Nikon's stabilised zoom compact — the Zoom 700 VR, vibration reduction, autofocus, program AE, 1994.
The Nikon Zoom 700 VR is a fixed-lens 35mm autofocus zoom compact from 1994, notable as one of the first consumer cameras to include optical vibration reduction. It was sold in some markets as the Zoom-Touch 105 VR, giving it a US-market name difference from the European Zoom 700 VR label. It belongs to Nikon's mid-1990s range of automatic zoom point-and-shoots.
This is a 35mm fixed-lens autofocus zoom compact with a motorised zoom lens and a vibration-reduction system to reduce blur from camera shake at longer settings. It uses active autofocus, programmed automatic exposure with a built-in meter, and has a built-in flash. Film advance, rewind and zoom are motorised. The camera is battery-dependent, running on a lithium cell, and does not fire without power; the exact zoom range should be confirmed against the individual body.
The Zoom 700 VR suits travel and general photography where a versatile zoom and the steadying effect of vibration reduction are wanted at the longer end. The stabilisation helped with the slower shutter speeds a zoom compact often uses, making it a practical all-round camera. It is a fully automatic point-and-shoot with minimal manual control.
On the used market check the light seals around the film door for perished foam, and run the zoom through its full range to confirm the motor is smooth. Test the vibration-reduction system, autofocus and the meter, confirm the flash fires, and run the film advance and rewind. Inspect the LCD panel for bleed or missing segments, check the battery compartment and door for corrosion, and confirm the camera powers up on a fresh cell since it is fully electronic.