Digital Camera Review

Digital Camera Review

The Nikon Coolpix 3700 is a compact, lightweight digital camera with a 3.2 megapixel imager and a 5.4-16.2mm 3x optical zoom lens. The dual brushed and matte metal finish adds to the streamlined design, and the reflective metal accents not only add to the look and feel, but help users get a better handle on the camera. Style aside, the Nikon Coolpix 3700 is poised to make those in front of the lens, as well as those behind, look good; but only as long as you’re in automatic mode. There are few actual manual features that can be manipulated on the Nikon Coolpix 3700. Point-and-shoot consumers may rejoice, even at US$399, but digital camera enthusiasts who want real manual control on a small camera should perhaps keep shopping.
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Connectivity
Software (5.5)
Nikon View made by ArcSoft is a very basic image editor that comes with the Nikon Coolpix 3700. Basic image manipulation and file management are available with this software program. However, for more intensive editing, and for improved ease of use, users should check out higher-end programs such as Adobe Photoshop.

Jacks, ports, plugs (6.0)
The Nikon Coolpix has one port cover for a USB port for connection to printers or computers and A/V cables for image viewing on your TV. These cables ship with the camera and are easy to connect. The port cover is on the right side of the camera, as a part of the battery and SD card port cover. The port is intelligently placed and easily accessible.

Direct Print Options (4.0)
The Nikon Coolpix 3700 can be connected to compatible printers for direct image printing. Within the playback menu is a print setup option, which will assist the user in preparing the images for direct printing. Direct print options are great, but if users are interested in investing a little time and money, a photo editing software package can improve the image. Although users will be stuck with the resolution captured by the camera, things like contrast, brightness, saturation, and a number of other variables can potentially be changed for the better.

Memory (6.0)
The Nikon Coolpix 3700 takes digital images to an SD card, located on the right side of the camera body. The card is accessed by sliding the port cover down and allowing the spring action to lift the cover out. The Nikon Coolpix 3700 comes with a starter SD card of 16MB. The number of remaining exposures on the card is displayed in brackets on the bottom far right of the LCD monitor. It’s too bad the manufacturers don’t ship their cameras with 32MB cards, as this size functions more like a roll of film, holding near 20 pictures on full resolution. SD media is a fast and reliable option, and if users invest in it they can rest assured that if they purchase a different camera make, they will probably have some options for utilizing their memory investment.

Other features (5.0)
The Nikon Coolpix 3700 has some interesting other features worthy of mention. Users can, with the touch of a button and Internet access, upload their photos to Nikon.net for album storage. The Nikon Coolpix 3700 also offers a voice recording mode for briefly notating an image. Also worthy of mention are the numerous scene modes that cover everything from fireworks to museum. These are good options, all of which may be used with ease.

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