Nikon Coolpix CoolPack II Kit

Rating:
Summary: rugged and roomy
Review: A good value if you need the filters and the USB compactflash reader/Writer. The filters must used with a UR-E6 adapter (around [good price]) if you want to use them on a Coolpix 5000. The USB compactflash reader/writer works fine, but a FireWire reader/writer is even quicker(around [a good price])The small leather case for Coolpix 5000(around [a little less]) fits in the large adjustable divider compartment very comfortably. There is room remaining for 2 or 3 lenses and a mini tripod in the large adjustable divider compartment. 2 fair sized latching side pockets and thin zippered divided front pocket can be used for whatever else you may like to have with your camera. I still suggest carrying your camera and case in a ugly worn Gym bag or something less attractive to deter theft.

Rating:
Summary: Details.....
Review: After writing a scathing review stating that there were no details on this item (therefore my initial 1 star rating...) I have finally uncovered details.

The Coolpack II consistst of a very durable Nikon bag with the Nikon logo (hey if you got it, you may as well flaunt it). The bag is large enough to hold the camera and incidental accessories that you will probably need to go along with it. As the Nikon website states, it has plenty of pockets and places for gear. Trust me, it is far better to have everything in its own place than it is to have to rummage through a generic bag for the specific item you want.

Although the bag was the most important feature for me, the other accessories are noteworty. First, the kit comes with a USB flash card adapter to download pictures directly into your computer without having to attach the camera to the "USB to camera cable" which comes with the camera. The adapter is both good and bad. Using the supplied cable that comes with the camera is simple,works well, and is relatively quick so the adapter is really not needed. On the other hand, if you have totally depleted your battery and want to see the pictures now, the adapter is grat to have.

The kit also comes with a collection of four filters. The UV filter reduces the haziness in pictures of distant objects. It also makes a great lens protector. The polarizing filter reduces glare similar to the effect of ploarized sunglasses but without the light dimming effect. The final two filters are two grey filters to reduce the light entering the camera. A neat little case is also provided to hold the filters.

The price of the kit is a bit high in my estimation (as is everything by Nikon- sigh) but is still a nice addition to the camera. The various parts of the kit can be purchased generically for less but if you are like I am, I was a sucker for the kit despite the price.

Rating:
Summary: Don't Buy With Coolpix 8700
Review: Don't buy this if you are buying a 8700 - the filters are the wrong size and your left with a very expensive bag. The bag seems to be a good quality. The card reader is average. I can't comment on the filters (the primary reason I purchased this) because they don't fit. So, if your dropping the cash for the 8700 (I love it by the way), save about $50 and pick up a LowePro bag instead.

Rating:
Summary: It' good but not perfect
Review: First, the bag is ok to put all the lenses, camera. The bag for the 28mm lenses are pretty bad.
This pack is ok for regular user. If you are a new user in coolpix, you can put this to your future shop list. Not recommend to people who has SK-E900 and additional flash.

Rating:
Summary: Over-priced - but nice.
Review: Good for new camera owners who can shell out a couple of extra bucks:

The bag itself is sturdy nylon, complete with a quick-release shoulder strap. Three outside pockets - the largest with several inner pockets for your accessories. The main pocket has a hook-and-loop adjustable divider and ample room for your Coolpix camera and more. The bag is nicely put together and is smaller than you'd think (a good thing in my opinion).

Four 28mm filters (worth at least fifty bucks alone) come in a handy wallet that attaches to the shoulder strap for easy access. All of the filters are threaded so that you can attach multiple filters or additional lenses. There is a circular polarizer, 2 neutral density filters (4 and 8), and a UV filter (that doubles as a lens protector for me). Quality stuff - if you actually need it.

The compact flash card reader is kind of dinky, but benefits from being connected by USB and installs easily on Windows XP and 2000. The documentation is rather thin, but it did come with an installation cd-rom, so it shouldn't be too hard to use with Win 98 either. Nice if you don't want to have to plug your camera up to get your pictures. These things retail for at least twenty dollars - and sometimes a lot more.

Is it worth the money? If you haven't bought most of this stuff already, you'll spend at least a hundred on all of these items individually (more if everything has to have "Nikon" stamped on it). The bag is very nicely put together - but unless you have some use for the filters and the compact flash reader... you probably can find a better deal on this set used or at auction.