Nikon Coolpix 4500 4MP Digital Camera w/ 4x Optical Zoom
by Nikon
Average Customer Review:
Electronics

US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Nikon's Coolpix 4500 offers 4-megapixel resolution in the same swiveling frame as their previous Coolpix 995. The left half of the 4500--which houses the lens and flash--can be twisted around 360 degrees, making it simple to for you take pictures at a variety of angles. It's especially handy for taking self-portraits, as you can see how you look in the 1.5-inch LCD viewfinder.

A 4-megapixel capability means that you can take pictures at up to 2,272 by 1,704 pixels in size, which can be printed out at 11 by 14 without any loss of quality. Our images duly impressed us, with sharp edges, bright colors, and an incredible amount of detail. Also impressive is the 4500's 4x optical zoom. Higher than most digital cameras, the 4x zoom lets you get close to your subject, with another 4x of digital zoom available after the snap.

A built-in flash pops up when needed, and the audio recording capability lets you dictate memos to match your pictures. The rechargeable battery provides about two hours of life, although it must be removed from the camera for a recharge.

Although the 4500 features a broad range of tools for the more advanced digital photographer, it's easy enough for the beginner to use. Its 16 different scene modes--including various portraits and a panorama assist mode--make taking different types of pictures a one-click task.

Nikon includes only a 16 MB CompactFlash card, but it supports Type I and II cards, meaning you can pop in a 512 MB or 1 GB microdrive for the ultimate in storage.

The 4500 is a hefty metal camera, and you can't just drop it into a breast pocket. But you also won't be afraid of damaging it easily. It looks and feels like it works--sharp, dependable, and versatile. --J. Curtis

Pros:

• Bright, detailed images
• High resolution and optical zoom
• Innovative twist design

Cons:

• Hefty
• Have to remove battery to recharge

... Read more

Features

• 4.0 megapixel sensor creates 2,560 x 1,920 images for prints at 11 x 14 and beyond
• 4x optical zoom and 4x digital zoom for 8x total
• Included 16 MB CompactFlash card holds 16 images at normal setting and 2272 pixel resolution
• Connects with PCs and Macs via USB port
• Uses 1 rechargeable Li-ion EN-EL1 battery (included)

Reviews (38)

Best design in a digital camera to date.
This is one of the finest digital cameras that has been sold.Currently Nikon may have "more powerful" but overall less appealing devices out.Two of the 4500's strongest points include the totally enclosed lens system and the swivel design.Both of which were changed in more recent designs by Nikon. Another superb feature includes the macro ability - you can get within 0.8 inches of a subject. This is fantastic for nature photography.

I currently have two of these units. The first 4500 had over 55,000 shots on it before any problems appeared.The second was purchased as a backup while the first was being repaired by Nikon.The only real negative that I have encountered would be Nikon's outrageous repair costs. The zoom button gave out after 55,000 shots (this is heavym mostly outdoor use and it's failure is not a complaint).Nikon wanted $230+ to repair/replace this switch. Considering the camera was only $400 new this was highway robbery! They also wanted an additional $150.00 to re-adhere the rubber finger grip to the camera body!!!!! Such unrealistic repair costs must be to get the user to buy a new camera but only leaves a very bad taste for Nikon's service department instead.

If you can still pick one of these up new or in like-new condition I strongly reccomend it, as there simply has not been a newer model that can do all this unit is capable of.

JUNK
Just after the one year warranty and I turn on the camera to hear loud clicking noises. Have to take the battery out to shut off. "SYSTEM ERROR". $200 to repair from Nikon - oh and they won't tell me what's wrong with it. I'm not the only one. My friend had the same problem, but he had it repaired in greece for $100. I've read that a number of people have had the same problem, actually some on Amazon reviews, where are they now? Way to go Nikon. I won't be a return customer thank you.

too much,& not enough!
>When I first read about the 4500, I was really excited about some of the features advertised,especially the macro feature.(I am a tattoo artist, and this feature helps with documenting my work)Unfortunately,the camera is not really living up to my high expectations;
>It's macro feature never seems to capture a clear photo.(either blurry ,too dark,or the flash washes the image out.)
>It'sauto focus doesn't do much better.
>Technical support seemed futile each time I tried.
>It seems nearly impossible to get any point and shoot from the camera at all.

>There is one feature that I enjoy, and that's the 35 second film snips it produces...otherwise, I'd recommend a more user friendly camera. ... Read more

Asin: B000069096
Subjects:  1. Cameras    2. Cool pix    3. Digital Camera (Cameras)    4. Photograph (Photography)   

Canon PowerShot G2 4MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom
by Canon Cameras US
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $699.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Quite simply, the Canon PowerShot G2 is an elegant, easy-to-use joy of a digital camera that boasts impressive 4-megapixel resolution, a 3x optical zoom, a bright LCD monitor that swivels off to the side of the camera and tilts up and down as needed, and maximum overall creative control in addition to a fully automatic mode. Of course, none of this comes as much of a surprise to anyone familiar with its popular predecessor, the PowerShot G1. Both of these cameras have features and picture-taking modes similar to Canon's EOS cameras, which means they have what Canon calls a "very camera-like feel." Some of the G2's more obvious improvements over the G1 (besides higher resolution) include a champagne gold finish, larger grip for easier handling, improved image and color quality, new photo-effect shooting mode for various effects, including black-and-white and sepia, and a new high-speed selectable three-point autofocus.

The G2's 4-megapixel CCD captures images at user-selectable resolutions of 2,272 x 1,704, 1,600 x 1,200, 1,024 x 768, and 640 x 480. This range allows for detail-rich 8-by-10-inch prints that match the results of film cameras as well as easy-to-upload images for the Web and e-mail. Choose between three varying degrees of JPEG compression or store images in the 10-bit RAW data file format for faster transfer without any image quality loss. Your computer easily translates the RAW files into TIFF files using Canon's included software.

The telescoping, 3x optical zoom lens (34-102mm equivalent on a 35mm camera) with 3.6x digital zoom, offers both automatic and manual focus control. The improved, high-speed, selectable three-point autofocus system allows flexibility in composition over the single focus point of the G1. A distance scale has been added on the LCD monitor for precision focus adjustment that works best for extreme close-ups. Improved circuitry allows the G2 to perform these advanced functions with faster image capture times and longer battery life than the G1.

Like the G1, the G2 has point-and-shoot settings that take the guesswork out of almost all situations, but the manual controls and creative options are where this camera stands out from the competition. Twelve EOS-style shooting modes allow for a wide range of creative possibilities, with manual focus zoom, adjustable aperture priority at 50, 100, 200, and 400 ISO, selectable shutter speed, and six preset white balances--sunny, cloudy, tungsten, etc. Canon has provided four presets for professional results when shooting for maximum depth of field, portraits, landscapes, and night scenes. Other creative controls include the photo-effect mode that allows four possible variations of the normal color saturation: vivid color, standard color, sepia tones, and standard black-and-white.

Two video formats have also been included, allowing for 30 and 120 seconds of moving images with audio. Slow shutter-speed mode allows extended exposures in low-light situations. Autoexposure bracketing allows you to intentionally over- and underexpose two extra shots to help capture the best picture possible. Five different flash modes, including red-eye reduction, handle after-dark challenges. The TTL hot shoe is fully compatible with all Canon EX-series Speedlite flashes. The included software package goes beyond standard image processing with a remote capture function that allows complete control and manipulation of the camera functions from your computer keyboard. Canon's Stitch Assist program allows you to combine up to four images into one, seamless, panoramic view.

Exterior design features include the highly versatile LCD monitor from the G1 that needs no improvement; its 270-degree rotation allows all angles of image composition from around corners to self-portraits. Changes in ergonomics, as requested by the users of the G1, include a contoured grip for better one-handed shooting and a more streamlined look. Photographers new to the digital market will find the G2 as easy to use as previous PowerShot models, while professionals will be pleased with the improved selection of creative options for capturing the best possible images.

The G2 comes complete with USB port and cable for connection to PC or Macintosh computers; Canon's digital camera software package for downloading, processing, and organizing your images; a NTSC cable for connecting to a television set; a rechargeable BP-511 lithium-ion battery pack and AC adapter for charging the battery in the camera; a generous 32 MB CompactFlash card; infrared remote control; lens cap; and neck strap. The camera weighs about 14.8 ounces, and its dimensions are 4.8(W) by 3.0(H) by 2.5(D) inches. ... Read more

Features

• 3x optical (plus 3.6x digital) zoom lens with autofocus
• Included 32 MB CompactFlash card holds 24 images at default resolution; camera is Microdrive compatible
• Movie mode captures variable amount of video depending upon memory card size
• Uses proprietary lithium-ion rechargeable battery (included); connects with Macs and PCs via USB port
• 4.1 megapixel sensor creates 2,272 x 1,704 images for prints at 8 x 10 and beyond

Reviews (153)

Great all around camera
This was our first digital camera.Very easy to use, useful features, and high quality photos.Definitely a good deal.

great camera, even today
I bought this camera in early 2003 when the camera was to be discontinued and sold around $400. I am mostly a happy user of this camera.

Pros:

1. Excellent lens, very bright (F2.0) which make shooting indoor without flash a possiblity.

2. Good resolution. 4MP is enough even today.

3. Great photography control, more F stops, great range of shutter speed which you won't see in most consumer level digital cameras. This means you can shoot a wide range of objects under many different environment, without compromised quality.

4. Better looking than successors like G3, G5.

Cons:

1. Relatively lousy battery life using the bundled battery

2. Slow startup time. This sometimes becomes intolerable when you want a fast shot.

3. Hard to get CF card out of the camera.

4. ISO 400 speed gives noisy image quality. However this is the issue with most consumer digital cameras.

What we all NEED! Better than it's descendant the G3
I have had this camera for more than a year and I am just now getting to write a review. Which means I have had much time and practice to test this camera.
This camera is very much in the middle and by that I don't mean just ok. It is not to hot and it is not too cold, it is "just right!" It has features and manual controls for those who like to manipulate their shots, but in the same respect if you are used to just snapping a picture with one button and letting the camera do the work, then this camera is for you too! The image quality is great! You can buy accessories and extra lenses for it just like those hot shots with expensive film cameras! I have 3 lenses and two filtering lenses(polarizing and UV filter.) One of my extra lenses is a macro lens which really is wonderful. Which brings me to the point that the camera's macro capabilities are wonderful as is! If you don't know what macro means, I can take a picture of those unsightly pores it gets so close. I have taken some wonderful nature photographs with the macro. I love up-close, detailed pics. This camera has a little bit of everything but not too much it is overwhelming. If you want to use it, it is there and if you don't keep it on automatic! The best part is that there have been two cameras in the "G" line that have been introduced since the G2 but they aren't as good as this one(in my opinion.) So the price has dropped dramatically you can get one for less than 300 if you know where to look.

I just cannot stress enough how much this camera has been in service to me. I never even used a regular film camera before I got this camera because I never had the money to get a really good one. Sure I took the occasional pic with my aunt's point and shoot film camera at Christmas, but that wasn't much fun. When I got this camera I just experimented and took soooooooo many pictures. I am really enjoying photography. I guess the reason I never got interested in photography before was the expense of film and then developing, as well as not being sure the pictures were even any good until you got them back from the drug store. With this camera you just look at the shots and if they stink you delete them and take another shot. No wasted film! IF you don't have a printer at home then you can easily take them to Walgreens or upload them to Walmart's site and get prints from your digi pics. So simple.

I have experimented with many consumer valued digital cameras when I took my photography class last year( which was the reason I bought this camera) and let me tell you, it was the best in the class. We had Kodak and Olympus and so many other brands and they all stunk compared to mine. Olympus C something was pretty comparable but still not as good as my G2. I would recommend this camera to the new aspiring photographer as well as to the family photographer who wants to capture all the good things. I am sure once we become professional photographers we will have a SLR digital camera but for anyone less than a professional who is actually getting paid for their pictures, this is the best quality at the best price. When printed on photo quality paper my digital pictures are as good as if not better than other film photographer's pictures. I have been told my shots are good enough to be in National Geographic! Have fun with this joyful contraption. ... Read more

Asin: B00005Q5U5
Subjects:  1. Digital Camera (Cameras)    2. Photograph (Photography)   

Canon PowerShot S200 2MP Digital ELPH Camera w/2x Optical Zoom
by Canon Cameras US
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $379.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Inch for inch and ounce for ounce, Canon's PowerShot S200 Digital Elphpacks more power into less space than virtually any other digital camera,stuffing a feature-packed, 2-megapixel camera with 2x optical zoom into adiminutive brushed-metal case that slips easily into a purse or pocket.

Resolution
Like last year's S110, the S200 features a 2-megapixel sensor for sharp printsat sizes up to 8 by 10 inches. With cameras of up to 5 megapixels now on themarket, some enthusiasts were hoping the Elph would makethe jump to 3 megapixels, but it appears that Canon still believes 2 megapixelsremains the best balance between performance and price for most consumers. Wetend to agree. If you regularly print your photos at sizes larger than 8 by 10inches, you'll probably want a camera with higher resolution and more manual controls than the Elphoffers--we recommend Canon's 3-megapixel S30 or 4-megapixel S40.

Optics
A 2x optical zoom lens (35-70mm equivalent) aids in photo composition, and anadditional 2.5x digital zoom (5x total) further magnifies your image. Remember,however, that digital zoom reduces the sharpness and detail of your image, soit's best used sparingly. Two systems help ensure your pictures will beperfectly focused, even in challenging conditions: a multizone autofocus workseven when the subject of your photo isn't in the center of the scene, and inlow-light situations (a particular weakness of many digital cameras), afocus-assist lamp sends out a small patterned beam to help the camera accuratelydetermine distance. If you're hoping for a more powerful zoom, the S330 Elph hasa 3x zoom and slightly larger dimensions but is otherwise nearly identical.

More Features
Though it's primarily designed as a point-and-shoot, the S200 includes severaladvanced features for photographers who want more creative control, includingexposure compensation, low-light manual shutter speeds, manual ISO and whitebalance, and stitch assist, plus black-and-white, sepia, vivid, and neutralmodes.

A movie mode captures video clips with sound. Depending upon resolution, theseclips can last from 2 to 60 seconds. The limited length and resolution of theseclips guarantees that this feature won't replace your camcorder, but it'sperfect for when you just want to capture a quick movie and e-mail it to afriend or relative. In addition, you can add up to 60 seconds of audio to eachstill picture you take.

Power
The S200 uses a proprietary lithium-ion rechargeable battery, and both thebattery and the charger are included. Though the new NB-1LH looks identical to(and is interchangeable with) the NB-1L batteries shipped with previous Elphmodels, the new battery holds 840 mAh of energy, a 23 percent increase. Becausethe battery is unique to the Elph cameras and can be nearly impossible to findwhen on the road, we strongly recommend getting a spare if you're planning totake the camera on extended outings.

Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on standard Type I CompactFlash cards. Consider the included 8MB card a starter capacity, since its 12-picture limit means you'll need toreturn to your computer often to transfer images and free up the card for morepictures. A 128 MB card is a great size for this camera, storing around 200images. To transfer images to your computer, simply attach the included USBcable between your PC and your camera. Your computer should automaticallyrecognize your camera and let you move the pictures to your hard drive.

Printing
Canon has introduced a series of printers designed to work directly with theS200. Using these printers, no computer is required--simply connect the camerato the printer and start printing. The CP-10 produces credit-card-sized prints,and the CP-100 makes 4-by-6-inch prints. Both use continuous-tone technology forresults that are indistinguishable from traditional photos. Of course, photosfrom your Elph can also be printed on any home computer system with an inkjetprinter, sent off for online processing, or simply enjoyed on your computerscreen.

Size
At just 3.4 by 2.2 by 1.1 inches and 6.3 ounces, the S200 is even smaller thanits predecessor, making it one of the smallest zoom digital cameras on themarket.

Contents and Recommended Accessories
The package includes the S200 camera, NB-1LH battery with CB-2LS charger, AV andUSB cables, wrist strap, software suite, and 8 MB memory card.

Everything you need to get started is included in the box, but we stronglyrecommend the addition of a larger memory card (a 128 MB card holds around 200images), a spare NB-1L battery, and a compact carrying case (to protect thebrushed-metal finish and keep pocket lint out of the viewfinder). --ShaneBurnett

Pros:

• Ultraportable size makes it easy to bring along
• Picture quality is excellent, even in low-light situations
• New features, a better battery, and slightly smaller size are improvementsover last year's S110

Cons:

• 2-megapixel sensor is adequate for most users but starting to look low bytoday's standards
• 8 MB card is too small for more than occasional use

... Read more

Features

• Included 8 MB CompactFlash card holds 12 images at default settings
• Connects with PCs and Macs via USB port
• Uses proprietary lithium-ion rechargeable battery (included)
• 2-megapixel sensor captures 1,600 x 1,200 images for prints at sizes up to 8 x 10 inches
• Autofocus lens with 2x optical/2.5x digital (5x total) zoom

Reviews (165)

LOVE my little Elph!!!!!!!!
Well, it's been over 3 years since I had it and I love it!!! It's just awesome! It's tiny, the battery life is great, the pictures are wonderful, LOTS of features. The ONLY thing is when you're using flash, it's a little slow. I was impressed with Canon and purchased a bigger SLR Digital Rebel for my "big projects" :) But the little Elph is still my #1 point and shoot!

Point and shoot that fits in your pocket
A really great camera that just slips into your pocket. Great to carry around all the time so you can take shots of whatever takes your fancy. Easy to recharge too with its handy battery recharger.

Wonderful little camera!
I've had this camera for a little over a year and a half now and I just love it.It's really small, which is a huge plus.Because of the small size, it's very convenient to take with you and that means you end up taking more pictures than you normally would.I've chronicled most of the little and big events I have gone to with it.Even though it's just 2 megapixels, that is more than adequate for me--I don't rely on it for professional shots, just mostly snapshots.I have printed some photos through shutterfly, and they came out looking great.You could tell that they weren't quite as sharp as those from a regular camera, but I had taken them at the medium compression setting.They were definitely framable though and you probably couldn't tell that they were digicam pics unless you inspected them close up.I suspect pics taken at superfine would be even better.Rendition of colors is truly remarkable, and I have received many compliments from friends on this.Canon sure does seems to know what they're doing when it comes to optics.Any photos I've taken with bright colors (landscapes, flowers, etc.) came out breathtaking.The camera is made of metal, so it has a nice, high quality "heft" to it.The photo management software that it comes with is awesome--intuitive and easy to use.It may run slow on old computers though, if you have a lot of photos in your albums.

One complaint I have about the camera is that it's just okay in dark settings, even with the flash on.Also, when taking pictures of people, I seem to get red-eye a lot, even with the red-eye reduction setting on.It takes small video clips, but the resolution is very grainy and with the 64 MB card that I have in it, the maximum length of the clips is really short.

Other than that, this is a terrific, dependable camera that's perfect for the beginning digicam user or for someone who wants the convenience of a small, easily transportable camera.It comes with a far too small 8MB card, so I highly recommend getting a larger one.Also, it doesn't come with a case, so I recommend buying one because this is a beautiful camera and you wouldn't want to damage it.Canon makes one specifically for the PowerShot series that is leather and compact.You can find it at Apple stores. ... Read more

Asin: B0000645C9
Subjects:  1. S 100    2. Digital Camera (Cameras)    3. Photograph (Photography)