Rating: Summary: A Great Digital Camera Review: I bought a Nikon Coolpix (my first digital camera) about a six months ago and am very satisfied with it. Previously, I had owned a Nikon 35 MM "point-and-shoot" camera, but was interested in the advantages a digital camera would provide; immediate gratification through seeing your pictures NOW, the ability to send JPG images to freinds and relatives, the ability to delete pictures "on-the-fly", etc. What I got was a mixed bag of results - mostly positive.Before I go any further, I must advise you to get the following options: two sets of rechargable NiMH batteries which should be standard with the camera (I use the Kodak ones available at Amazon.com), a higher-capacity memory card (I use a 128 MB San Disk - Nikon's OEM), and some sort of adapter to transfer your images quickly - the serial cable is just too slow. I have purchased a SanDisk adapter and insert the memory card directly into the PCMCIA slot on my laptop computer for rapid transfer. Anyways, in use the camera is fantastic. Initially, I was using the 640X480 resolution setting to save space, but with the new, larger card, I now use the 1600X1200 setting with moderate compression for all pictures. I find that the card can hold about 100 pictures at this resolution. Once I find a picture I like, I use the Microsoft Photo Editor software (comes with Office) and reduce the resolution as appropriate (web pages, etc.). I store my "keepers" on CDROM at the higher resolution - you can always reduce resolution and size. The picture quality is great. The flash, however, should only be used up to 10' - any further and your pictures come out too dark. Nikon USA has a web page with the latest firmware available for download - which I recommend. Low points for the camera include the fact that the lens resets to full zoom every time you turn the camera off! I find myself zooming out every time I turn the camera on - this eats up your batteries and takes time. The flap that covers the memory card does not always stay closed and flops open from time to time. Sometimes, the camera takes a while to reset between pictures, so a bit of spontaneity is lost. There are now newer cameras out there. I find that the 2.1 Megapixel capability of this camera meets my needs and that, given the recent price reductions, I would buy this Nikon now if I were in the market today.
Rating: Summary: 5000 Photos Later Review: This camera takes excellent quality digital pictures and comes with the Nikonview software which enables you to make basic edits on the pictures on your computer. It is fairly easy to use and the compact flash uploads into the computer either via a reader or directly from the camera. I have seen some digital pictures which made me wonder why you would bother, the quality was so poor. This camera is the best I have seen and I would highly recommend it.
Rating: Summary: Coolpix a Winner Review: This is my first digital camera, and have had if for a year. Takes great pictures in the ~500 KB file size range using JPEG compression in 1200 X 1600 mode. I've printed them on an HP 840 ink jet with glossy paper and 8 X 10 is magnificent! Internal flash is weakness, but I bought external flash and bracket and works quite well. I see no reason to buy more mega pixels which use more space on card. Optics are great too. I may buy another for my son before this is discontinued since it is an older model.
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