5 comments about Nikon Coolpix 8700 8MP Digital Camera with 8x Optical Zoom.

1. This is a wonderful camera, for me. I don't know much about photography and admittedly don't understand all the bells and whistles it offers but it does work great on mostly automatic focus. Only slght difficulties with a sort of slow shutter release requiring complete steadiness when shooting.



2. This is a wonderful little camera. I started my little addiction to Nikon with a $500 3MP point and shoot. I used it for a long time, this was when digital camera's first became everywhere. I decided to spend the money and get a GOOD new one. This one was perfect. I own a mini DVD camcorder and I'm sad that the quality of video isn't as good as the video from this camera! And easy to add to your computer. I am not a photographer, and this camera was very easy to learn. It has so much it can do, but other than video mine stayed on auto. I ended up upgrading to a SLR Nikon d70s and the size isn't much larger. I couldn't ever go back to a point and shoot because of the delay. When I got this 5700 it was $600 whereas I got my d70s body for the same price. I already had several lenses from my Nikon film SLR cameras. If you cant afford to get a SLR, I would absolutely recommend this camera. I sold mine to upgrade to the SLR and I miss it terribly. I would probably carry it around just to get little video's. But the pictures are amazing! If you want a sample of what these pictures turn out like I will gladly show you some of my snap shots, indoor and out. Just email me at ItsMelodie@aol.com and let me know. I highly recommend this camera though!



3. I'm a novice photographer and the Nikon 8700 was the first camera I bought
   that was a step above the point and shoot Olympus camera I've owned for
   over 6 years.
   
   I had read many great reviews on this camera and it lived up to all those
   expections, minus one: this camera is not ideal for taking sports or
   action pictures. I was quite disappointed with the results after trying
   to take decent pictures of my sons playing indoor basketball and outdoor
   soccer. I finally did some research and learned that (like another
   reviewer had observed) only digital SLRs have the responsiveness and
   speed and capability to take action pictures. With the 8700, the shutter
   lag speed is one factor- you click on the shutter release button but it
   takes a portion of a second before the camera snaps the picture. I then
   thought that with manual settings (shutter release priority mode)I could
   correct that behavior, but no combination of settings changed or improved
   the result. The result was the images coming out blurry. I was surprised
   at this and thought it was a camera setting, but after doing some more
   online researching I found out that (1) the major digital camera review
   sites do not seem to cover any sports or action picture taking and
   (2) a lot of users of the 8700 did report the same problems that I
   encountered and (3) you can improve sports shots by learning some basic
   techniques because some claim that no matter what camera you have, you
   do have to apply some of these techniques, which is basically predicting
   your shots and having knowledge of the sport in hand so that you know
   when to prepare for your shots. In either case, those folks did confirm
   the weak sports mode and limited capabilities of the 8700, which seem
   to be more pronounced than other cameras.
   
   As a novice user, the only other negative aspect of the camera is its
   difficult access to the options, which is not intuitive, especially when
   you don't use the camera a lot and you're under time constraint to take
   a picture (of a sports scene) and don't have time to fumble around to
   figure out how to change a camera setting. And I'm quite a technical
   guy who had already read the user manual. I'm sure with time one would
   be more familiar with the menu system and how to tweak a specific setting.
   I guess the camera's strength of many features can be its own weakness.
   
   Other than the two above mentioned weaknesses, I would have to say that
   with the many still shots of landscape, people, and even animals, this
   camera has made me look better than my novice photographer status. Along
   with the Canon inkjet printer I have, I can print out better than the
   lab photo quality pictures at home. However, I am looking for a true
   digital SLR just to compensate for the lack of a decent sports mode in
   the 8700. Better digital SLRs have either 3 or 5 fps for continuous
   shooting modes versus the 8700's 1.5 fps, but of course they are in
   two different classes and price ranges.



4. The 8700 is the successor to the 5400 and 5700, now with 8:1 zoom. It has all the features of a SLR with a LCD monitor but is smaller and lighter (no interchangeable lenses).



5. I've had a few digital cameras before this one, and I hated the quality of each and everyone of them. I was a novice (still am very much an amateur, so don't expect technicalities in this review) I was drooling over a Rebel that I can't afford nor, do I know how to use yet when I came across this one. I wanted a camera that took good crisp, clear shots, with good color. I have a digital scrapbooking business and my camera is a HUGE part of my business, so macro shots had to be good too. Plus, I scrap my own children's photos, using the fine setting on this camera, and they are perfect!
   
   I have to agree with the sports shots and knowing the sport before hand because of the lag time, and you have to have the button pressed half way down focusing before the action you want to shoot occurs. Figured this out when my son does goal kicks in soccer or the other team is coming at him for a goal shot. I have to have it focused and ready before he goes to grab the ball.
   
   I only use optical zoom and it is AWESOME. I can be sitting across the field from him where he is playing and still get a clear shot of him, and you can't tell how far I was from him. I was really impressed.
   
   The color, I love the color. Like I said, I've had a few doozies for digital cameras, before I really learned what I was looking for in a camera, getting pictures that were either washed out without color or pictures that were almost yellow in color. I love the color that I get with this. My youngest daughter had the bluest eyes, and I would almost say this enhances the color of her eyes in a picture.
   
   I can say now that I am a Nikon woman and when I can upgrade, I'll be staying with this company.

5 comments about Nikon Coolpix 5000 5MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom.

1. Except for it being unresponsive (by the time it's ready to shoot, the moment is gone) it's been a good camera for the 16 months I've had it... but it failed recently, and Nikon had little to say about why, how, or how I could prevent it from happening again. In fact, the people at Penn Camera seemed to be surprised that I wanted to know exactly what work was done ("Nikon never gives that information"). After explaining it by way of analogy---"what if when you picked up your car from repair shop, the serviceman said 'we fixed it... you don't need to know what specifically was wrong, or what we did, you just need to pay up' ... how would you feel? Seems criminal, doesn't it."---they came around, but still couldn't tell me anything.

   So... I'm no longer a happy Nikon customer. If you're thinking of buying Nikon products, factor reapir costs in to the price.




2. The photos I've taken with my Coolpix 5000 are pretty good, though it has a lot of trouble adjusting to indoor lighting, even with the $100 Nikon SB-30 flash attachment.

   But this can be a VERY frustrating camera to use. Besides the now-standard but always annoying delay built into virtually any piece of digital equipment (I thought digital was going to make things faster, not slower, didn't you?), the Coolpix 5000 will often just decide it's taken enough pictures for now, thank you very much, and it will do nothing more.

   I've gone over and over the instruction manual and can find no hint as to what to do in this situation. I am focused, I have checked lighting, I have my settings correct, I push the button...and then I push it again...and then I push it again, and then again, and again and again and again, and then I hold it down until my finger hurts, and then I just want to throw the stupid camera in front of an asphalt truck. Nothing happens. If I turn it off and then back on, nothing happens. If I turn it off and leave it alone for 24 hours, then it usually is ready to have fun again.

   Surprisingly, the kids have lost interest in posing for pictures and are getting a little cranky after waiting 24 hours for the camera to get its act together.




3. I have had this camera for a while now, and I have taken some excellent pictures with it. I use a Macintosh, and it works with the computer beautifully, in contrast with the Olympus camera that I owned previously. The adjustable screen is nice and the zoom suits my needs. However, I cannot get this camera to work in the dark. It just wont. I went searched the manual for an answer and found none. It drives me insane. It's great for daytime shots, but in low light I might as well not have it. I'm still glad I bought it, but I was dissapointed by this aspect.



4. Even in mid 2005 the Nikon Coolpix 5000 is a remarkable digital camera. In skilled hands this camera can produce results that rival even today's best professional digital cameras.
   
   I've made several 16x20 prints from images taken with the Coolpix 5000 that look AMAZING. If you add the available wide angle lens to this camera you can get a fabulous 19mm wide angle lens!!! Nikon even offers an amazing fisheye lens for this camera.
   
   Like any digital camera (or film camera for that matter) this camera has its flaws and limits. Even though it's capable of producing excellent images, it's a slow camera. So, if speed is important to you this camera is not a great choice. Likewise, some of the controls are burried in the menu system and this camera is really designed for EXPERIENCED photographers ... most "point-and-shoot" photographers have a very hard time using this camera.
   
   There are newer cameras on the market ... but the Coolpix 5000 can still compete with the best of them. If you want a good digital camera capable of super-wide-angle photography, the Coolpix 5000 and the available wide angle lens is the BEST buy on the market today. As of July 2005 you can buy this camera and the available wide angle lens in excellent used condition for less than the price of most new point-and-shoot digitals that deliver WORSE image quality.



5. I bought a coolpix 5000 when it came out about 6 years ago and it took good pictures. It had to be sent in for repairs 2-3 times though because it would make a buzzing sound for a few weeks then die. They repaired it for free when it was out of warranty as a gesture of good will. It died again a few months ago, now the repair bill is $282.50 .. I had spent $2000 on this coolpix5000 and now it's a brick. The new 5100 does look nice, and it costs a lot less but I feel like I wasted my money with Nikon so my next camera will be Canon.

5 comments about Nikon D50 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only).

1. This camera takes great photographs, and after two years of taking it everywhere with me, I don't have a single complaint. Though it should be noted that getting the best results from this camera may occasionally required an incredibly steady hand(no image stabilizer) and a pretty in depth technical understanding (lots of manual features).



2. I bought this back in 2005 when it was under a grand including two lens that comes with this stuff, funny how the price doubled considering how you can purchase the higher end model for the same price. I like the quick reloading time, this camera can also use the Nikon SB 600 flash, which is great for extra lighting and creative lighting techniques like bounce flah to give a more natural lighting. If you look at SB 600, it says it's for D 70 models but you can use it on this model also.



3. 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.



4. 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.



5. 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.

5 comments about Nikon Coolpix L15 8MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Vibration Reduction Zoom (Silver).

1. Great little pocketable camera that takes AA batteries that you can get anywhere.... BUT here is the problem:
   
   I got an L11 and liked it, but realized that for about $30 more, I could have the same body and useability with Vibration Reduction and greater sensitivity, so I upgraded to the L12 and love it. Then I made the mistake of getting an L15 (with Visa points) for business use, expecting it to be an inmprovement on the other L-series cameras I had used - WRONG!
   
   The L-15 has one fatal flaw in useability: One must turn on the camera - which includes opening up the lens - to review pictures in memory. The others don't, nor do my two Canons. Also, the L15 has LOWER sensitivity and the view/review buttons are in a less convenient location to boot. So what does one get in a model that is farther along in the series? A 3-inch LCD (the L11 and L12's are plenty large at 2.5 and 2.8 respectively).
   
   If you want convenience and good pics for pretty cheap, get the L12!



2. For the money, there are better cameras out there, like Sony. But my biggest problem is that this camera eats all the power from the batteries so fast, I got 15 pictures on brand new batteries (thats using flash), and there is no way to turn the flash level down, there are some settings you can play with but basically it's on or off.



3. Got this camera as a Christmas gift and first used on my trip to Florida this spring. Very easy to use (I never even opened the instruction book) and pictures seem to be of a good quality so far. Battery life was short with regular batteries, but after buying some rechargable batteries, it has been much better. Computer program that came with the camera was also very easy to use. All in all great camera for the price!!



4. Not too fancy, easy to use. I haven't print the pictures yet but the look nice on the screen.



5. I bought this camera a few months ago and I'm already buying a new camera. The shutter takes FOREVER. I've missed so many important pictures due to the slow speed. Also 3 months after I bought the camera the lens wouldn't close. I sent it back to Nikon because it was still under warranty and they said that I must have dropped it or broken it some how (which I never did) and they wouldn't cover it. They charge me $50 to fix it and I wish I would have just told them to keep the camera. I would not recommend this camera to anyone.

5 comments about Nikon Coolpix L6 6MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom.

1. Camera gets 3 stars, but Nikon customer service gets 5.
   
   Camera has a tendency to turn itself on when in the case. The lens kept trying to open against resistance and eventually failed. I think it was because holding down the Play button, which is prominent on the back side, turns the camera on and needlessly opens the lens. So forget about slipping it into a pocket or backpack or anything else you'd like to be able to do with a compact.
   
   However, even though I didn't have the receipt, Nikon repaired it quickly and free of charge. I mailed it to them on a Friday, and had it back 10 days later, 4 of which were weekends, and 4 of which were in transit. I was pleased.
   
   EDIT: I'm an idiot and left my Nikon on the roof of my car. After reading reviews and trying numerous cameras in the $100-200 range, I settled on the L12 as a replacement.
   
   I had two major problems with the L6: it's tendency to turn on in the case, and the very slow acquisition speed (the time I had to hold down the button before the picture was actually captured). Both are greatly improved in the L12. The play button is recessed, and even when it is held down the camera turns on in preview mode but without opening the lens. The acquisition time is also better, but I can't quantify it exactly yet. Maybe half.



2. This is actually our second time buying this camera. My 15 year old bought this camera once with her own money and loved it, so we were very sad when it met an untimely end after falling out of her sweatshirt pocket, over a balcony, down 3 stories into a parking lot of a hotel we were at on vacation. Miraculously, the memory card was spared and she was able to pull all her pics from there. When it came time for her to get a new camera she and I both spent alot of time searching different cameras but she ultimately bought this one again. It does everything she needs and she uses pretty much all the features on it. It's very easy to understand all the features and access them. Its a great camera, takes good pics, has decent video for what she needs with her friends and aside from the crash landing we've had no problems with either one.



3. Do not buy if you are taking pictures of anything alive!! If you like to wait for 10 secs of smiling before the picture snaps this camera is for you. What a great camera for still shots, but the shutter speed is the slowest I have ever seen. I cannot express enough how slow it is.



4. Hi, for those who want to buy this camera, it's great, but I have to correct some of the things said in the previews review.
   
   - You can watch pictures withouth the lens opened. If the camera is tured off, just press the "play" button for 3 seconds and the camera turns on without the lens out.
   - Also when recording videos, you can zoom while recording, not wile playing it which is different. While you're recording a video you can zoom + or - whatever you desire, and then you see the playback as you record it, but not zooming it because it's a video file...
   
   In other words, great camera for the value, Nikor lenses gives great definition of picture, the red eye fixed works great, and with easy menu manageability (which doesn't work with Sony and others)...



5. to the 3 weeks of bought the optica mechanism big step, without to have received blow some. Showing the message of error in optica.

5 comments about Nikon Coolpix 5600 5MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom.

1. The knocks on this camera are true: the flash takes forever to charge and it eats batteries. Also I find the indoor flash really whites everything out. Indoor pictures are not great but outdoors are stunning. People thought my vacation pics were done by a professional. Also in the action mode you can take about 25 pictures in a row without stopping, which gets a lot of the action shots. This camera stands up to a lot of abuse - hiking, beaches, t-ball games, being in the bottom of my bag and the floor of my car. I've owned several Nikon cameras and been happy with them all, this one included. It has lasted for 2 years now with no problems!



2. I bought this camera after alot of research and loosing a WONDERFUL Olympus Stylus digital camera. I have been nothing but disappointed with this Nikon. Outdoors, the camera works fairly well, but indoors it's the pits. No matter how much light you've got in your space, it will always flash, so people can appeared washed out. On the flip side, the flash does not go very far, so photos can appear darker when you don't want that. The biggest con to this camera is the insane amount of time it takes for the flash to recover. I've counted it's 16 seconds, before it's ready to take another pic. This is just unacceptable for Nikon, I expected much better. No way can you expect your subjects to stand around and wait for this camera to ready itself between shots. I have 2 small children, so we rarely get anything good from this camera, as they scoot away too quickly. I agree with other reviewers, about the blurry hand always showing...and it being there makes it SO hard to snap a photo. I deeply regret buying this item, and would not recommend it. There are far better cameras out there for this price.



3. I have had this camera for about one year now. The Good: It takes beautiful pictures outdoors with good lighting. I use lithium batteries and they last a long time. The Bad: It cannot take decent flash pictures of people indoors. The photos are blurry and the color is bad. I have tried every mode that this camera has to offer and nothing seems to work. If anyone knows a way to take decent indoor photos of people I would like to know. Also, I have had no luck taking pictures at night, such as Christmas lights, etc. Also, the recharge is much too slow. People get tired of waiting and move away; especially children. The Ugly: After a year, the lens cover is now starting to stick so I am having trouble getting the lens cover to actually stay open. I guess it's time to try something new.



4. We already had a Nikon Coolpix 5600 and had been very satisfied with it for a number of years. We wanted a second camera so that both of us would be able to take pictures. The immediate thought was to purchase another Nikon 5600. This we did and we have been very pleased with it. They take very good pictures; the camera is fairly rugged; it is small enough so as to not be intrusive in the public and can easily fit into a pant or shirt pocket or a purse. Easily lives up to the reputation of its Nikon heritage.



5. I got this camera as a gift on my birthday two years ago. Needless to say I've asked for a DIFFERENT camera THIS year!
   
   I liked the fact that it was small, and compact. I liked the fact that it took pretty decent pictures.
   
   I did NOT like the fact that the refresh rate between pics (especially with the flash on) took anywhere from 6-12 seconds!!!! That's just ridiculous!
   
   I was CONSTANTLY missing out on really good shots and annoying friends and family members as I asked them to hold on while I waited for it to refresh.... UGH!
   
   I'm switching to a Canon, either the 790IS which I heard has a SUPER fast refresh rate, or the 890IS, which also has a fast refresh rate.
   
   Do yourself a favor and avoid this camera unless you like taking one picture every 30 seconds!

5 comments about Nikon Coolpix S51 8.1MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Vibration Reduction Zoom (Red).

1. I researched long and hard for a new camera after the disappointment with my Samsung NV3. It had the worst "orbs" imaginable and never took a decent shot at night. I am very pleased with my new Nikon. It is light weight, compact and easy to use. I love the large LCD screen. This is my first Nikon camera, and I have owned a Canon and a Samsung, and personally this model is my favorite so far. Obviously it is not going to take the most fantastic photo's as let's say a $500 camera would, but for the money and style, this camera cannot be beat.



2. This camera takes great photos: I took a picture of my cat and you can see every hair and whisker detail. The black is nice too, its a very sharp looking camera, and the screen size is another good feature.
   
   The things I am not so happy about:
   - time it takes to snap a photo - although not quite as long as an older digital would take, the newer Canon camera snaps photos much quicker (the only reason we didn't by the Canon is because another family member has it and we didn't want to always get it confused)
   - The picture quality - the pictures aren't the best quality I've seen, they tend to look a little washed out with the flash.
   - The battery life really is not good with this camera, but this could have to do with the placement of the on/off button and it accidentally turning on when putting it away.
   
   All and all, I am probably just being picky, as the camera was only $170 and I would say it is definitely worth that, especially if you're looking for a small portable one.



3. I LOVE this camera! This is my third digital camera, and easily my favorite. It's so small and compact that I can fit it in my back pocket. I get compliments on the sleek design and the color (I have the pink one) all the time.
   
   My mom had this camera when she came to visit me last year, and I fell in love with it. For a reletively inexpensive point-and-shoot, it takes very clear pictures. I love the HUGE display on the back.
   
   What really sold me on it is how well it does in low-light situations. I rarely use the flash, and the pictures still turn out very nice using natural light, even if it's not a very bright setting. I've printed tons of pictures up on flickr.com, and they've turned out as nice as film pics.
   
   If I had to do it over again, I'd buy the same camera. You're not going to get all the bells and whistles that a more expensive camera would come with, but you're getting a lot of bang for your buck.



4. Nikon Coolpix S210 8MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Plum)Camera came in good time frame. Was very disappointed that code for free battery didn't allow battery on check-out. had to purchase locally.



5. Admittedly the camera arrive broken (with some piece rattling arround inside) and was returned for refund. I didn't want a replacement because the camera felt like a plastic toy. This was my third nikon coolpix( the first I killed by going swimming with it in my pocket; the second still works well but the lcd is cracked which, without a view finder, makes for some guesswork). I'd always been pleased with the others but the S51 just wasn't the same caliber of material. Can't say how it performed, though...Still looking for another one with metal construction!

5 comments about Nikon Coolpix L12 7MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Vibration Reduction Zoom.

1. With the L12, you get about what you pay for. A camera with VR for under $150 is reasonable, 7MP is about average now, and the image quality is acceptable.
   
   The main problem with the L12 is the frequency of lens errors. I've had a number of these returned at my store for this problem and the display model suffered from the same. The lens will extend, make a clicking sound, and do one of the following: shut off, fail to autofocus properly and still take (blurry) pictures, or an error message will stay on the screen and not allow you to take any pictures.
   
   The L12 has been discontinued from Nikon's lineup and for good reason: There are much better options in this price range with superior features and specs, such as Panasonic's LZ6/LZ7 and Canon's A570IS.



2. It's been a while since I've been motivated enough to bother posting a review, but I'm furious and fed up with Nikon's garbage. I originally had a Coolpix L11, the model one notch below this one. It worked decently enough for about a week, and then suddenly the camera would no longer turn on. The power button did nothing. After eliminating batteries, lack of charge, etc. as possible suspects, I took the camera to an electronics repair shop and was told that the power on\off switch was malfunctioning. The cost to repair it would have been almost enough to buy a new camera, so I chalked it up to "sometimes stuff happens" and let it go. A few months later, my sister received a new camera for herself to replace her outdated one; the new one was another Coolpix L11 identical to mine. Surprise, surprise -- again after a full day's use, the power button suddenly went kablooey and the camera could not be turned on. This time, my father was rightly annoyed about the situation because he'd just bought the camera that morning, so he marched it right back to the store and exchanged it. To my knowledge, the exchanged camera works fine, but that's still 2 Nikon Coolpix cameras in a row with the same manufacturing defect. Now onto my review for the L12. I received an L12 this Christmas to replace my original (dead) L11 with its malfunctioning power button. I took the L12 out of the box for the first time just tonight. Brand new, plastic and shrink wrap and foam covering still intact in the box. Guess what? It won't turn on. The batteries are absolutely brand new and were included in the box. The camera's never been out of its protective wrapping. It's simply defective. The SAME defect that the other TWO Coolpix cameras had.
   
   I'll be returning it later this week and I'm sure the store will make an exchange on a clearly defective product, but at this point, I don't WANT another Coolpix. This line of cameras by Nikon is obviously defective on the manufacturing level and I should not have to waste my time and money buying and exchanging cameras, essentially trying one after another after another until I get one that works. 3 out of 4 defective cameras with the exact same flaw, brand new out of the box, already broken? You have to be kidding me.



3. i bought this camera 3 months ago and it was taking some really great pictures.
   Then suddenly, while i turned it on a week ago, it came up with lens error and made a weird buzzing sound.
   I have researched this problem and it has happened to many people.
   just google nikon coolpix lens error.
   i would highly suggest that you should get a cannon powershot instead of a nikon coolpix.



4. I bought this camera as a Christmas present for my father. I've been the one who has used it the most. It is very user friendly and can be programmed in other languages. The pictures are so crisp! I get compliments on the quality of the pictures all the time.



5. This is a plain, non-technical review for an average user.
   
   I wanted a slim point-and-shoot that would produce fairly good images for max 5x7 prints...
   
   Well, this camera seems to only work well in good sun -which is a typical thing with many cameras...along with the impossible to see display ...I mean you cannot see what you are shooting in a nice sunny day, as the diplayed is washed out.
   
   The image quality is so-so. I probably should have played with the white calibration more, with other numerous setting, but I wanted a point-and-shoot camera, not a cockpit panel.
   
   The battery drain is noticeable. The next-shot speed is AWEFUL..It takes its time to adjust focus... Then it goes into sleep mode every 1 minute if not sooner, so if you are trying to get a shot of your precious grandson when you need an ever-ready camera, this one is not it!
   
   On the positive side, it fits in the hand nicely, has fairly intuitive controls, and is indeed small. The download from internal memory was a breeze. I never bothered to installed the software.
   
   I took three shots under rain and the poor thing died. So glad it did.

5 comments about Nikon Coolpix 995 3.2MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Zoom.

1. Just got home today after looking at new digital cameras, all of the sudden my Nikon 995 seems HUGE. But over the past 18 months it has been flawless, and made me switch completely to digital for family and some work (dentist).
   I thought it interesting that someone noted that red eye was not as much of a problem as earlier Nikon digital cameras - I thought it was a big problem, and it would be my one complaint about the 995.
   The 3.2MP was more then sufficient, I recently just got an 8 X 10" from an online printing surface, and it is beautiful. Printing on my HP 7550 I was able to get excellent 5" X 7"'s, but I guess this isn't a printer review.
   The menus are easy, and downloading via USB was a snap. I would rate the software as very average. I still don't understand why WIN XP can't just recognize the camera for direct downloading instead of going through a third party soft ware.
   I have now attached the camera to a clinical microscope and will continue to use it. And I don't think I will buy anything more then a 4MP camera for my next hobby camera. Of course, I just purchased the 6.2 Canon Rebel today for work and serious photograpy, but that's another story...



2. I have been using the 995 since 2001, I am a medical Radiologist, in my field everybody needs a high quality digital camara aid for storing cases. The results using my Nikon 995 compared to other cameras (from my collegues) in the same range are breath taking!! You a get a great Nikor lens, with a very convenient Makro and so many manual options that makes it impossible to need another camera.
   Plus you can have add-ons that the others don't have like the slide reproducer that lets you digitize all the old slides!!. I have literaly taken thousands of pictures and works as good as new. The 995 lets you take charge when you need to, but also has the automatic ¨SNAPPY¨ mode for easier shots. It's a must have. After comparing I can't imagine 3 years later why would I want to change it for another.



3. I use this camera at work, often on occasions when I am sent on assignments I didn't know about when I went home the evening prior.
   
   This is not my favorite camera for a number of reasons. What bothers me most is the view I receive through the viewfinder. The viewfinder is small, to begin, being only about one square inch. The views are often clouded in shades of red, gray or black, also, not what you look at with the naked eye.
   
   Turning the camera in half, like the photo on this page, does not improve matters. I find this camera somewhat difficult to manage with controls being tiny and that abominable viewfinder constantly creating problems for me.
   
   It does take fine pictures, however, and transferring them from the camera to a PC or other media is simply a matter of plugging in and pushing a button. So it does the job well. If only it was an equal pleasure while I was using it I could rate this better.



4. I bought the 995 almost 4 and a half years ago and have not been disappointed. My only regret is not being able to find a replacement. I have taken well over 20 000 pictures, mostly work (Hand surgeon), have dropped it a few times, (perhaps that's why its not working as well now) and LOVE IT! Giving me some trouble now, but I would gladly buy a similar new one.
   
   The macro mode is great. The ring flash that comes with it allows very accurate colour reproduction. Only trouble as someone else mentioned earlier is the start-up time. But this camera is 5 years old... give it a break!



5. I struggled for years with my film cameras to take good close-up photos, but was never able to get the colors right. In February, 2002, I spent $[...] on a Coolpix 995. It was a whole new world!
   
   The purpose of this camera was very specialized. I wanted it to take very close-up photos of wristwatches and pocketwatches for my website, in order to show what the watches looked like at various stages of disassembly. This camera was perfect for the job.
   
   To take close-up photos, I adjust the ISO to 100, turn off the flash, use Aperture Priority and select the smallest aperture possible. I adjust the zoom to the midpoint, select the micro setting and the self-timer. With the camera on a tripod, I press the button. Ten seconds later, it takes the photo. The results have been the best I have ever had with any camera. The photos on the website brought me increased business and my equipment has paid for itself many times.
   
   In 2007, I found another Coolpix 995 in a pawn shop for $[...] plus tax. They also had a Coolpix 5000 for $[...]. At those prices, I had to have them both! Then I found a terrific assortment of accessories on Amazon.com, which all arrived today. They included:
   
   1. Nikon 8x20d lens, a TELESCOPE AND MICROSCOPE for the 995.
   2. Nikon TC-E2 teleconverter (2x or 200%) for the 995.
   3. Nikon WC-E63 wideangle teleconverter (63%) for the 995.
   4. Nikon Cool-Light SL-1, a ring flash for micro photography with the 995.
   5. Nikon UR-E6 adaptor makes it possible to use the accessories above with the Coolpix 5000 camera.
   6. Nikon MB-E5000 battery pack for the Coolpix 5000.
   
   If you buy either of these cameras, you want all the accessories above. The prices for these accessories on Amazon.com are a small fraction of what they once sold for, probably because of low demand for them now.
   
   Having tried out a new Coolpix S1, I can compare the older to the newer. The older cameras here offer the most spectacular micro-photography, especially when using the 8x20d lens. The older cameras offer Aperture Priority and Manual settings, which are essential for micro-photography. The new Coolpix S1, however, does not have these settings, nor can it get as close to the subject as the other two cameras. However, the closeness was good enough for most of my needs, and the colors were so much better! I use my new Coolpix S1 for most of my photography now because of the better colors and because it is so much easier to use and to connect to my computer. However, I am still keeping my older cameras for special tasks. The telescope will be useful when I travel. Choices, choices.
   
   In summary, if you plan to take very close-up photos and you need the macro features, I recommend the Coolpix 995 and the Coolpix 5000. You should also get all the accessories listed above. They are all gems.
   
   However, if you do not plan to take very close-up photos and do not need the Aperture Priority or Manual settings, I recommend the Nikon S1, which is so small and so easy to use and such fun! When using any camera, I recommend using it on a tripod whenever possible (you will see the difference).
   
   I hope you found this review to be informative. Good luck.

5 comments about Nikon Coolpix 5200 5MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom.

1. I started with the Coolpix 4300 but it was painfully slow and temperamental.
   So I upgraded to the 5200, which I loved to put in my pocket and snap away with, as a simpler alternative to my D70. After a year or two, though, the 5200 would start up with a black screen about half the time. I have to restart it and restart it in the hope that it will get back into working mode. My theory is that this is due to grit getting in the zoom barrel, so my next purchase has been the Pentax W20, which has internal zoom. It seems like that or the two-lens, no-external-zoom Kodak V610 are better choices these days.



2. Gift was enjoyed by 13 and 14 year old siblings. The delivery service was terrible. I suggest you find another source as this was not the first time I have made purchases from Amazon and I have always been satisfied, but it was the first time I used this outsource. Never again Cametta Camera.



3. I've owned a few cameras since the digital age submerged the photo world in a sea of memory cards, megapixels and jpegs. I went from a horrible 1 MP Vivitar, to a great but really slow 4MP Minolta/Konica Camera, then to this Nikon 5200 in 2004. Initially, I was weary about buying a 5MP camera, since the technology advances and becomes cheaper within the space of a few months, but the 5200 was not the case. After the first year my first one was stolen and I decided to try out the really slim 6MP Casio Exilim s500 and I was quickly disappointed with picture quality, durabilty and start up speed, before exchanging it for my 2nd Nikon 5200. Last month after 1 year and half of consistently rough usage the battery door came loose and then stopped connecting at all. Even though the battery is still secure without the door there I wanted a new camera and was planning to upgrade to the $1700 Canon 30D, but after playing with the 30D instore, I decided I wasn't ready for that kind of commitment and realized I was genuinely happy with the Nikon 5200. I played around with newer models as well and found that the Nikon 5200 is still a top camera for taking awesome pics in a wide variety of settings and delivering sparkling prints. So I just purchased another Nikon 5200.
   
   PROS: 1. Above all, this camera is really fast. That is my favorite feature. With other cameras I find that the start up and picture to picture speed is slow enough that you can miss many great picture opportunities whiles waiting for the camera to warm up.
   2. Great Pictures in all ranges & conditions. I used this camera outdoors whiles on backpacking & mountaineering trips and always came back with great pics. Macro/Micro/close-up pics are awesome as well. I mainly use that mode for taking pictures of stuff I'm selling on eBay and I've gotten many of compliments from bidders on the quality of the pictures.
   
   3. Long battery life. I usually fill up 1GB worth of pictures before the battery meter flashes that 50% power is remaining. After 2 years of lots of use the battery's stamina does dimish some like all electronics using lithium batteries.
   4. Durable; I've dropped my 2nd one many times, used it in rain, snow, sleet, at the beach and it looks like it been thru war but works like new.
   5. The Auto Picture mode actually works because the base of the camera is wide & flat enough to sit on ledges, tables, etc... so you can take many self pics where ever you go. I find slim style cameras (which is now the style of about 90% of mainstream cameras) fail at this unless you tote around a tripod.
   6. Dynamic Flash Modes actually work. Also the Scene modes are easy to use once you understand what does what.
   7. Video Mode has really loud sound recording and you can take unlimited length clips depending on you memory card'c capacity.
   8. Nice package in box. Comes with alot a good stuff, software, cables etc.
   
   CONS:
   1. Weak battery door clip-in points. Most cameras have this weakness and its not inherent to any one brand. Most cameras' battery door have weak hinges which is alot worse than the weak clip-in points for the 5200's battery door that eventually wears down or break off after a few years of rough use. But in the 5200 defense the battery has its own internal sliding lock that holds it in place so the door in not even necessary to begin with. Also the way the door clip in points breaks is better than having the hinge break because its easier to fix with tape (or glue if you are skilled).
   2. Learning the various camera modes and figuring out what does what takes some time only because the modes actually work (meaning every mode will give a different picture), and there are a lot of scene modes.
   Especially when it comes to taking nighttime pictures, unless you are a genius with cameras expect to spend a few weeks to a month perfecting night pics on this camera. They are a few modes for night where you have to determine if you are in normal, party, fireworks, or dusk night then you have to figure out if you want the flash or not, then after that if you choose flash you have to figure out what flash mode you want(party, sunset, fill-in, macro) . The positive thing is when you learn the sweetspots you will find that this camera takes really good night pictures a big positive that is lacking in many reviews.
   3. Battery Charging. Not really a con as much as it is my griping. I just wished the battery charged like a cellphone/iPod instead of having to travel with the separate charging plug cable & battery charger-block.
   4. No Sepia or BW filter modes! However the software that comes with the 5200 enables conversion to these filters.
   
   BOTTOM LINE: If you getting a 5 megapix camera that you want to last a long time and take great dymnamic pictures get this one!
   It is also on Steve's Digicams ultimate "BEST Camera" list
   (On the list it is refered to as the Nikon 5600
   which is a European version that uses 2 regular AA batteries instead of the lithium ones that the 5200 has, other than that they are the same cameras.)



4. I've had this camera for a little over 2 and a half years. It has lots of features, and I have taken some decent pictures with it, but I have also been very frustrated trying to get a nice clean picture. (It is always blurry, or slightly out of focus)
   
   For a little while now, the door to the battery has been half broken. Now it is completely broken and won't stay shut. Not by my doing, the plastic that would hold it closed wore down and broke off. It isn't a very good design for longevity.
   
   I just recently got myself a Kodak Easy Share. I love it. Great pictures EVERY TIME!! Sooo much easier to use. So I gave this camera to my husband...haha...sucker! :)
   
   In conclusion, it is a decent camera. It has seen me through some times. But for the price, you can get a much better camera for much less. I would have to say that I was disappointed with this camera in the long run, and I am very happy with the one I have now.



5. An easy to use and carry camera for those special moments. The
   quality of photos is far superior to any other Digital Camera of
   the same quality. It's small and packs easily for those vacations
   that are near and far.