Manual Control Options
Manual shooting mode can be set by setting the camera’s mode dial to the SLR Camera/M icon. There are several image adjustments that can be controlled manually, and they are explored in more depth below.

Auto Focus (7.0)
In automatic shooting mode, the Nikon Coolpix 3700 focuses on the image at the center of the frame. The camera also employs an autofocus assist mode that engages when lighting is poor. The LED on the front of the Nikon Coolpix 3700 emits enough light to get the image in focus, provided it is not outside the focal range. This feature works well with subjects that are close to the camera, specifically within the flash range. The autofocus responded well to a variety of settings and it can be relied upon for taking in-focus images.

Manual Focus (0.0)
As a point-and-shoot camera, the Nikon Coolpix 3700 does not offer any strict manual focusing feature; however, the Coolpix 3700 does come with variable focusing options that provides some flexibility and focus control for the user. In particular, there is an area autofocus mode that can be automatically or manually controlled. When manually set, the user can select from five portions of the frame for the camera to focus on. Although this is a far cry from true manual focus, the user is given the ability to select the portion of the composition in which the focus will be directed and does not have to try to force their subjects into the center of the frame.

Metering (0.0)
There are no manual metering options available on the Nikon Coolpix 3700. It’s really too bad, as these options take the guesswork out of exposing an image; however, this camera is perfect for those who have no interest in worrying about the how-tos of exposure.

Exposure (7.0)
Exposure on the Nikon Coolpix 3700 is not true manual exposure, although users can alter and adjust the exposure setting automated by the camera. By pressing the multi-selector joystick to the right, towards the +/- icon, an exposure compensation table is displayed and users can select between 2.0 EV to -2.0 EV in increments of 1/3 EV. This option is better than no option, but it would be nice to have real exposure values that can be manipulated by the user.

White Balance (8.0)
White Balance on the Nikon Coolpix 3700 can be adjusted by pressing the menu button and using the multi-selector joystick to scroll down to the white balance feature. Once in this setting, white balance options of auto, preset, daylight, incandescent, fluorescent, cloudy, and speedlight are available. The modes are accurate for the most part and the adjustments are made instantly. The on-board white balance modes are sufficient for most point-and-shoot users, and the manual white balance or preset mode is easy to set and use.

ISO (0.0)
In both automatic and manual mode, the ISO sensitivity, or gain, is automatically adjusted. There is no obvious way to adjust the ISO mode or turn off automatic alterations to this feature, although in manual shooting mode the ISO symbol can be seen on the bottom left of the screen. This may be an indication that there is not enough illumination in the scene so the ISO has been boosted to compensate. This was a troubling aspect of the manual control on the Nikon Coolpix 3700 and its forced automatic control resulted in increased noise and diminished quality.

Shutter Speed (0.0)
There are no manual shutter speed settings available on the Nikon Coolpix 3700. This is again unfortunate, as these are vital manual control elements that could be used practically and creatively by the right user.

Aperture (0.0)
This goes along with the unfortunate lack of manual shutter control.The lack of manual aperture does the experienced user a great injustice and may hinder the curious learner's efforts to expand his control of his images and relinquish his reliance on automatic functions. I know many users may not care to control these functions. But they ultimately do far more than just control the image’s exposure. Control of the aperture setting will affect the depth of field and the sharpness of the image.This will impact the image's resolution and clarity, not just the illumination. Therefore, even the point-and-shoot camera should come with the option to control aperture and shutter speed to offer the highest attainable image should the user want to put in the extra effort to achieve it.