement for wildlife and sports photography.

Although neither camera includes phase detection AF or animal/eye detection, I found the P7800 markedly more reliable when capturing fast-paced action sequences. The continuous AF allows smoother focus transitions, reducing dreaded hunting in burst shooting.

Both models offer an 8 frames per second burst mode, which is respectable for small sensor compacts of their generation. In real-world use, the P7800 preserves autofocus accuracy throughout burst sequences better than the P7700, minimizing missed shots during critical moments.

Shooting street photography benefits from this speed and accuracy: the P7800’s quick grab-and-shoot responsiveness is accompanied by a relatively silent shutter, allowing low-key candid captures without disruption.

Lens and Optical Performance: 28-200mm Versatility

Both cameras feature the same fixed lens with a 28-200 mm equivalent focal length, covering wide-angle to telephoto with a 7.1x optical zoom range. The maximum aperture ranges from f/2.0 at the wide end to f/4.0 at telephoto, offering respectable light-gathering ability for a compact zoom.

Macro photographers should note the P7700’s closer minimum focus distance of 2 cm compared to the P7800’s 5 cm - a meaningful distinction for extreme close-ups. However, the P7800 compensates with slightly better stabilization efficiency, making handheld macro shooting more practical despite the longer focus distance.

Both lenses exhibit some corner softness and mild chromatic aberration at their extremes, but in standardized field tests, Nikon’s optics manage distortion and vignetting well, especially in the mid-zoom range favored for portrait and travel photography.

Video Capabilities: Functional but Not Flagship-Level

Video recording on both cameras caps at Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution, with frame rates varying slightly. The P7700 offers 15 and 30 fps modes, while the P7800 supports 25 and 30 fps at full HD, plus a high-speed option for slow motion at 1080p/15 fps, 720p/60 fps, and VGA/120 fps.

Both cameras encode video in MPEG-4 H.264 format and include a microphone port - something still rare in compact cameras from this time period - enabling better audio capture with external mics. On the downside, no headphone jack is present to monitor audio in real time.

Neither model offers 4K recording or advanced video features such as log profiles, but for casual filmmakers or vloggers, the articulated screen and built-in stabilization help steady handheld footage.

For timelapse enthusiasts, the P7800 pulling ahead with built-in timelapse recording is a welcome feature not found on the P7700.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long and How Much?

The P7700 houses an EN-EL14 battery pack rated at approximately 330 shots per charge, while the P7800 marginally improves on this with 350 shots per charge. In field usage, both cameras perform admirably and rarely require mid-session battery swaps when employing energy-saving strategies like EVF use (P7800) and intelligent sensor sleep modes.

Both models support SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards in a single slot, giving ample storage flexibility for shooters preferring high bitrate JPEGs or Lossless compressed RAW formats.

Connectivity is simple with USB 2.0 and HDMI output (digital audio and video), though wireless options are notably absent or only available as optional accessories. This is a limitation for photographers seeking seamless wireless transfer or remote control out of the box.

Durability and Build Quality: Compact but Not Rugged

Neither Nikon P7700 nor P7800 cameras offer weather sealing or ruggedized construction. This means that photographers working in harsh environments - dusty trails, heavy rain, or freezing conditions - should exercise caution or invest in protective housing.

The build quality itself, however, is solid. Both cameras feel sturdy in hand with no creaks or flex under pressure, contributing to confidence during travel or adventure photography.

Image Gallery Showcase: Real-World Captures Side by Side

Nikon P7700 front Nikon P7700 screen back Nikon P7800 front Nikon P7800 screen back

Here you’ll see a selection of images captured with both cameras under diverse conditions - urban street scenes, vibrant landscapes, studio-style portraits, and macro close-ups. Notice differences in sharpness, noise control, and bokeh rendering - particularly in low-light setups where the P7800’s sensor and video enhancements shine.

Overall Assessment Scores: How the Numbers Stack Up

Measured by standardized criteria including resolution, color accuracy, noise handling, autofocus, and handling, the P7800 edges out the P7700 by just a hair. In photographic terms, this translates to incremental improvements rather than transformational leaps.

Photographic Genre Performance: Which Camera Excels Where?

Breaking down performance across various photography disciplines reveals nuanced strengths:

• Portraits: Both handle skin tones admirably, with the P7800’s faster AF improving capture rates for fleeting expressions.
• Landscapes: Dynamic range and sharpness are comparable, but the P7800’s BSI sensor aids shadows recovery.
• Wildlife & Sports: Continuous AF on the P7800 and better tracking make it more suited for action - P7700 is functional but less precise.
• Street: Compactness favors both, but the P7800’s EVF and AF speed enhance discretion and responsiveness.
• Macro: The P7700’s closer minimum focus promises more extreme close-ups, but P7800’s stabilization helps ease handheld shots.
• Night & Astro: Noise performance is similar, with the P7800 slightly better - manual controls on both lend well to astro photography.
• Video: P7800 wins hands down with timelapse capability and smoother slow motion.
• Travel: Slight weight and battery life advantages in P7800; both are highly portable.
• Professional: Both support RAW and manual modes, but P7800’s ergonomic refinements and EVF better suit serious work.

Recommendations Tailored to Your Photography Needs

If you ask me, the Nikon Coolpix P7800 represents a well-rounded evolution of the P7700’s solid groundwork. Its BSI sensor, continuous AF, EVF inclusion, and video enhancements offer tangible benefits for most users.

• For the enthusiast on a tighter budget, or if you prefer the closest macro focusing and slightly smaller body, the P7700 remains a worthy choice with competent image quality and performance at a lower price point.

• For advanced amateurs and professionals seeking a reliable compact for travel, street shooting, events, or casual wildlife shoots, the P7800’s improved autofocus and EVF prove invaluable. Its incremental sensor improvements and timelapse video add creative versatility.

• If video is a priority, the P7800’s expanded frame rate options and timelapse recording make it the clear winner.

• For macro hobbyists, consider if the closer focus distance on the P7700 outweighs the P7800’s better stabilization and focus tracking. Handling comfort and shooting style will be your guide here.

Final Thoughts: Legacy Compacts with Modern Appeal

While both Nikon models are now somewhat dated compared to today’s mirrorless and smartphone cameras, their manual controls, respectable zoom range, and compact design retain relevance. They fill a niche for photographers who demand DSLR-like handling without the bulk or cost of interchangeable lenses.

Having personally tested thousands of cameras over 15 years, I can say that neither model is revolutionary - but the P7800’s enhancements are exactly the kind of thoughtful improvements that extend a camera’s utility and lifespan. For photographers who treasure tactile shooting experiences and demand a small, capable travel companion, choosing between the Nikon P7700 and P7800 boils down to budget and which incremental upgrade matters more to your style.

So, is it worth the $50 premium to step up to the P7800? In my experience, the answer leans yes for most. But for photographers just beginning their journey or those who rarely shoot action or video, the P7700 still packs a punch and delivers quality output.

If this comparison helped clarify your choice, feel free to dive deeper into genre-specific shooting tests or lens sample galleries to tailor your purchase further. Nikon’s P-series compacts may be aging, but their enduring blend of control and compactness continues to inspire photographers across the skill spectrum.