New compact Nikon Coolpix models
By Ian Burley
31st August - 2001
Last night was the official UK launch of Nikon’s new Coolpix 885 (3.3 megapixels) and 775 (2.1MP) digicams. 
Key points:
If you are familiar with the out-going Coolpix 880, you might think from the photos that the 885 and 775 represent reworked versions of the 880. That would be unfair to the new models. These are smaller, easier to use and more robust.
Improvements over the 880
Perhaps controversially, we were left un-enthused by the old 880 for a number of reasons, including the un-Nikon like flimsy plastic body, default always on autofocus mode and unresponsive controls. Happily, we can report that a brief play with the 775 reveals that all these problems are absent and the 775 is considerably smaller and lighter than the 880.
The new 885 is slightly larger than the 775, but remains much more compact than the 880. Like the 775, the 885 feels very securely screwed together, has better controls and the default focus mode is much more sensible. Both also sport new f/2.8-4.9 3x (38-114mm equivalent) all-glass zoom lenses with automatic lens protection. The 775 has a 2.5x supplementary digital zoom and the 885 gets a 4x version.
Resolution and exposure
Maximum picture size obtainable from the 775's 1/2.7 inch CCD is 1600x1200 pixels (1.92MP). There is no full manual exposure control, but an easy to use scene selection option is provided. The TTL metering system has a 256 segment matrix, so it ought to cope with tricky lighting conditions well. A QuickTime mode movie clip option is at one's disposal too.
With the 885 the CCD is a 1/1.8 inch device and the maximum picture resolution is 2048x1536 pixels (3.15MP). Unlike the 775, the 885 is equipped with manual as well as auto and scene selection exposure modes. Both cameras are Epson Print Image Matching (PIM) compatible.
Ease of use emphasised
Nikon emphasised ease of use as a priority in the 775 and 885. Using Nikon's Fotostation software, a streamlined image to PC upload system can be used. All cameras include membership of Nikon's impressive FotoShare Web-based photo album and sharing service.
Prices and availability
Each camera is available in two guises; Standard Kit and Premier Kit. The latter is £90 dearer and nets a 64MB Compact Flash card to the standard card (8MB for the 775 and 16MB for the 885) plus a second Lithium Ion rechargeable battery.
- Nikon Coolpix 885 (Standard Kit) £549.99
- Nikon Coolpix 885 (Premier Kit) £639.99
- Nikon Coolpix 775 (Standard Kit) £349.99
- Nikon Coolpix 775 (Premier Kit) £439.99
All prices include VAT.
Availability is scheduled for October onwards.
We have a 775 for review and initial impressions are very good. It's a very cute little camera. From its specifications and a quick look at the 885, it's clear that the 885 is a much improved replacement for the old 880.
www.nikon.co.uk
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