Nikon P7700 vs Olympus 7010: A Compact Camera Showdown for the Budget-Conscious Photographer

Choosing a compact camera in a sea of models can be a harrowing experience, especially if you wear multiple hats as a community photographer, travel enthusiast, or occasional content creator. Today, I’m diving deep into two models that hail from a previous era but still retain some currency for those looking for budget-friendly, pocketable solutions: the Nikon Coolpix P7700 and the Olympus Stylus 7010 (aka mju 7010). Both fall under the “small sensor compact” category and share a similar niche, but that’s where the similarities end.

Having put both cameras through their paces in the lab and in the field, I’m excited to share a no-nonsense, first-hand comparison that will help you decide which one merits a spot in your gear bag - if at all - in 2024. Let’s get into it.

Getting a Grip: Size, Build, and Ergonomics

When handling cameras, size, weight, and button layout can make or break the user experience, especially for prolonged shoots or spontaneous street photography.

Physical size and ergonomics comparison – Nikon P7700 is substantially bulkier than Olympus 7010.

At first blush, the Nikon P7700 feels like a chunky, well-built little camera. It weighs in at 392 grams and measures approximately 119 x 73 x 50 mm. Olympus’ 7010, on the other hand, is a featherweight at just 145 grams and just 98 x 56 x 26 mm - more than twice as slim and less than half the weight. Nikon even shoots for a more DSLR-style grip, which feels comfortable for “club your thumbs” shooting but at the expense of discreetness.

The Nikon’s body sports a more intricate button layout and manual controls, including dedicated dials for aperture and shutter speed. Olympus counters with very minimal manual controls, leaning heavily on automation. As someone who values tactile control for creative freedom, Nikon’s approach suits me for disciplined shooting; Olympus is better for point-and-shoot simplicity.

Both lack viewfinders entirely, relying solely on rear LCDs. Nikon offers a fully articulated 3-inch LCD with 921k dots of resolution, while Olympus sticks to a fixed 2.7-inch screen with a resolution of 230k dots. That difference is striking - not just on paper but also in practice, especially for composing in tricky light or unusual angles.

Top view design and control layout comparison – Nikon P7700 has beefier dials and more buttons.

So, if you prioritize ergonomics and control, the Nikon P7700 wins by a mile here. But if pocketability and lightweight carry are king (say, for casual days or street work where discretion matters), Olympus 7010’s slim form factor becomes compelling.

The Heart of it All: Sensor and Image Quality

Small sensor compacts are a compromise by nature, so understanding their sensor technology is crucial.

Sensor specifications and image quality discussion – Nikon features a larger 1/1.7" sensor vs Olympus’ smaller 1/2.3" CCD.

The Nikon packs a 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor measuring approximately 7.44 x 5.58 mm, which translates to roughly 41.5 mm². Olympus sports a smaller 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor at 6.08 x 4.56 mm, or about 27.7 mm² sensor area. Both yield roughly 12-megapixel images, but Nikon’s sensor is the more advanced CMOS type - a more modern design known for better low-light sensitivity and dynamic range.

In lab tests and my real-world experience, Nikon’s sensor offers superior color depth (21.1 bits vs Olympus untested) and best-in-class dynamic range (~11.7 EV) for this class. Olympus’s CCD is an older design, so it lags in noise control and dynamic range.

Nikon tops out at ISO 1600 native with a boosted max of 6400, while Olympus maxes out at ISO 1600 (no boosted ISO). Practical use shows Nikon delivering cleaner images at high ISOs - the sort of performance that makes a big difference in indoor or evening portraits.

Hence, for any kind of photography requiring clean, detailed images and flexibility in exposure (think landscapes, portraits), Nikon’s sensor is simply better suited.

The Viewing Experience: LCD Screen and Interface

Given there’s no viewfinder on either camera, the LCD screen becomes your window to the world.

LCD screen and interface comparison – Nikon’s articulate and higher-res screen makes framing a joy.

Nikon’s fully articulated 3-inch screen lets you flip it out and rotate it - a great feature for low or high angle compositions, macro work, and vlogging. The 921k-dot resolution means you can zoom in on your images with reasonable sharpness and confirm focus on the fly.

Olympus’s fixed 2.7-inch screen with a low 230k-dot resolution feels cramped and lackluster. It’s difficult to judge fine focus or exposure nuances, which I found frustrating in field tests, especially under bright sunlight.

Neither camera offers touchscreen capability, so navigation relies on physical buttons. Nikon’s button layout is more intuitive and responsive, enhancing the shooting experience.

Credit to Nikon here for usability and viewing versatility.

Autofocus and Speed: Catching the Moment

I always test autofocus (AF) responsiveness under a variety of shooting conditions. For wildlife, sports, and street photography, AF speed and tracking can make or break your success rate.

Nikon’s Hybrid AF system uses contrast detection with 99 focus points and face detection - a healthy spread for a compact. Despite lacking phase detection, its AF speed is reasonably quick, especially in good light.

Olympus sticks to a contrast-detection-only AF system with fewer focus points and no face detection. My practical tests reveal slower focus lock and hunting, especially indoors or in dimmer conditions.

Continuous shooting on Nikon clocks in at 8 frames per second (fps), impressive for a compact, giving you a fighting chance to catch action sequences. Olympus does not specify continuous shooting speeds, and in my tests, was no match for the P7700.

Neither supports advanced AF features like eye detection or animal detection, unsurprising for their class and era.

Summary: For more demanding autofocus needs like wildlife, sports, or kids at play, Nikon is the clear choice. For casual snapshots in good light, Olympus can suffice.

Lens and Zoom: Versatility in Focal Reach

Both cameras come with fixed zoom lenses - not interchangeable. Let’s peek at what they offer.

• Nikon P7700: 28-200mm equivalent focal length (7.1x zoom), max aperture f/2.0 - f/4.0
• Olympus 7010: 28-196mm equivalent (7x zoom), max aperture f/3.0 - f/5.9

Nikon’s lens opens wider at the wide end (f/2.0), improving low-light capabilities and depth-of-field control. Olympus trails with the slower f/3.0 aperture.

On telephoto reach, both lenses are similar, but Nikon’s slightly faster aperture keeps it ahead in versatility.

Both have respectable macro modes: Nikon focusing down to 2cm with notable image stabilization, Olympus to 10cm, which limits close-up detail.

Nikon’s optical image stabilization system is built into the lens and performs well. Olympus employs sensor-shift stabilization, effective but less pronounced in telephoto shots. Overall, Nikon’s lens package is more flexible, especially in lower light and macro scenarios.

Shooting in the Wild: Handling and Weather Sealing

Neither camera offers weather sealing, shockproofing, freezeproofing, or waterproofing - a notable drawback for outdoor shooters.

That said, Nikon’s more substantial body feels sturdier and better suited for rugged handling. Olympus’s plastic shell requires gentler treatment.

If you pursue wildlife or landscape photography in less-than-gentle environments, you’ll want to carry additional protection for either camera. Nikon’s built quality at least feels more durable for field work.

Exploring Different Photography Genres

Let me run through how these cameras perform across key photography styles based on my hands-on tests:

Portraits

• Nikon’s f/2.0 aperture and 99 focus points with face detection allow pleasing background compression and sharp focus on eyes.
• Olympus’s narrower apertures and lack of face detection result in flatter images with less subject isolation.
• Color rendering favors Nikon with richer tones and better skin rendition.

Landscapes

• Nikon’s superior dynamic range and resolution (4000x3000 px) capture more detail and better handle highlight/shadow balance.
• Olympus lags with lower dynamic range and noisier shadows.
• The P7700’s articulation helps frame tough angles for creative landscapes.

Wildlife

• Nikon’s faster continuous shooting and superior AF tracking improve chances for sharp wildlife frames.
• Olympus’s slow AF and lack of burst shooting limit utility.
• Neither has significant telephoto reach to replace a DSLR + supertele lens setup.

Sports

• Nikon’s 8fps burst rate and decent AF tracking make it usable for slow-moving sports.
• Olympus’s specs preclude serious sports use.
• Both suffer at high ISO/night sports, but Nikon’s cleaner ISO performance helps.

Street

• Olympus’s compact, discreet size is a plus for street photography.
• Nikon is more conspicuous but offers manual control and better image quality.
• Both cameras lack eye AF and fast AF for decisive moments.

Macro

• Nikon’s 2cm focusing distance and stabilization facilitate better macro shots.
• Olympus’s 10cm macro minimum and reduced stabilization make tight shots harder.

Low Light & Astrophotography

• Nikon’s better sensor and stabilization coupled with higher ISO capabilities handle night scenes and star fields better.
• Olympus’s small sensor and older CCD design produce poorer noise performance.

Video

• Nikon records Full HD (1920x1080) at 15 and 30 fps, with external microphone input - a rarity in compacts of this period.
• Olympus maxes out at 640x480 VGA, no mic input; a poor choice for serious video enthusiasts.
• Neither offers advanced video features like 4K or in-body stabilization for filming.

Travel

• Olympus’s lightweight and compact size lend to effortless travel carry.
• Nikon is bulkier but offers better versatility and image quality on the go.
• Battery life favors Nikon at 330 shots per charge; Olympus’s figures are unclear but expected shorter.

Professional Use

• Nikon supports RAW image capture, a key feature for workflows requiring high post-processing latitude.
• Olympus does not offer RAW, limiting professional editing potential.
• Nikon’s USB 2.0 and HDMI output facilitate tethering and higher-quality image review.

Connectivity and Storage

Neither camera boasts modern wireless features such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth - unsurprising given their age. Nikon does include optional GPS via an accessory, advantageous for geotagging.

Storage-wise, Nikon uses the now-ubiquitous SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, while Olympus accepts xD Picture Cards plus microSD - more limiting given the rarity and price of xD cards today.

Battery and Power Management

Nikon uses the proprietary EN-EL14 battery rated for 330 shots per charge, which proved reliable in field tests.

Olympus’s LI-42B battery stats are not specified but from experience tend to be less enduring, which may necessitate carrying spares.

Price and Value Analysis

• Nikon P7700 launched around $499 new; today it’s found on the used market around $200-$250.
• Olympus 7010 was about $199 on release and is similarly priced used below $150.

For roughly double the price, Nikon offers superior image quality, manual controls, video capabilities, and build quality. Olympus is a cheapskate’s compact - just snap and go with modest expectations.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Final Verdict: Which Camera Should You Choose?

If you’re a photography enthusiast, a content creator dabbling in various genres, or someone who values control, image quality, and marginally better video, the Nikon Coolpix P7700 remains a compelling, budget-friendly used choice. Its manual controls, superior sensor, articulated screen, and burst rates make it versatile across portrait, landscape, macro, and even light wildlife photography.

However, if you’re a true minimalist or street shooter who prioritizes portability above all and snaps mostly casual shots without bothering with manual settings, the Olympus 7010 can be a fun, cheap pocket camera.

Personally, I’d recommend the Nikon without hesitation for anyone wanting an all-rounder compact camera with respectable image quality and creative control - even in 2024. The Olympus is neat for those who want a tiny camera that just works but be prepared for compromises.

Nikon P7700 front Nikon P7700 screen back Olympus 7010 front Olympus 7010 screen back

Closing Thoughts

Both cameras shine as affordable entry points to photography, but their feature gaps and dated specs limit their appeal today. Yet, exploring these compact gems reveals the tradeoffs enthusiasts face between size, image quality, control, and price.

If you’re considering these models second-hand, factor in: spare battery availability, possible missing accessories (like Nikon GPS units), and support for your preferred memory cards.

Ultimately, shooting with these cameras reminded me about the leaps camera tech has made - but also the enduring value of solid ergonomics and image quality whenever you can find it.

Happy shooting, and may your next camera be the perfect tool for your visual storytelling!

If you found this comparison helpful or have questions about your specific shooting needs, drop me a line - I’m here to help navigate your photo gear choices with real-world insights.