Canon Powershot Pro1 v Nikon Coolpix 8700

How do these two 8megapixel models measure up head to head?

In terms of looks, these two cameras are fairly similar. Both mimic a digital SLR design and feature an electronic viewfinder (EVF) as opposed to a basic optical version. Canon's Pro1 also sports a useful zoom ring at the front of the lens that, thanks to the fast zoom engine, allows for quick and responsive zooming and manual focus adjustment. The design of the Coolpix 8700 from Nikon isn't quite as ergonomic and the two strap holders frequently get in the way.

When it comes to button placement and menu navigation, the Canon wins hands down. Like any prosumer digital camera, it takes a while to get to grips with the extended functions, but the large mode dial and intuitive menu system helps a great deal. On the other hand, the Coolpix 8700 can be frustratingly difficult to find your way around with functions found in places you really wouldn't expect them to be.

With the EVF, it's a different story. The high-res Nikon EVF has a fast refresh rate that mimics an SLR extremely well. Canon's EVF is acceptable, but the slow refresh rate doesn't compare well with Nikon's.

Nikon has a reputation for producing digital cameras with extra wide-angle lenses, but despite this the Coolpix 8700 only has a wide-angle of 35mm. Conversely, the Pro1 sports an impressive wide angle of 28mm.

Optical zoom ratings are similar, with the Canon achieving 7x and the Nikon 8x, but since the Nikon starts off at 35mm it has a maximum telephoto of 280mm as opposed to Canon's 200mm. In terms of aperture, the fast lens on the Pro1 has a maximum rating of F2.4, reducing to F3.5 at maximum zoom, while the Coolpix 8700 comes in slightly slower at F2.8 and F4.2 at 8x optical zoom.

As you would expect, picture quality is admirable with both of these cameras, however there are noticeable differences. While the Pro1 supplied us with glorious colourful photos, the Nikon appeared to display colours that were slightly more realistic, if a little bland.

Skin tones also seemed more lifelike on the Coolpix 8700. When shooting in Raw mode, which both cameras are capable of, the difference between the two outputs reduces further. If you take a look at the night shots on the cover disc, you'll notice that the Pro1 had some minor chromatic aberration issues - something which the Coolpix 8700 managed to avoid.

It's worth noting that the Canon's movie mode is only capable of 15 frames per second (fps), while Nikon's manages 30fps, both of which shoot at 640 x 480. Canon also ships a remote control and lens flare hood, along with a filter adapter.

When it comes to making a buying decision, image quality isn't really too much of an issue, since both are capable of taking excellent, well detailed photos. It's really more down to the features, usability and price. Nikon has elected not to supply any memory card, which is understandable since anything less than a 128MB card on this type of camera is almost worthless, whereas Canon supply a 64MB Compact Flash card. Take a look at www.pcw.co.uk/bestprices, and you'll see that the Nikon is available for just under £700 and the Canon is at around £780.

It's tough to say which is better as they've both got different strengths. The design and usability of the Pro1 was good, but the Coolpix 8700 featured the likes of a 30fps movie mode and impressive 280mm telephoto lens. If it came down to one or the other, we'd pay the little bit extra and go for the Canon, but it's well worth looking at the Nikon before parting with your money.

Nikon Cool Pix 8700 details:

Contact: Nikon 0845 4500 155
www.nikon.co.uk

Specifications:

• 3,264 x 2,448
• 8x optical zoom (35-280mm)
• F2.8-4.2/F8-7.4
• Shutter speeds: 8-1/1,400 sec
• Bulb mode
• ISO 125-400
• 3cm Macro
• 1.8in LCD monitor
• 113 x 78 x 105 (d x h x w)
• 480g

Price details:
£799.

Canon Powershot Pro1 details:

Contact: Canon 08705 143 723
www.canon.co.uk

Specifications:

• 3,264 x 2,448
• 7x optical zoom (28-200mm)
• F2.4-3.5/F8
• Shutter speeds: 15-1/1,400 sec
• 3cm macro
• ISO 50-400
• 2in LCD monitor
• Lens filter and anti-flare adapters
• Remote control
• 117.5 x 72 x 90.3 (d x h x w)
• 545g

Price details:
£999