Nikon Coolpix 8800 8MP Digital Camera with 10x Vibration Reduction Optical Zoom lens

Rating:
Summary: A "fair-weather" camera...
Review: I bought the 8800 as a second camera to use when I didn't want to cart the DSLR and it's bag of lenses around. After using it for about two weeks, it's been returned.

On the surface, it seems to have a lot of features, but I'd have to characterize the 8800 as a "fair-weather" camera. In sufficient light (e.g. daylight) it takes great pictures.

Let the light get dim, however, or use it at it's extended zoom range, or indoors, and it just hunts, trying to find focus. Not being able to use the extended zoom in anything but the best lighting conditions make having one a bit pointless. The EVF is coarse, making it difficult to judge subject focus, and the camera's high ISO range (400) isn't really usable.

For those trying to make the purchase decision, be aware, the camera has some major drawbacks. You'll definitely need to determine if it fits your needs and shooting style.

Rating:
Summary: Best prosumer digital camera availlable
Review: I bought this splendid camera when it was released last november in Hong Kong. Previously I had a Canon A 80, but there is no way to compare both. This Nikon is the pinacle of easy to use digital camera, but offers features only availlable to professional cameras. Starting buy the brand, the best camera maker, going tru the 10x zoom and VR steady system,'you will have a powerfull camera with a bat pack that stands decently (even tough I bought a second battery pack EN-EL7). The pictures quality is gorgeous. I hope it last enought to worth is price, HK$7280.00= some US$936.00. But it's much much cheaper the bauying in Brazil, where I live and I'm from (R$8000,00)= some US$2,900.00.

I do recommend this camera if you can afford it.

Rating:
Summary: Not in love, yet.
Review: I have owned every coolpix from the 900 to this one. Every time they come out with a new model, I sell the old, and buy the new. There are always some new feature I'd like to have, items on my wish list that have been answered. (Some of my best shots were taken with the 900 1MP model.) I certainly miss the smaller twist models (last:4500).

The good: I'm comparing mostly with the more recent coolpix models, not similar cameras from other manufacturers. I could go into why I've stuck with Nikon, but that's another story. Nikon has wisely taken their most often used controls away from an inconvient buried menu and put in on a dial right net to the shutter release. The have threaded the front lens mount for easier use of lens add-ons. (the 5700 and 8700 require slide on adaptors). the Vibration Reduction was a big upgrading feature for me. Past owned coolpixes: you're taking a shot of people outdoors in shade. The coolpix wants to use the flash. You disable the flash and find that your resultant shots are blurry. Agggrhhh!!! The VR helps in this respect. I've pushed the use of this feature, and its certainly not a miracle worker, but an improvement. The 10X zoom lens is a real winner- keeps away the temptation to use an add-on tele conversion lens. The short movie feature is better in quality than past cameras and very handy. There is a new battery model- needed for the more power hungry 8800. If your coming from a smaller MP camera, the 8MP's value is in allowing you to crop in software and still get a sharp print. Also for making very large enlargments. For regular snapshots and email/web photos it is gross overkill. There is a remote control which is nice for taking slow shutter speed shots and the times when the photographer wants to get in the picture without having to run like the devil before the self timer releases. For those not familiar with the coolpix line, the build is excellent, the camera is comfortable, the close ups breathtaking, the photos are very sharp, the features are numerous. The monitor swivel is very handy- i'd say indespensible. This is a choice if you want the top without getting into interchangable lenses and the expense and inconvenience of same.

The bad: The 8800 is a tad larger than the 8700, but just enough to make it feel bulky. The 8700 felt perfect. The shutter delay is still annoying. The low light functionality is still inferior. The manual mode is still relatively useless. (It would be great to be able to focus and zoom the lens by turning the lens barrel like you could in prehistoric times. The monitor is a tad small for a camera of this size. And the auto exposure has a tendancy for too much, forcing you to manually under compensate (easy to do, but annoying to have to do) in many lighting conditions.

Necessary add-ons: Nikon makes a great $25(?) leather case. An additional battery (the after market ones for other Coolpix cameras were good enough, but not available yet for the 8800). A filter lens cover (so you are cleaning that and not the lens). And a Birt Sirkin CheatSheet. And you might consider buying (eventually) one of those real small (e.g. Casio) cameras as a pocket model when your photo needs are light.

General complaint about digital cameras: Low light sensitivity. What's this 'noise' BS. This is (almost) 2005. We should be shooting at ISO 1200 with no noise.

Rating:
Summary: Terrific camera for perfect lighting conditions
Review: I own a Canon "Elf" camera that uses APS film. It takes very nice pictures, but I wanted to upgrade to a camera that would have better zoom capabilities and would make it easier to exchange pictures with family. After looking at a bunch of digital cameras, I chose this one as the best trade-off of zoom, ease of use, picture quality, other features, and price.

The point-and-shoot mode takes really terrific pictures if the lighting conditions are perfect. However, I find that if the lighting conditions are even a bit less than optimal, I get much nicer pictures with my APS-film camera (although it only has a 3x zoom). Shots with the Nikon are very often out of focus or too dark. You can go to manual control, and there are also about 20 pre-set picture modes (portrait, night-time, etc). But (1) you need to invest a lot of time to really master all of these controls, and (2) you need considerable expertise to use them "on the fly" to take great pictures. Adequate pictures, sure; but I find that for most regular use, my film camera takes better pictures, on average. If you are thinking of buying this, consider carefully your skill level with a camera. If you are a point-and-shoot person, this is probably not the best choice. If you are already very good with manually controlling digital cameras, you will be able to coax some fantastic pictures out of this thing.

Also, beware; if you have a rebate, it will take many, many months for it to be processed. We finally called them and got kind of a snotty "well, we're just too busy and you'll just have to wait" response from the person we talked to.

Rating:
Summary: Really great Digi Camera... LOTS of options to choose from
Review: I started out with a Nikon Coolpix 950 5 years ago, and we still have it! Last year I received the Nikon Coolpix 3100, and still own it as well (great little camera). I wanted something that had more capabilities, as I am becoming very involved in photography again. I did a lot of research between the 8800 and the Nikon D-70 SLR. In the end, I opted for the 8800, and thus far am very pleased with it.

This camera is NOT for novice Digital Camera users. There are so many buttons, options, and gadgets that a novice would be very confused, even though it comes out of the box ready for just basic point-and-shoot photgraphy. However, this camera would be a high expense for someone who does not intend to use all it's bells and whistles. If you want a point-and-shoot only camera, without much to-do, go with the younger Nikon versions, such as the simple 3100 or a 5000 series. If you are looking for a more professional picture taking camera, and want to be able to add lenses, filters, hoods and flashes, then it's a sure bet. SHUTTER LAG TIME is very minimal here. It's still a tad slower than the D-70, but pretty fast for a digi camera. I have't had it long enough to know how it will hold up over the years, but thus far I'm very pleased with it. DOWNSIDE; requires those Lithium-Ion rechargable batteries that are pretty costly; you're supposed to take the battery out even when camera is "off", as it still draws a minute ammt. of battery power. Much heavier and bulky than a compact point and shoot (but a very different camera, also)

A NOTE ON THE LEATHER CASE... this is a good choice for traveling, such as vacation and such. However, if you are a "true" photographer, you will need a large aluminum case to store all the lenses and accessories, plus the camera, in. The leather case barely holds the camera and a few major necessities, but does not really have room to carry the battery charger along, so you will need to purchase 1-2 spare batteries for a vacation trip.

Rating:
Summary: Overall a winner
Review: I was wondering if the upgrade from my Olympus C-2100Z 2.1mp to this 8mp camera was worth while because my old camera also had an X10 stabilized lens. The answer is YES it was. The extra mp makes a very big difference and the overall improvements over the past three years have been dramatic. Rather than giving an amateur's review of this camera let me steer you to professional reviewer sites. The nice thing about these sites is that if you decide this camera is not for you then they have reviews on cameras that you just might like.
[...]

I didn't find the supplied software exceptional but it does give you a place to collect your photos. Also these days I do not usually print my photos. I save them to CD's or DVD's and play them back on the TV set, I find this a much nicer way to keep photos and then to view them.

The camera does have some shortcomings but I think overall it is excellent. If you take photos in near dark then it will not focus. I take photos inside and outside where there is usually existing light so this is no problem for me.

Not a shortcoming is the little remote control that I just love. You set the camera on a tripod, get it set up for taking a picture, hit the timer, go get yourself in the picture then push the remote control and you have your picture, NICE! Then it's very convenient not having to carry a tripod for the telephoto shots, the Vibration Reduction feature sees to that.

Years ago going on vacation meant a big bag of lenses, bodies, etc but with the 8800 that's no longer necessary. [...]
Art Rideout

Rating:
Summary: Awesome Lens and Camera
Review: The 8800 is one of the best 8mp cameras out on the market today. As a photographer, in my early days, I was after sharp pictures. The 8800 delivers in this area and has one of the best zoom lens of any digital camera. I've compared them all. If you love macro photograph you will love the 8800 with VR. VR technology allows and adjusts for camera shake. It will not work miracles but it does work and will give you sharp pictures when other cameras will give you a blurred pic. The 8800 is built like a tank with an all magnesium body. The buttons and dials are all first class and have a high quality feel to them. The camera feels good in my hands and is very ergonomic. One of the greatest joys of this camera is that it is an easy to learn and use. The camera has many features that are easy to get to without toggling through an lcd screen. The 8800 uses a dial on the top of the camera where the "most used" features are quickly available. The 8800 has many positives. Fast AF in normal lightning, incredible sharp pictures, a macro lens to die for (snapped a few sharp macro shots without a tripod that were razor sharp), a bright LCD screen that swivels any way you want, a great viewfinder that is accurate, infinity mode, several shooting modes (aperture priority, shutter priority, true manual, programmed mode), and excellent battery life all in a compact package. Some of the negatives: Dim lightening situations are not the Nikon's friend. I'm taking about a dimly lit room or no light at all. I simply turn on a light and I'm ready to go. If you do lots of birthday parties and are trying to capture the action in total darkness this camera is not for you. Although, there are work arounds. Focus with the lights on and then take your shots with the lights off. Another negative are the write times. The camera has minimal lag. When you press the button the camera takes the pic without any noticeable lag. However, in the highest JPG mode the camera takes a few seconds to write to the CF card. Unless you're doing action photography this shouldn't be a problem. And the 8800 has burst modes that allow you to take multiple shots blazing fast when you press the shutter. You will not be able to refocus or compost the pic. The viewfinders go black too. I don't see myself using these modes. There has also been concern about manual focus on this camera. It is useless but so is the manual focus on every other digital camera I tried including the FZ20. Honestly the camera can do a better job then your eye anyway, IMHO. If you want manual focus you'll have to pony up for a DSLR which has interchangeable lenses: You'll pay a lot more for a Nikon lenses with VR then you will for the 8800. All in all the Nikon is a great camera and I'm glad I bought the camera and I would buy it again.

Rating:
Summary: A Great Camera That Does All It Is Intended To
Review: The Nikon Coolpix 8800 is an excellent upgrade from the 8700. The image resolution, vibration reduction, zoom range, lens quality and build quality alone make this camera worth five stars. Sure, it is not perfect, but no camera is. People who whine that this camera doesn't have good manual focusing, should be aware that no prosumer cameras have good manual focusing. I know because I have tried nearly all of them at Camera World in Portland, Oregon, when deciding to buy the 8800.

I own a Canon DSLR for my bread and butter camera, but could not find a better backpacking/mountain biking camera than the 8800. It is light, strong and I can make gorgeous reproductions up to 16x20, even larger with some careful interpolation.

This is the prosumer camera to beat, an excellent second camera, with much better battery life than previous Nikon Coolpix.

Rating:
Summary: upgrader
Review: the VR feature is good. i always want a camera with a telephoto lens that has VR that is affordable. It greatly reduces blurred shots for telephoto shots.
when the camera writes the buffer memory to card even on single shot mode. the whole camera is useless. it simply locks up. very very irritating as it prevents the second shot till a couple of seconds later. Lesser cameras do not do that and it causes a lot missed shots. nikon needs to fix that . the buffer is big enough what wrong with the software or hardware in that part of the camera.

Rating:
Summary: Poor Camera with Great Lens
Review: These are my updated comments on the 8800. After a disappointing experience with the coolpix 8800 from Nikon I decided to return the 8800 in favor of the D70 DSLR from Nikon with the Nikkor 18-70mm lens kit. Like some people, I was under the (okay, silly!) impression that the 8800 could deliver near DSLR like shooting in a more compact camera. Not even close, especially if you shoot with challenging lighting conditions (low contrast).
The 8800's amazing potential is shot down by it's AF firmware, lack of manual focus that works and some generally bad choices by Nikon to keep it from posing a threat to the D70. Read on!
Shooting in low/poor light is a subjective condition. Just what is "poor light?" Well, I'm not sure everyone will agree, but ANY room with indirect lighting will pose problems for the 8800 with some subjects, especially at moderate zooms. The 8800 was a disaster in these areas, and all combinations of settings were tried. If you visit various forums, you'll see quite a bit of talk about this. You'll see wonderful pics from the 8800 taken in near darkness. Be warned. The 8800 is not a consistant performer. ANY camera can produce great results at this level. It's merely a question of how much the camera "gets between you and the picture." Like several others tried, I placed the 8800 on a tripod and attempted to focus on my wife in dim light. At times the camera was perfect and sometimes it hunted and hunted and "confirmed" poor focus. No thanks!
Sadly, many people don't look at performance when they buy a camera. They look at gee-wiz features like VR, long zooms and high Megapixel counts. They look at sample pics and imagine that they can get the same results, never considering the performance barriers inherent in any camera. Being able to quickly get the shot is every bit as important as optical quality, unless you'll always be shooting still-life. The 8800's slow focus, poor AF overall, shutter lag make it a complete failure at it's price point.
And so....I had the 8800 and now I have the D70. The 8800 is a fancy toy and for many folks it's "good enough." They are willing to "work around" the focus issues and shutter lag. They insist that a 10X zoom and VR somehow makes up for the other problems. "Every camera has flaws" they say. I say, "No Thanks." Not for 800 bucks plus extras. Ask yourself: Do you really want a camera with an AF Assist light that has a mere 5 foot range? Do you want to constantly seek "brighter" objects at the same subject range to achieve focus? Do you want a pricey camera with no fully compatable flash? That's right: The SB600 and SB800 flashes WON'T enjoy wireless modes and improved AF assist with the 8800! An amazing flaw. Do you want a camera at this level with no usable manual focus? In manual focus mode a sliding indicator appears with NO DISTANCE Scale! Still worse, there is no center enlargement area allowing you to have a chance of manually focusing by eye. The manual actually says you can see "sharp outlines" when proper manual focus is reached. Not so. A "lowly" Konika Minolta Z1 has a usable manual focus that actually works. The list goes on. Frankly, the Panasonic FZ20 is a better all around shooter.
The manual focus issue alone is a deal breaker for me and will be for others. Without manual focus it isn't a fully manual camera...period. In various forums, 8800 owners complaining about focus were handed a lot of abuse, much of it from Nikon fans who don't even own the camera. Still worse, people who did have the 8800 were defending it with no idea of what the D70 did better. They just read "10X, VR and 8MP" wowee! Here's my credit card! And guess what? I did the same thing. Luckily, a good store allowed the swap. Live and learn...when you can! I can defend the 8800 in just one respect. In good light and outdoors, it can satisfy the shooter with excellent results. No other ultra-zoom can match it's optical quality at this time. The VR can be a real help as well. It's a real shame that Nikon built such a mediocre camera around such a fine lens.
Is the Nikon D70 DSLR or other entry level DSLR a solution??? Well, I think that the D70 with 18-70 lens ALONE is better than the 8800 by a mile. The D70 is larger, but it's in the SAME SMALL BAG (Lowepro Ex160) that held the 8800. Also in the bag is a second lens, lens hood and other doo-dads. Around my neck the D70 is certainly larger and heavier. But guess what? I'm a grown man and I can carry an extra pound or even two! If I'm trudging up a mountain side, the D70 will be in a bag no bigger than the one that held the 8800. It's not like the D70 with lens weighs 10 lbs and is hanging from your eyelashes! This "weight" issue is just plain silly. The D70 handles like a real camera because that's what it is. Is it much more expensive? No, no way. The kits lens is excellent and gives 4X zoom. That's plenty for most folks and I've been using a 50mm 1.8 prime outdoors with great results as well. The most common FL used sure isn't 350mm! So the price difference between the D70/8800 is around 230 bucks. The D70 has a better faster lens, faster EVERYTHING, filters that fit, and wowee, even a lens hood. You can spend more money to make the D70 have the same type of lens as the 8800, but you can NEVER make the 8800 do what the D70 can do for any price. If you want a very portable camera, don't be silly claiming the 8800 is anything close. It weighs the same as the D70 body and isn't fitting in many pockets. That's why I have a tiny Pentax 5MP camera smaller than a credit card.
Comnpared to the pricey 8800, the inexpensive Pentax locked focus better and without an assist light as did the Minolta Z1 at greater FL. The Pentax is a far better camera if I want to travel light. By the way, my wife used the D70 for the first time today and took great shots. She really liked it. Weeks ago she didn't understand why the 8800 wouldn't take a pic when she hit the button. Shutter lag, I explained after she missed a shot.
Now I know the 8800 fans (and those who complain about apples and oranges) will not take kindly to this review. I only ask that anyone wondering about the 8800 to TRY it first. Try it in low light. Test the lag. And if you were considering the D70 (or another DSLR) AT ALL, run (don't walk) from the 8800. It's flaws far outweigh it's strengths FOR ME. That's the bottom line, folks. I think the 8800 is a toy, while the D70 (or other DSLRs) isn't. If you have the 8800 and don't have the D70, you really don't know the whole story. You're welcome to judge for yourselves as we all must. If this review angers anyone...remember, they are JUST CAMERAS.
Here's a TYPICAL shot from the D70. It has to be since I just got the D70 and most of my shots look this good.

http://members.aol.com/bobsprit/images/50tom2.jpg

Capt RB