GADGET GIZMO REVIEW Nikon
CoolPix P340
PRICE 18,950
SPECIFICATIONS 12.2 MP CMOS sensor, 5x optical zoom VR lens, f1.8,
3-inch (921k dot) LCD, built in flash, WiFi, 1080p video, ISO 80-3200,
micro USB + micro HDMI, 194 grams Well-built, excellent f1.8 lens, manual
control, high-quality1080p video, micro USB charging Tiny 1,050mAh battery,
can’t use camera while charging, limited accessory expansion options
What kind of photographs would you expect from a pocketable camera that
weighs 194 grams? If you’re anything like the average consumer, you’ll want
results like a DSLR with sharp subjects, blurred backgrounds and
high-quality 1080p video. Happily, you can get this in the Coolpix P340.
For starters, it has an all-metal matte black body with a pleasing textured
finish. Up front is the 5x optical zoom lens (24 – 120mm; 35mm equivalent)
with a rotating, configurable control ring around it. You can use the
control ring to zoom in/out, quickly change ISO, focus, exposure or white
balance. On top is a standard mode dial, on/off button, zoom/ shutter,
retractable flash and a control dial. Around the back is a highres 3-inch
(non touch) LCD and the usual set of control buttons.
The P340 offers some great results — the combination of the larger sensor,
effective image stabilisation and f1.8 lens means that you can get great
handheld shots in virtually any conditions. It also shoots RAW, has manual
exposure controls, built in digital filters & picture effects,
panorama, 2cm macro and shows virtually no noise till ISO 800. Video is
excellent too, with stereo sound. Plus you can zoom while recording. We
liked that you can actually charge the P340 with any micro USB charger.
A couple of the issues we found: the screen blanks out for a split second
when zooming into an image in review mode. And the camera cannot be used
while it’s charging (seriously limits use with intervalometer, which
ironically, is built in). That being said, the P340 is undeniably great.
The market price is actually closer to 17k which makes it an even sweeter
deal. We feel that it’s is great for most uses and highly recommended. If
there was any evidence that compact cameras are inching closer to
perfection, this is it.
HITESH RAJ BHAGAT
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