Rating: 
Summary: Great camera - if you can live with some flaws
Review: I own a Coolpix 4500, before I had a 950 and a 995. I've been using them all a lot.Coolpix 4500 Pros: - Very good overall picture quality if you use the following settings:
1600 x 1200 resolution (downsampling algorithm does a great job - I usually shoot at 2 mp when travelling to save space without losing much quality); medium quality jpeg; sharpening +1 - Sturdy all metal swivel design body allows you all sorts of shots that would be impossible to take with other types of camera. - Fits in pocket (even though it is not really slim) - Best macro of all compacts - if you need close-ups, the Coolpix is about the best choice around - Lens is not extending out of camera body, so it is well protected from mechanical damage and dust (look at all those flaky extensible plastic gadgets on other cameras!). - Accessory lenses available, especially the teles are excellent - Best choice of options available in compacts, everything can be adjusted according to personal taste. All sorts of exposure and focus options a modern higher end SLR has. - Good lithium battery with fast 2 hour charger (get a spare battery, though!) - Still good quality at 400, usable at 800 ISO! - Histogram allows you to check exposure Cons: - Lens does not deliver enough detail to take full advantage of the chip's 4 megapixels. No improvement compared to 995 (3 mp). - Little direct access to functions; you spend a lot of time fumbling - Multi-level menus that are SLOW to navigate - Slow lens (maximum aperture) at tele position); try 200 ISO whenever necessary - Shutter delay too long (apparently slower than 995) for candid shots or anything that moves quickly - LCD (1,5") is too small, especially if you have eye problems; the 995 had a 1,8", the 950 a 2" screen! - Distortion (pincushion at wideangle, barrel at tele) - Does not focus well at low lighting levels (no AF assistance light) - Clipped highlights (no detail in light areas while the rest is properly exposed; underexposing does not help much) My conclusion: I you want to shoot sports and under low light situations, or if you need the best resolution, get something else, If you need to travel light, take close-ups, take pictures discreetly, need some more tele (with or without accessory lens) and are content with (very good) 2 megapixel pictures, get the Coolpix 4500.
Rating:
Summary: Super digicam, but no substitute for a film SLR
Review: I purchased this camera about a year ago, and have really liked it -- for what it is designed for. It is when you try to stretch it a bit, like I did, to get it to replace a beloved old Olympus OM-10 SLR I have had for 20+ years, you really start to understand the limitations of the current crop of digicams (to separate them from the still-too-expensive-for-my budget digital SLRs). To Nikon's credit, they have produced a number of really nice accessory lenses and flashes for this camera, and its ability to make really close-up macro shots and assisted panoramas still astounds me. Even with items like their wide-angle and tele-adapters, etc, though, there are still about three major shortcomings that will eventually force me to look at the new crop of under-$1000 digital SLRs that will be coming out in the next year or so. 1) Now matter how you cut it, a max F3.5/F5.6 (wide/tele) lens is too slow for any real handheld available light work, unless you are outdoors. I've tried handholding indoor shots with it, and experienced too much camera shake because of the slow shutter speeds. There is simply no substitute for a fast (F1.8 or better) prime lens when you need to get that shot without a glaring flash. 2) You would think that the slow lens situation would be helped by cranking up the ISO, say to 400. Unfortunately, the noise at ISO 400 in this camera is unacceptable to me. Again, to Nikon's credit, they have a really nice noise reduction function, that substracts a dark frame in the camera, but this doubles your time between shots, and that can be a real issue if say, you are snapping shots of the Disney electrical parade. 3) Electric zoom -- one word, ich! It's OK for camcorders, where a jerky manual zoom is considered poor camera technique, but in a still camera, it only slows you down. Forget trying to do action/sports photography with the camera. Even if the focus could follow a changing scene (and it is no stellar performer, there), the zoom is glacial in comparison. Give my a push/pull manual zoom ring on a fast lens anyday. So, given all the limitations of such a system, it doesn't appear to be worth tossing all the cash into the camera, lens, and accessories, only to have an "SLR-wannabee". The camera, etc. is bulky enough that I have to make a conscious decision to pack it for a trip, just like an SLR system would be. Better to spend your cash on the smallest pocketable miniature digicam you can, like the super-small Canons or Minoltas (these days they produce excellent 3- and 4- megapixel pictures), and save your money for one of the newer digital SLRs coming out, if you are really yearning to 'go digital' and retire that trusted old SLR. And don't forget that big investment in 'glass' you may have with your old SLR system. Hopefully will be able to reuse some of it, until you can afford the truly astronomical prices that some of the new glass for digital SLRs are going for.
Rating:
Summary: Super digicam, but no substitute for a film SLR
Review: I purchased this camera about a year ago, and have really liked it -- for what it is designed for. It is when you try to stretch it a bit, like I did, to get it to replace a beloved old Olympus OM-10 SLR I have had for 20+ years, you really start to understand the limitations of the current crop of digicams (to separate them from the still-too-expensive-for-my budget digital SLRs). To Nikon's credit, they have produced a number of really nice accessory lenses and flashes for this camera, and its ability to make really close-up macro shots and assisted panoramas still astounds me. Even with items like their wide-angle and tele-adapters, etc, though, there are still about three major shortcomings that will eventually force me to look at the new crop of under-$1000 digital SLRs that will be coming out in the next year or so. 1) Now matter how you cut it, a max F3.5/F5.6 (wide/tele) lens is too slow for any real handheld available light work, unless you are outdoors. I've tried handholding indoor shots with it, and experienced too much camera shake because of the slow shutter speeds. There is simply no substitute for a fast (F1.8 or better) prime lens when you need to get that shot without a glaring flash. 2) You would think that the slow lens situation would be helped by cranking up the ISO, say to 400. Unfortunately, the noise at ISO 400 in this camera is unacceptable to me. Again, to Nikon's credit, they have a really nice noise reduction function, that substracts a dark frame in the camera, but this doubles your time between shots, and that can be a real issue if say, you are snapping shots of the Disney electrical parade. 3) Electric zoom -- one word, ich! It's OK for camcorders, where a jerky manual zoom is considered poor camera technique, but in a still camera, it only slows you down. Forget trying to do action/sports photography with the camera. Even if the focus could follow a changing scene (and it is no stellar performer, there), the zoom is glacial in comparison. Give my a push/pull manual zoom ring on a fast lens anyday. So, given all the limitations of such a system, it doesn't appear to be worth tossing all the cash into the camera, lens, and accessories, only to have an "SLR-wannabee". The camera, etc. is bulky enough that I have to make a conscious decision to pack it for a trip, just like an SLR system would be. Better to spend your cash on the smallest pocketable miniature digicam you can, like the super-small Canons or Minoltas (these days they produce excellent 3- and 4- megapixel pictures), and save your money for one of the newer digital SLRs coming out, if you are really yearning to 'go digital' and retire that trusted old SLR. And don't forget that big investment in 'glass' you may have with your old SLR system. Hopefully will be able to reuse some of it, until you can afford the truly astronomical prices that some of the new glass for digital SLRs are going for.
Rating:
Summary: Good, But Flawed.
Review: I spent a year using and abusing the 990 coolpix in severe conditions on the job and fell in love with it inspite of some flaws (Needed higher resolution, chromatic aberations were pretty nasty and the control/ menu system was written for geeks). The 995 came out and I passed on it as I thought it should have had that higher resolution. When the 4500 appeared, it seemed like it was everything I wanted. They simplified the controls (but they are still too clumsy), bumped up the resolution and made the whole thing smaller. But they also shrank the LCD window down to where it borders on useless. I am now planning on replacing this camera with the 5400 as soon as it comes out. I wish they had left that window alone...
Rating: 
Summary: The Coolpix 995 was better in the field
Review: I used both this and the 995, and the 995 has a more solid feel, better grip, easier menu to navigate and larger LCD monitor. If you are getting something in this range, get a 995. It will be cheaper since it is an old model and although at 3.34megapixel, it is a minor difference. I just did exactly that! If you take 100-200 high resolution (Fine, 3:2) photos with frequent use of flash in one outing, immediately get a couple of 256MB RAM cards and an extra rechargeable battery. With the money saved buying a 995, you can do this. In both, the swivel action is very useful (360 degrees in this model) and the pop up flash is a great improvement from the 990! And the rechargeable battery is useful. The 4500 is smaller and easier to stuff into your belt when cycling! It has a higher rating for optical zoom and resolution but I did not feel it was worth it. Much better to go for the 5700 if you can afford it, but that is much bulkier. The 995 Nikon does very well with macro photography but is a little poor indoors compared to a Sony.
Rating: 
Summary: Versatile, sharp, diverse features, easy to use!
Review: I've been watching the Nikon Coolpix 900 series (900-995, now the 4500, all with twist feature) since they were introduced. The Coolpix 4500 is priced right, plus it has the resolution I want for enlarged photos. I have produced 15 x 11-inch exhibition prints with this camera. They are tack sharp. One of the alluring features of this camera is that it is inconspicuous. You can take photos and it does not bring attention to itself. When I am shooting with a Nikon F100, sometimes an observer wants to know what I am shooting. He or she will even suggest what to shoot. When I am shooting with the 4500, fewer strangers, if any, intervene. Sometimes I shoot from my kayak. When doing so, I like to shoot right at water level. With an slr camera, this is impossible. With the 4500, I can twist the viewfinder so I am looking down while the lens is facing my subject (grasses, lobster buoy, etc). With an optional viewing hood on the LCD I can see clearly despite the sun. I am getting images I would not get otherwise. You can also use this camera effectively in candid street photography. Use the twist feature and your subject will not suspect you are photographing him or her. Your subject can even be behind you. This camera also takes an off-the-camera flash. I use a Nikon SB-28DX with my F100. This Speedlight is compatible with the 4500 as well. I have a bracket that holds the camera with the flash to the side with a sync cord attached. This feature, of course, eliminates red-eye and fosters more candid portrait photos. I bought this camera primarily for its:
- 4-megapixel resolution,
- very sharp lens,
- 4x-optical zoom (compares to 38-155mm on a 35mm camera),
- 3/4 inch macro AF mode,
- twist feature,
- compatibility with my Nikon Speedlight,
- various drive modes (P, A, S, M),
- three-mode metering which includes spot,
- compatibility with auxiliary lenses, and its
- "low-key" appearance. However, I am discovering all kinds of features I enjoy using. These include:
- a five-area multi-focus system,
- one-touch uploading of photos, and
- auto-exposure bracketing with white balance and exposure values,
- plus more. Does this mean I will stop using my F100? No. I can create larger quality prints with the F100. The two cameras complement each other. The 4500 enables me to experiment without the expense of film, see immediate results, then apply the features to the F100. And, as mentioned, the 4500 enables me to get out-of-reach shots.
Rating:
Summary: I Like my Coolpix 4500
Review: I've ordered 8x10 prints of the high resolution, low compression picture and was very happy with the results. Menu system is a bit complex at first, but I am used to it now. At highest Res, .JPG images can be 400K, 800K or 1.2M depending on compression setting. I have used the swivel lens to take pictures at odd angles and clearly see the LCD disply. It was very useful. Ability to display on TV for immediate review was very good quality. May not be the smallest is certainly considered convenient. I have no complaints yet! I do recommend at least a 64Mb flash card. ( I bought the 128MB and can fit about 100 1.2M pictures on a disk.)
Rating: 
Summary: JUNK
Review: Just after the one year warranty and I turn on the camera to hear loud clicking noises. Have to take the battery out to shut off. "SYSTEM ERROR". $200 to repair from Nikon - oh and they won't tell me what's wrong with it. I'm not the only one. My friend had the same problem, but he had it repaired in greece for $100. I've read that a number of people have had the same problem, actually some on Amazon reviews, where are they now?
Way to go Nikon. I won't be a return customer thank you.
Rating:
Summary: Two major dissatisfications for Nikon Coolpix 4500
Review: My first complaint/advice is about the "purported" rebates offered by Nikon. After sending in much documentation, they still refused after several letters to respond and reimburse with the promised rebate. They have a laundry checklist of reason used to "stiff" customers and not pay. They appear to be
unconcerned with their own corporate image or past customer loyalty. Eventually I had to get my rebate from the original
seller who was embarassed by their corporate behavior. Additionally, if you don't mind being fleeced about the rebate, you will also find the flash to be underpowered...making me regret even more that I had taken this supposed "step up" from an Olympus digital camera. Finally, reviews I read about the complicated and unfathomable menus were right on the money. Unless you don't value money, want dark pictures or have a month to try to decipher their menus and manuals, don't buy this (and maybe any other Nikon) product.
Rating:
Summary: if you're intrigued by the coolpix line, this is the one
Review: Not to sound like a negatron, but some of the previous reviewers aren't really qualified to comment on this camera. It's features are wasted on them. Too small? Q: What is the best camera? A: The one you take with you and always have in your hand. Don't kid yourself-- if a camera is even slightly bulkly or cumbersome to haul around (as both the 990 and 995 are) you won't carry it and it will quickly migrate directly to your closet. In this regard, the 4500 really shines. Lightweight, portable, truly pocket-sized (i.e., you don't have to cram it in there and it doesn't feel like a brick thumping against your leg after 5 minutes). Second, the swivel design is excellent for capturing candids. You can hold the camera at your waist and fire off shots without anyone being the wiser. No hands covering faces, no corny poses, just people as they are. Try to get shots like that with a typical point-shoot or SLR. Too mechancial? Come on! I suppose some people can't handle two moving parts. Anyway, there is no need to twist the cam to take shots-- if you want to hold the camera up to your face like a typical point-and-shoot, in it's default position, nothing's stopping you. It works great that way as well. Trust me, there isn't anything 'weird' about this device that someone with an ounce of common sense can't handle. Finally, this was a reasonably priced camera when it first came out. Now, at the current price with all the discounts and rebates, it's a steal. But yeah, if you're looking for solid quality at absolute bargain basement prices and the 4500 is too much, skip the 995 and go right to the 990. That is the camera I used up until recently as a backup to my pro-grade D100 for model shoots. The fact that an older model in this line has that sort of credibility should tell you something about the quality you can expect from the newer 4500.
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