No comments about Canon PowerShot SD1100IS 8MP Digital Camera with 3x Image Stabilized Zoom (Blue) + 2GB Cameta Bonus Accessory Kit.

5 comments about Pentax K100D Super 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera Shake Reduction and 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens.

1. First of all, I would like to start with highly recommending this camera to ANYONE who wants premium image quality with expandability, power and flexibility.
   
   Pentax is one of the only companies out there that is driven entirely by photography and NOT by a marketing department that makes outrageous claims. To this end, even this, their lowest-end camera, is PACKED with premium features. Let's take a look at them:
   
   1. Dust Reduction: Dust WILL get into your camera! This keeps it off of the sensor and increases the time inbetween cleanings.
   
   2. Shake Reduction: It's good for a couple of stops of shooting leeway and you get it with every lens you use. Other companies build their systems into the lenses, meaning ONE lens can cost as much or more than the camera, itself! Lens-based anti-shake systems are more effective at long zoom than body-based systems, but unless you're rich, you won't be able to afford a suite of good lenses! With this camera, you can use ANY Pentax lens and get anti-shake.
   
   3. AA batteries: Proprietary battery packs are NO GOOD. Hmmm, if you're on a shoot and your pack dies, you're not taking ANY photos unless you get a spare, right? With this camera, pick up some 2500mAh Ni-MH AA's and you can afford to get three sets. However, the power drain is so small, you might not need more than one set.
   
   4. 6 MP sensor: Don't EVER get trapped in the megapixel hype. Megapixels mean nothing in the DSLR game, except for noise issues. Let me explain. The sensor sizes on almost all DSLRs (except for $5000 full-frame pro cameras) are APS-sized, meaning the sensor size on this camera and the Nikon D300 are very nearly the same dimensions. This means that photosensors on the chip have to be made smaller to get more pixels...meaning that the closer together/smaller sites are LESS light sensitive and they will also interfere with each other. 6 MP is a perfect sweet spot for noise and image sharpness. You get a base ISO of 200, meaning your camera is TWICE as sensitive to light as one with a base ISO of 100! This camera records color accurately and makes prints up to 8.5"x11" with no problem.
   
   
   This camera has huge features and, even with the release of the K20D and K200D cameras, still maintains a good feature/image quality set with a proven CCD sensor and a suite of easy-to-learn features and settings. I LOVE this camera and even though I have a K200D for the weather sealing and larger burst capacity, the K100D super is the camera I ALWAYS take with me in trips. You're better off getting this camera plus a really nice lens and a 360FZ flash than a more expensive camera with a base kit lens and no external flash.
   
   
   Believe me, this camera's quality will not fail to impress you and it will grow with you. It can use ANY lens its bigger brothers can and it uses them effortlessly.
   
   
   A superb camera and one for the record books!



2. For more than 30 years I have been shooting photographs with Pentax equipment. First the K1000 then a Pentax MX 35mm film camera. Now my first serious entry into making digital pictures this K100D super. The two deciding factors for me were the size of the sensor and the ability to use my old Pentax lenses. I am very pleased with quality of the photos and the quality of this camera. Plus is was relatively easy on my pocket book. If you are looking for a durable quality digital camera, you can't go wrong with this one.



3. DO NOT MISS THIS CAMERA!!!
   
   Several weeks ago, I purchased the Pentax K100D Super here on Amazon, after doing lots of research here and on other sites. I have been a somewhat serious amateur for 20 years or more, my last SLR being a Pentax Super Program. I also have been using an Olympus point & shoot digital camera, only 1.3 megapixels. It was time to upgrade!
   
   There were several reasons I went with the K100D Super.
   
   1. It is one of the few SLR digitals that uses AA rechargeable batteries. BTW, I use only the new Nimh that hold their charge seemingly forever. They work great.
   
   2. It was compatible with the whole bag of Pentax lenses I bought 20 years ago! This saved me hundreds of dollars!
   
   3. It has been out of production for 2 years, so this was maybe the last chance! Ebay only had 2, both used models.
   
   4. It has a dust removal system, which several techie friends said I wanted.
   
   5. It has the shake reduction system in the camera, instead of the lenses, like some other top brands. This is what allows you to have shake reduction with your old lenses.
   
   So how do I like it, after several days of intense shooting in different conditions? Here is a list of things I like, in no particular order.
   
   1. It uses all my old lenses, although the auto focus does not function with them. It does, however, not allow you to shoot unless the lens is totally focused.
   
   2. One quick trip through the manual and I was able to find all the options on my own. There is a nice bright, large LCD screen on the back that shows all the info. When you review pictures you have
   taken, you can see them full screen, or up in the corner, with the rest of the screen filled with all the settings that were in effect for the photo. There a several options for info display as well.
   
   3. After talking to people who are using cameras that cost $2,000, I found that the top ISO setting is larger than theirs. It goes to 3200. If you do any inside shooting without flash, make sure the camera is set to be able to reach all the way to 3200.
   
   4. Top shutter speed is 1/4000th of a second.
   
   5. An available option is a great lens, 18-55 zoom. Don't miss this one!
   
   6. I am using a 4gig SD card. At the lowest settings of pixels and quality, you can get almost 9,000 pictures on the card! At middle quality, you still get a couple thousand on a 4gig card.
   
   7. If you have been using a point & shoot digital and are switching to SLR, you won't believe how fast you can shoot pictures. Pretty much as fast as you press the button.
   
   8. I love the USB cord for transferring pictures to my computer. Using Windows XP, I didn't do anything but plug in. The computer set itself up for my camera and I just used a photo viewer I always use to move photos around, to transfer them into the computer.
   
   9. One set of alkaline batteries that came with the camera wore out while I was just learning the camera. The rechargeable Nimh hybrids lasted all day, in fact I probably shot 400 or 500 photos, left it on much of the day, and the gauge still showed a full charge. 2 sets of these batteries are about all you would ever need.
   
   10. I tried shooting outside in the dark with just lights in the neighborhood and the results were great, using the night shot setting.
   
   11. This camera was envied all weekend by people who had higher priced digital SLRs. Takes great photos, gives you whatever amount of help you need, and lets you control whatever you want to. Even if you have never used an SLR of any type, don't miss this camera.
   
   Possible cons -
   
   1. The lens that comes with the camera on amazon has 5.6 or 4 as its widest aperture. That is one reason you have to use 3200 ISO inside without flash. I have a 55mm 1.4 lens that works great.
   
   2. Make sure you start by setting the Sharpness option as high as it goes. The default isn't the best.
   
   3. The metal loops that hold the straps are mounted vertically, when they should be horizontal. The way they are, when you wear it around your neck, the camera lens tends to point out, not down, even with a heavy telephoto lens attached. This makes it more likely to get damage on the lens or just bang it into people in a crowd. DO NOT NEGLECT TO BUY A SKYLIGHT 1B FILTER TO PROTECT THE LENS.
   
   4. With a telephoto lens, this camera is heavy. But that does help to lessen shaking.
   
   5. The auto white balance is still not too realistic inside with some types of light. When I set the balance manually, it was beautiful, the colors almost exactly what I saw with my eyes.
   
   Hints -
   
   1. Make sure to buy the big Canon camera bag, if you have 3 or more lenses and other gadgets like chargers. Otherwise you will have to go to camera stores and pay top dollar. Walmart, Target, even
   big box electronics stores tend not to have nice big camera bags. I would also recommend buying a small bag that only holds the camera and a small lens, for when you want to just grab it and go. The big Canon bag is HEAVY when loaded, and you have to keep something that big with you at all times because people know what is in it!
   
   
   SUMMING UP -
   
   If you have some old Pentax lenses you like, and you like the Pentax brand, don't miss this camera!!!!!!!!!



4. This camera is cheap, fairly light, and produces great JPG right out of the camera. I love the SR feature and would not buy another camera without this feature! I can use up to ISO 1600 and get fairly good low noise shots. I would avoid ISO 3200, but it is good to know that it is there if I really need it.



5. What on earth would drive someone to try and sell a K100D for nearly twice retail, when you can get either a K100D, K110D, or K200D for four hundred dollars or more less?
   
   Buy this camera, but not at this price.

5 comments about Nikon Coolpix 4300 4MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom.

1. Love it.
   Compact, great pictures, good for those that don't like to figure out settings, lighting, pixels, exposure, etc.
   I especially like the "macro" setting that allows very close-up photography.
   Software included lets you download to your computer so images can be saved, emailed, or kept on hosting sites.



2. This is the first digital camera I have ever purchased, and I have learned a lot since then.
   
   1) Avoid cameras where the lens extends outward from the body! These are prone to many problems, ranging from impact to debris effecting its performance.
   
   2) Make sure the camera suits your purpose, test it in the store if you can. If you want a camera to capture action, this IS NOT the camera for you.
   
   For simple snap shots, this is not a bad camera, for action it is virtually useless.
   
   I now have a Nikon D50, which is infinitely superior, and worth the extra $$$.



3. Just wanted to share that I've had this camera for 5 years now and it is still working great. It's got some scratches from being dropped a few times. We've used the camera for indoor and outdoors. Night use. Day use. Parties, schools, picnics, hikes, travelling abroad, halloween, christmas, family, business. This camera has been almost everywhere with us (except for underwater, ha!) Practical features too: Zoom in, sports shots, quick video clips, special effects shots, reduce back lighting and glare, timer, auto, manual, portrait, sunsets, and so many more.
   
   Incidentally, over 20 years ago, I had my first Nikon camera, an FE. I didnt think that the lens of the simple coolpix could compare with the professional quality lenses I could place on my FE, but the ease of digital photography with the coolpix has more than compensated for its "amateur" level service. I have even been able to take some professional looking chiaroscuro images that hearkened back to my photography buff days. I was surprised and happy with the results.
   
   We've even sent this camera in once for repair under warranty in its first year. It came back working better than ever(if not as it should have all along). Even my kids have gotten their turns with the coolpix. Yes, the battery has a short life, we have found that depending on use, we can get one day to 3 days of use on the battery life. We just charge it often and in between uses. So it still comes through for us despite the battery charging.
   
   We have had an easy experience with the coolpix 4300. its filled up our photo albums and library both digital and printed. We have all enjoyed this camera for family and fun use.
   
   We have just gotten a smaller, newer, more sophisticated and expensive Sony digital camera---I'm still on a wait and see mode on it. But, from durability alone, 5 years of use, I recommend the coolpix. And again, on ease of use and the immense and wide applications our whole family has and is still getting out of this camera, I highly recommend this and the coolpix family of nikon digital cameras.



4. I've had this camera for almost six years now and I have to say it's pretty durable. BUT the image display screen is painfully small (especially compared to some of the newer cameras) and everything this camera does takes FOREVER! It takes about 10-20 seconds between each shot to "think" and don't even ATTEMPT to delete pictures because that will take you up to a full minute for each picture! Plus, the batteries die very easily and it's kind of a hassle to charge the camera because the batteries must be taken out of the camera and plugged into a specific charger. This is much more inconvenient than the newer cameras, which tend to simply take AA batteries or else plug straight into the computer or wall. Also...this thing is very clunky and awkward. Not sleek at all.
   
   That being said, the quality of the images taken on this camera tend to be very good! The close-up function can produce some very nice, finely detailed photos, and the coloring and light always seems good. I enjoy the end product of using this camera, but it really is a hassle most of the time, so for the easily-frustrated...this is not for you!
   
   Also, I found in the instruction manual, hidden deep somewhere there, that it says you should take the batteries out of the camera when it is not in use and that that will help them last longer between chargings (which I've never done so perhaps that would've helped them not die so quickly).



5. This camera is designed for photographers of all levels, from a simple point and shoot to a complicated moving object and with just one button upload to the internet you will be on your way to greatness.

5 comments about Canon PowerShot A95 5MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom.

1. I bought this thing for a vacation trip a couple of years ago. Its still going strong. Turned out some great pictures from Christmas. I've used Sony rechargeable batteries with good success. My favorite feature other than the overall ease of use is the movable Display which allows you to take pictures from many angles. Canon seem to be the ones to beat. I guess there are more features and megapixels to be had with the newer cameras, but until this one dies, I can't see myself wanting to change. Well worth what I spent for it.



2. This camera has a SIGNIFICANT DELAY between pushing the button and snapping the pic. It's extrememly hard to capture any kind of movement; forget taking kid pics; and the delay also can cause the shooter to move the camera before the shutter moves.



3. The Camera is an excellent choice for a novice , its auto mode takes photos splendidly with lot of details and crisp.
   
   The color contrast of every snap are very appealing. If you have used any of the canon cameras the navigations is very much the same.
   
   Its does'nt take much time before you start utilizing most of the features.
   
   The body of the camera is sturdy and reliable. Had a couple of mishaps but it continued to work fine.
   
   Taking photos in the dark is really a trouble some ... The response of the camera is too too slow after you have clicked ... sometimes u might want to know if the camera is actually working or not.
   
   Unfortunately this camera stopped working today after 3 years.. I dont know whether to revive it by paying 97 dollar for repair or buy a new one.. Not sure how all of a suddenly it stopped working ..this is strange and unexpected from a great camera.
   
   But the greatness of this camera overcomes all this risk. and i would recommend this camera.



4. I love this camera!!!!I had it for 3 years and than it suddenly died =( it can't focus anymore and all pics getting fuzzy so I decided to get another one JUST LIKE THAT!! it's easy to use, it has all options that simple users need!!



5. Bought this for my Grandfather. I guess he hasn't called me about it, so I am assuming that it's still working the way it's suppose to be.

5 comments about Nikon D50 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera with 28-80mm f3.3-5.6G AF Nikkor Zoom Lens.

1. I am selling my D50 600 flash and long range Nikon lens. The battery that came with my D50 was defective causing all kinds of weird behavior. By the time Nikon had a recall I had already bought after market. The 600 flash over came its inability to take indoor photos. Still my D50 would regularly lock up and not allow me to get a shot especially in lighting conditions and indoors. By the way the flash would not work initially due to poor battery electrical contact (please look at your plating process)
   My brother also bought a D50 similar problems. Only difference he bought an Olympus to fix the problem and I bought a Fuji F31fd.
   I trusted Nikon because I always had great luck with your cameras in the past. Bought the flash and extra lens to try to address the problem and looked like an idiot in front of my new wife by sending good money after bad; so no more Nikon for me probably going to buy a Fuji S100fs unless some one can recommend one of their other competitors camera. My brother favors Olympus. Sorry to say that the D50 is the worst camera I have ever had even though it shot a few beautiful outdoor shots.



2. The Nikon D50 is no longer in production, but you can find them used online. This is a great camera. They say it's a beginner camera, but it has almost every feature someone that's been shooting for a while would need. Specifically, a dedicated button for ISO and White Balance give you easy access to two thing I commonly use. Only thing I wish it had was a Black and White mode and an illuminated display on top. Other than that, a great great camera.



3. I have the D50 for 2 1/2 years now. I am still loving it. I also tested my friend's D40. In my opinion, it beats D40 on every count except the D40's bigger LCD and color histogram. D50 is a photographer camera and D40 is a consumer camera. Nikon is right. D40 sells like hotcakes. I buy D50 over D40 if I am buying an entry level camera today.



4. The D50 is a solid little camera, it's versatile, works great with different lenses, low noise even at 800 ISO, I won a betterphoto.com competition with a photograph produced by the D50. The pre-sets are OK, but if you want to draw out the full potential of this camera then go manual or shutter/aperture priority.
   I upgraded to the D200 and now my husband and son are using the D50 for shooting, the D200 has a few extra bells and whistles but for an "entry" level DSLR the D50 is just perfect!
   I never had any problems with anything not working, it all works perfectly, produces stunning colors and super sharp images.
   Too bad they stopped producing the D50, what a neat camera! Can't go wrong with it! I have owned it for almost 3 years and have shot over 60000 images with it!



5. This was a great camera back in it's day but it's long been replaced by the D40 and the D40 is on its way out now too. Why a camera that you can buy used for $300 is still listed as $1600 I don't know lol.

5 comments about Pentax Optio S6 6MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom.

1. So I bought this as an X-mas present for myself. I've own an Canon SD100, 450, 600 and Casio EX-Z60 so I'm totally not a newbie to the digital world. I'm not going to repeat with others have stated in this review.
   
   
   I'm really impress by the Optio S6 form factor; it really is compact. The response is quite quick turning on/off, zooming, viewing captured pict/video.
   
   After playing with the camera for several hours, I was really disappointed in the following areas:
   - temperature; the camera get warm/very warm (cool, warm, very warm, hot) after 1.5 hrs of continuous use
   - continuous rapid shooting was slow; I was getting 1 pix every ~1.8sec
   - can NOT read 4gb SD; I tried two different 4gb SD card I had laying around (PQI & Ridata) and received an "memory card error." All of my other cameras (even my 3 yr old Canon SD100) was able to use it just fine.
   - the usb cable is propriety; why can't Pentax use a normal mini usb?
   
   In sum, I like the camera size and its ability to record video in Divx format. The Divx function was the main impetus for purchasing this camera, but the SD limitation negate all the benefits the Optio S6 has to offer. I'm going to see if there's a firmware update (Pentax doesn't list one on their webpage) and report back here.
   
   **update** so I received confirmation from Pentax Tech Support affirming my initial conclusion of the sd limitation. Indeed the maximum sd the Optio S6 can only read/write is a 1gb memory.



2. I bought one of these slightly used, because I got a great deal on it and wanted a small camera that would easily fit in a shirt pocket or on a belt without being cumbersome. It was in very good shape, there was not a scratch on it. The camera takes decent pictures, but I found it lacking in several areas.
   
   1. SHUTTER LAG - is bad, close to 2 seconds depending on how you're using the camera. It's, especially 'laggy' if you are using any of the automatic modes and a flash. I'm constantly missing pictures with it because of this. In that respect the camera is better for taking planned/posed pictures of fixed objects. Not good for quickly pointing to and picking out quick, sudden action shots where you don't have time to set it up before hand. The lag is a little less in the manual/ semi-manual modes.
   
   2. BATTERY LIFE - is limited. The camera eats batteries like nobody's business. The person I got the camera from had only had it for 3-4 months. I don't know if it's a bad battery or they charged it too many times or what. For example, when I'm at a gathering and I'm sitting there panning around looking for candid shots, and reviewing shots to delete and save, the batteries run down pretty quickly. I barely got 2 dozen shots in a couple of hours at a family gathering recently. So, I HIGHLY recommend getting a second battery, which I just ordered. This is a problem with all cameras that have only a video viewfinder and no optical one. If you have to have the LCD screen on all the time to take picutures, then the manufacturer should include a decent-sized battery! By comparison, the heftier battery for my Panasonic LUMIX DMC LX2, which is just a little larger camera, lasts 2-3 times as long under the same conditions.
   
   3. THE LENS ... is mediocre at best. Unless you need to crop your pictures heavily, There is no reason to bother taking any pictures larger than about 3 MP because this lens cannot resolve them adequately. I did a side-by-side comparison with my Panasonic Lumix, with a Leica lens taking pictures of lettering on a sign at several distances up to several hundred feet away, and you could clearly see the difference beyond 3 MP. I could not read the letters with this camera (cropped at 4 - 6MP) when I could still easily read them with the Leica lens. Part of the issue could be the noise reduction engine, I'm not sure. Anyway, I use 3 MP at the highest JPEG setting 98% of the time and find it works OK.
   
   4. THE FLASH MODES - are kind of clunky. I kept setting up different automatic modes with various flash settings that worked best in a given lighting, however, when I turned off the camera (to save batteries) my settings were gone when I turned it back on and I had to go through the menus to restore them. Therefore, I recommend that you learn to use the manual, or semi-manual modes for best results.
   
   VIDEO - It does do video, but since this is not a really a "video camera", I'm not going to complain about the video.
   
   THE PROS
   
   1. AUTOMATIC MODES - Most of the automatic modes work pretty well under a reasonable range of conditions. I recommend testing them to get used to how they work. I still prefer to tweak them a little when setting up a shot.
   
   
   2. FLASH MODES - The camera offers several flash modes, including a "soft flash" that ia pretty nice for a $200 point-and-shoot pocket camera.
   
   3. PICTURE QUALITY - Even though the lens is not the greatest, this camera does take better picures than most other inexpensive cameras in its class that I've seen and used. The color noise is not too bad either, but as noted above, I think it has some rather agressive internal noise reduction that causes loss of detail, particuarly at mid to low light levels. The automatic white balance settings for different lighting conditions (fluorescent, etc.) are pretty decent. Don't skimp on "picture quality" settings to save memory. Memory is cheap enough now that you should always use the least amount of compression on your photos.
   
   4. SIZE / EASE OF USE - The camera is a very nice compact size, and is relatively easy to use with a short learning curve for most of the features. It easily fits in a shirt pocket and is easily worn on a belt.



3. Bought this camera to take pics of my new son. Had the camera a couple of days and the lens stopped retracting. Sent it in (under warranty of course). Pentax told me it wasn't working because it got wet. The camera was never even near water and was always in the case when not used (for about 3 days). I was taking a photo of my sleeping husband and son when it happened. I did some research and found numerous other people who complained that Pentax did the same thing to them. They lie so that it is not covered under warranty and you have to pay the couple of hundred dollars to get your camera back! Very poor way to do business. Would NEVER buy from them again.



4. My husband bought this camera for me for Mother's Day last year. We just had our first child and wanted something real small to fit in the diaper bag. Being small is pretty much its only good feature. My husband and I are so so disappointed in this camera. I prefer pictures without a flash, but even in a well-lit room this camera can't take a single picture without the flash. They ALL turn out blurry. I end up taking 10 of the same shot just to SOMETIMES get one good one! And it's not user error...we went back to the store where we bought it to ask if we were using it wrong or if there were some settings that needed to be changed. We had it on the fastest shutter speed and we were told we're using it correctly. So, the only way I can get a good picture out of this camera is outside where there's PLENTY of daylight (not dusk or dark) and when I use a flash. I hate the photos taken with the flash though because they're so washed out. Anyway, this camera is pretty much only good for mid-day pictures. Other than that, forget about it.
   p.s. The battery life REALLY stinks too!



5. I decided to buy this after comparing all of the other ultra-compact digital cameras, and found this was the smallest one. My boyfriend also had the S5 version, and absolutely loved his-- he has sworn never to buy another brand other than Pentax.
   
   Needless to say, I have been SO impressed with this camera! The picture quality is second to none-- I honestly would have guessed the quality of pictures to be taken from a 10 MP camera, not a 7 MP. They are colorful, clear, vibrant-- I feel as though I could reach through the pictures and touch the actual objects.
   
   A+++!!! Pentax is the best!

1 comments about Canon Digital Rebel XSi SLR Camera Kit, Black with 4 GB SD Memory Card, Spare LP-E5 Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery, Slinger System Bag.

1. Purchased this camera and a Slinger System bag from Amazon and am delighted with both. I currently live in China and the opportunities for photography are never ending. I used the camera with the 17 - 85 IS lens while on a trip down the Li river in a small motor boat. The photographs of the spectacular mountains are very clear,and completely in focus despite the rocking motion of the boat. I also have the 70-300 IS lens and find that the results have been very good without using a tripod. It is especially useful for taking action pictures such as moving bicycles and for taking pictures of people.
   The camera is easy to use and has many useful features. It is a little heavy to lug around all day with the bag and two lens ( I am a 65 year old female) but I have been carrying cameras around for most of my life and the results are well worth the effort. Thanks Amazon, I am very happy with my new camera.

1 comments about Digital Concepts 4.1mp Point & Shoot Digital Still Camera, Digital Clips, Color 1.5" TFT Screen, Silver.

1. I was looking for a cheap, simple, adequate, compact digital camera for my 7-year-old daughter to play with. So far, this camera works as advertised, my daughter likes it, and my computer didn't blow up when I transferred photos over the USB cable.
   
   Features:
   - 4.1 megapixel camera
   - 320x240 video camera
   - 16MB SDRAM (internal memory)
   - SD/MMC card slot (card not included)
   - 1.5" preview screen
   - USB cable
   - Uploads photos using either Windows Explorer or the included PhoTags Express photo management software
   - Takes 3 AAA batteries (not included)
   
   Caveats:
   - The camera doesn't save settings for flash, picture quality, etc. when you turn it off.
   - There's no zoom.
   - Regardless of the photo quality setting you select (4.1 MP - high, 3 MP - normal, or VGA - low), the resolution is a meager 72 ppi.
   - I think Amazon's price is a little high; I bought my camera at Wal-Mart for about $40.

No comments about Pentax K20D Digital SLR Camera with Tamron 28-80mm Zoom Lens + Tamron 70-300mm Macro Zoom Lens + 8GB SDHC Card + Spare D-LI50 Battery + Case + Cameta Bonus Accessory Kit.

5 comments about Nikon Coolpix 4200 4MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom.

1. Very nice camera for the price. My place of employment bought one a couple years back for almost $400. Now their down to $119. Takes very nice close ups. Easy to use. Very happy with it.



2. I've had this camera for about a year. I normally shoot with a 35mm SLR, but purchased this camera for informal, point-and-shoot gatherings and occasions when I didn't want to hassle with a large camera.
   
   Benefits:
   1. It's extremely small and handy to carry around in your pocket or purse for birthday parties and outings.
   2. It's durable and has survived repeated droppings.
   3. The pictures are sharp and crisp when properly focused.
   
   Drawbacks:
   1. The flash is blindingly bright. Whenever you use it, prepare for your subjects to look like they've got a 2,000-watt white spotlight shining on them like crime scene photographs, and the background will fade to nearly black. When used in indoor settings like restaurants, the brightness of the flash is just ridiculous. Think "mug shot."
   2. Camera shake/blur. When the flash is not in use and you're indoors, it's very difficult to get a clear shot with this camera. The problem with the flash has led me to try to avoid using it altogether so that I can get better color and even light, which means I've had a problem with camera shake/blur in low-light conditions. For example, with the flash turned off it takes multiple attempts to get a blur-free shot in my living room, even in the middle of the day with the window blinds open.
   4. The removeable battery. You have to take the battery out of the camera to charge it, by inserting it in the battery charger that is provided. This seems like an unnecessary extra step to me. Why not just design it so that you can plug the charger directly into the camera like other digital point-and-shoots?
   
   For casual photographer who will be shooting mostly outdoors and desires a very portable, durable camera, this camera will work for you.
   
   But if you will be shooting mainly indoors or with flash, avoid this camera.
   
   I recommend the Kodak EasyShare series as a good alternative. I don't own one, but I've been impressed with the quality of low-light pictures (indoors) that these cameras produce.



3. This was a decent little camera for it's time. By today's standards it's a bit bulky for the megapixils it offers. There is a design problem with the battery cover / door. It's on the bottom corner of the camera and spring-tensioned. It is pushed down and slid it into a locked position, held by little plastic tabs. These tabs break off easly, leaving the battery door hanging partially open. The camera still works, though you may have to use your pinky to tension the battery door. When travelling we've bumped into a number of people at tourist spots with the same camera. Most have broken battery doors. I like the photos it takes, but this flaw that would prevent me from buying it again.



4. I love this camera, I have owned it for about two years when it first came out. The pictures are of great quality, and have used some of the special modes and have obtained professional photography results, even though I am just an amateur. The red-eye fix is very helpful. The external metal casing has been durable and scratch resistant.
   
   My only drawback is the battery door. A little tab broke off and I have had to tape the lid to the bottom of the camera. The camera works fine, but it just does not feel or look fine now. Which has me now looking for a new one!



5. OK, I have had this little camera for two years now and here is what I think:
   
   Pros:
   Good shooting Modes
   Quality Prints
   Plenty of Options for Pictures
   Fast on and Off
   Good Focus
   Not Battery powered (yes, this is a pro, cameras EAT batteries)
   
   Cons:
   View screen is too small to be very useful
   Video quality not great
   Zoom a little underpowered
   Menus a bit confusing (even after a couple of years)
   
   Overall: A good first camera. When a twelve-year-old begs for a digital camera, this is the one for them! Not for experienced photographers, but it does well enough for day-to-day uses. Great value for the money!