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Nikon Coolpix P4
Editor's Review
The Nikon P4 has most of the same bells and whistles as the P3, except the Wi-Fi support. If you're not too keen on the Wi-Fi bandwagon, and think it's just another thing that can cause your photographic experience to go haywire, the P4 gives you a solid 8.1 megapixel sensor and Nikon's innovative "vibrational reduction" system without the extra fluff of 802.11 b/g wireless support.
Specifications
- 8.1 megapixels
- 3.5x optical zoom / 4x digital zoom
- auto focus
- auto exposure
- JPEG file format
- movie mode w/sound
- lithium ion battery
- 2.5 inch LCD
- SD card storage (23MB internal)
- Part Number: 25540
- UPC: 018208255405
- Release Date: Feb 24, 2006
Shop for P4 Accessories
Nikon Coolpix P4 Comments & Questions (write your own!)
Thank You
Can anyone offer assistance? Is the camera worth getting repaired? I do like it very much.
Canon Powershot SD1100 IS
8 megapixels; 3x optical zoom / 4x digital zoom; Face-detection auto focus; Sensor-shift image stabilization; ISO 80-1600; JPEG file format; Auto and manual exposure; 2.5-inch LCD display; Secure Digital memory storage (32MB internal); Lithium-ion battery....
Canon Powershot SD870 IS
8 megapixels; 3.8x optical zoom / 4x digital zoom, 28mm wide-angle lens; Movie mode with sound; JPEG file format; Lens-shift image stabilization; Auto focus; Auto exposure; ISO 80-1600; 3.0-inch LCD display; Secure Digital memory (32MB card included); Lithium-ion battery....
Canon Powershot SX100 IS
8 megapixels; 10x optical zoom / 4x digital zoom; Lens-shift image stabilization; Auto and manual focus; Auto and manual exposure; ISO 80-1600; JPEG file format; Movie mode with sound; 2.5-inch LCD display; Secure Digital memory storage (32MB card included); 2 AA batteries....
Canon Powershot A720 IS
8 megapixels; 6x optical zoom / 4x digital zoom; Lens-shift image stabilization; JPEG file format; Movie mode with sound; Auto and manual focus; Auto and manual exposure; ISO 80-1600; 2.5-inch LCD display; Secure Digital memory storage (16MB card included); 2 AA batteries....
Nikon Coolpix L5 or Sony DSC W55
Both are 7 megapixel cameras. However I was suggested to take an advice from some professional brains. Anyone who can help?
Given all this, why would anyone want to settle on SONY and pay the premium for that 4 letter word?
Get the Nikon, IMHO.
Consider this, the user of the camera is an amateur who has no thorough knowledge of cameras or photography?
Since sony has majority functions automated; does the manual settings of Nikon affect the photography which is done by an amateur?
How good quality of a photograph can an amateur photographer shoot using the nikon?
Is it very easy to use or its such that it can be used only by professionals who understand photography and its techniques thoroughly?
I would really appreciate a reply on these few questions.
Give me a camera company that makes cameras over an electronics company vying for market share anyday.
betterphoto.com/?kcalpesh
And as a photographer, tech reporter, and all around consumer, I don't like it that Sony forces their customers into a proprietary revenue stream. I think it limits choices and costs them more money in the long run. More open source options used, like SD cards for example, allow for much more flexibility and competition regarding pricing and innovation.
I am sure about two Sony Cameras. DSC W55 & DSC W80. However, I would now only like to check out a few Nikon Cameras.
Can anyone recommend me few of the latest models from NIKON, which would also be a little easy to use. I agree Nikon has a slight edge considering the cost factor, since there are more open options with accessories like SD Cards.
I like the P3/P4 for it's 8.1 MP and they come highly rated and have 3x zoom - which is a tad short for my likings.
By and far, my favorite camera was my old coolpix 600, despite the fact that it was only a 1.2 megapixel camera. The Nikor lense has an advantage over most other cameras, as its made of glass. The image quality is really that much better. It does an excellent job of picking up different color tones and shades, and produces realistic colors. Prints from the camera will knock your socks off, and to my prosumer eye (not professional, mind you), I think the prints from the Coolpix cameras are well comparable with some of the prints that come from some of the nicer slr film cameras. Just turn off the digital zoom feature.
The newer Kodak cameras produce the second-best quality pictures for a point and shoot camera. They are extreamely easy to use, and throw in a lot of fun features. However, when you go to print out photos, you start to notice unrealistic black levels. The older Kodak cameras are junk, producing some weird colors.
The Sonys I would not recommend to anyone. While Sonys do excellent in low-level lighting, there tends to be noise in the pictures. In better lighting conditions, the Sony tends to over-saturate color. Some people like this, but it seems to be unrealistic photos. The upside of them is that they are fairly easy to use.
The cannon point and shoot cameras probably tie for third place with Olympus. They produce good pictures, excellent color reproduction, and with a steady hand, will give you some amazing pictures in low-level lighting. The reason I am putting these as third place, though, is that they are not as stupid-proof as the Kodaks, and while the image quality is exceptional, is not as good as the Nikons.
I am not at all happy with Fuji point and shoot cameras, particually the A series. These are just cheap cameras, and with the cheap Nikons going for about $120 MSRP, I cannot see a reason to recommend one. Not that they are bad, its just that there are better choices. Most of the Fujis I have seen use the xD memory card, which is quite annoying. These things are so tiny, that I am always misplacing them, and the only thing that uses xD is Fuji and Olympus. Stick with a camera that uses SD or Compact Flash.
The Poloroid that I have now is one that someone gave me, and is absolute junk. While it gets the job done, there are absolutely no advanced features, colors are muted, and even in excellent lighting conditions, pictures tend to blur.
There is not a single other brand I would recommend, every one else seems to be playing the "Me too" game.
Conclusion - get a Nikon. They are cheap enough that in many cases they underprice the competition, for the most part give a better picture quality than the competition of comparable price, and most have both easy and advanced features, so while you can use it straight out of the box, you will have a camera that can grow with you.
Of course, with any camera, I suggest reading reviews, searching for sample pics on the internet, go to the store and physically put your hands on a camera and see if you like it, and, most importantly, knowing what you will be using your camera for.
Can anyone help with this model, as to how good it is....??
Often times, it's holding the actual camera which eliminates alot of the confusion.
All in all, this is an excellent camera. My only annoyance with the thing is that it does not have a view finder, you must use the lcd. However, this is okay with me as its quite bright, even in direct sunlight, and has an amazingly good battery life.
Canon Powershot A570is - 4x Optical Zoom
Canon Powershot A710is - 6x Optical Zoom
How does this affect my photography? Does 710 hold any major advantage over here?
Canon Powershot A570is - Macro Focus Range - 30cm
Canon Powershot A710is - Macro Focus Range - 1cm
Macro Focus helps to shoot objects from very very close. Does 710 holds any major advantage over here?
Canon Powershot A570is
Minimum Aperture Wide - f2.8
Canon Powershot A710is
Minimum Aperture Wide - f2.6
I have no idea what is Minimum Aperture Wide? Can anyone suggest?
Video fps -
Canon Powershot A570is - 60fps
Canon Powershot A710is - 30fps
60fps is a major improvement for video shooting?
Tele Zoom (mm)
Canon Powershot A570is - 140mm
Canon Powershot A710is - 210mm
Major difference, but what is Tele zoom and which of the above is better?
ISO ratings
Canon Powershot A570is - auto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600
Canon Powershot A710is - auto
Can anyone advice on the above comparision?
That is an amazing macro. the 30cm vs the 1cm I believe would be the focal length. I would assume this is saying that you can focus on something as close as 30cm away from the camera (that is 2 and a half feet, which kinda defeats the purpose of having a macro lense in my opinion). Now focusing at 1cm is amazing. The quesiton is, do you want to take close-up pictures of flowers and bugs?
I am not sure what this telezoom is.
on the iso settings, are you sure you do not have the two reversed? With all the features you have listed on the 710 over the 570, it really surprises me that the 710 does not have a manual mode. Most modern digital cameras that are of any quality have both manual and automatic iso settings. The question also goes, does the camera do the iso settings in optics, or digitally? Many digital cameras now days do the higher iso modes in digital mode, which amplifies the light. The plus is, you can take pictures without a flash in low-light settings, the bad thing is is that you tend to get a lot of noise in the picture. This should depend on how you want to use your camera. Taking pictures in night clubs and at parties, the noise really is not THAT bad on most cameras I have played with, and are great for memories, but if you want to take photos professionally, probably not the best thing
Canon Powershot A570is, uses a DIGIC III processor, which enables the improved face detection and advanced noise reduction technologies. By applying new algorithms, faces can be detected at a greater distance. DIGIC III also allows for a high ISO speed, up to 1600.
How big is this as an advantage over the Canon Powershot A710is which has 6x optical zoom.
As far noise reduction in the processor, this is digital noise reduction then, in which case it may be reducing noise by running a "soften" or a "blur" filter on the image. I would play with the camera some in low lighting at the store and see what happens
So this means I can already count the 6x Optical zoom or Canon Powershot A710is a better advantage than the Face detection of Canon Powershot A570is. Also the the Macro Focus Range is better in the Canon powershot A710is.
However, you also described the Auto ISO mode for Canon Powershot A710is to be a slight drawback?
I played with the face detection thing on mine at the lake today. It makes so much more sense in direct sunlight, especially if you try taking picture after picture after picture. In this case, on mine, you line up a face, or even two (some you can have up to 8 points of focus), then I can snap, move, snap, move, snap zoom in, snap, and so forth, and not have to refocus as the camera is following the face and doing it for you. That is cool, I thought I would have to resetup the face feature for each pic, but that's not the case. Now, I do not know if that is how it is on all cameras, but that is how it is on the nikon coolpix l12. I imagine this feature varies from one company to another.
I just really like the 6x optical zoom, i have not seen a consumer level camera with that high of a zoom level. I LIKE using my zoom, however, with the l12, it takes such high resolution pictues, i can zoom in on my computer and crop, and still have pretty freakin high quality pictures.
Its really up to you.
However, theres one important aspect I need to know before buying. What exactly is a gray-market Camera? How reliable could the product be? Why such huge price difference between the gray market product and the product that the authorized dealers sell?
Can anyone realy help?
Product that authorized dealers sell offer in country warranties and local repair options.
In addition, the menus and manuals may not even be in your language!
More information can be found here ( mycamera.com/index_graymark... ).
I am now looking to buy one more Camera with a slightly higher configuration, considering the optical zoom or Megapixels.
Have checked the following two:
Canon Powershot S3 IS
6.00 Mpixel
12x Optical Zoom
Macro Focus Range: 0cm
(Seems strange to me, does this mean there is no macro function at all? or that you can almost touch the object while shooting?)
Maximum Video Resoultion: 640x480
Canon PowerShot G7
10.00 Mpixel
6x Optical Zoom
Macro Focus Range: 1cm
Maximum Video Resoultion: 1024x768
Digic III Processor with Face detection feature.
I personally feel, G7 has a definite edge over S3 because of being 10Mpixel camera with Face detection and almost similar macro focus range as S3 and a higher video resolution. Is the 12x Optical Zoom more preferrable?? Any user having knowledge about these to cameras?
The question is on video resolution is not just the resolution, but how many frames you can shoot a second. The Nikon at 640x480 at 30fps looks amazing, and it has sound, and I can continue to record until the memory card runs out (this is something important to me. Can you continue to record, or are limited to like 20 and 30 second clips). Also, when you buy your camera, don't skimp on memory card. I got a 60x SD card for my camera, so it writes really fast to the memory card, which means I can take a shot every two or three seconds. My old memory card I would have to wait about 10-15 seconds between shots.
Remember to configure the camera when you get it. Most cameras, for some odd reason, are not set out of the package to take pictures at the maximum resolution.
Keep in mind that a 10 megapixel picture with little or no compression is going to be about 3-5 meg, depending on the camera. Would suggest picking up a memory card no smaller than 2 gig if you really like to take pictures.
Truthfully, If I had to pick between the two, while the 12x optical zoom is really tempting, I would go for the g7. the 6x is still better than what I got on my camera. Also, now that I am mostly photographing people, I like to get closer to them rather than use a zoom. If you do not have a steady hand, than probably anything over 8x is going to blur unless you have image stabalization or a tripod or an incredibly steady hand.
So yeah, go with the G7 is my opinion.
Once again, check the resolution on both your pictures and your video mode when you get it out of the box. Oh, and at 1024x768, your video is going to be HUGE! 640x480 should be good enough for most people, expecially if exporting to a tv or the web (hdtv you may want to go higher). At 640x480, a one and a half minute clip for me is around 60 meg.
And yeah, Video resolution doesn't really matter. A 640X480 video at 30fps is good enough, which G7 has.
Yet there is something that you mentioned above. Its the Speed of Memory Card, you said you had to wait for 10-15 seconds before taking the next shot. Are the memory cards categorized according the the speed? or they come with standard function? If there are different types of memory cards available then can you please list the best one?
Canon Powershot S5 IS.
8 Mpixel Camera,
12x Zoom
Digic III Processor with Face detection feature.
However I checked the sample images but found it a lesser better than the G7. But where people rave about 6x Zoom, 12x Optical zoom must be...... WOW.....
shop3.outpost.com/product/4... a 60x:
shop3.outpost.com/product/5... the first one is a 2 gig and the second a 4 gig)
And here is a 2 gig at 150x:
shop3.outpost.com/product/4... 150x is the fastest of all of these. And 20 bucks for a 2 gig at 150x is a killer price, I may pick up one of these. I paid $18 for my 60x at Fry's two weeks ago, I would gladly pay the extra 2 bucks for a 150x.
I am still fairly new to the whole speed thing, so I am not sure if that means that the 150x is 2 1/2 times faster than the 50x or not, but I would assume that is what it means.
Canon Powershot S5 IS.
8 Mpixel Camera,
12x Zoom
Digic III Processor with Face detection feature.
However I checked the sample images but found it a lesser better than the G7. But where people rave about 6x Zoom, 12x Optical zoom must be...... WOW.....
It also has in camera editing features such as cropping, sepia and black/white alerations, nite modes, super macro mode for REALLY close up shots, panoramic guides for shooting multiple shots to stitch into a panarama, even a mode for shooting documents.
I'm really enjoying it. If I had to complain, however, I have found the menu structure wanting and difficult to use on the fly. But other than that, it's a top notch camera.
When you say you can play back old images, are they on the camera or your computer? How many old images are on the card? You might try downloading all the images and removing them from the card to see if it works on a blank card. I hope this helps.
Andrew
Then why P4 is more expensive as it has no wifi?
that way P3 should be costlier as it has wifi.
Desh, I'm not really sure why that is. When they were first released, the P3 sold for from $40 to $100 more than the P4- here are some links talking about the original price difference:
<a href="dpreview.com/reviews/nikonp... also announced a sister model (the Coolpix P4) that offers exactly the same specification without the Wi-Fi for around $40 less."</a>
<a href="digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... href="cnet.com.au/digitalcameras/... then maybe the market has fluctuated, maybe they're trying to push sales of the P3? Not really sure. I don't hear many people clamoring for wireless cameras (yet), so perhaps it's a sales thing.
I like to have such a feature in my camera.
Both of these cameras feature optical image stabilization, which is indeed a great help when you're shooting without a tripod, especially at longer zoom. I personally prefer the SD700 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... )'s IS system to Nikon's VR system, but they're both quite effective.
The difference between the two cameras is in the small details. Though the Nikon captures more megapixels (8 to the Canon's 6), this won't be a huge benefit to you unless you're planning to make huge prints. Both cameras have a 2.5" LCD, but the Canon's is higher resolution. The Canon has a slightly longer zoom (140mm to the Nikon's 126mm). The Canon's macro focus range is half that of the Nikon, which is a big improvement if you want to get in close. Both weigh about the same size, but the Canon is slightly smaller.
User opinion is roughly the same on both cameras. My personal preference is for the Canon due to its superior overall image quality and the small things listed above. Hope this helps!
Extremely helpful description and suggestion and I have decided to go with Canon SD700.
You really need to know what you want to do with a camera before picking one. For the types of photos that I take, I would pick the Canon SD700 IS ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ). Although it has a lower resolution than the other two, the camera is more versatile with manual exposure settings and more optical zoom (digital zoom lowers the resolution even more). I am a more hands on photographer. If you want a more automatic camera that you can't experiment with as much, I would go with the Nikon P4 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ). Its high resolution makes it great for blowing pictures up, and it is completely automatic. Good luck and happy shooting.
Andrew
Otherwise, I'd point you towards the P4 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/digita... ). You said you wanted something simple, and this is a really beautiful extremely powerful little camera, with auto settings all the way around.
thanks for your help.
Sarah
Make sure your battery is fully charged. If that is not the case, take the battery out of the camera for about 4 or 5 minutes, then reinsert it. Try to turn the camera on again. If this does not work for you, contact Nikon ( nikonusa.com/template.php?g... ) for technical support or warranty service.
Andrew
MY CAMERA LENSE WAS CLEANING THE CLOTH ....
BUT SAME TIME ONCE OFF AND ON THE CAMERA ...THE INFORMATION WAS LENSE ERROR.......ONE SOUND COMING WAS FOUND IN LENSE CLICK SOUND....
PLEASE HELP AND HOW TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM?
Both the A710 and the P4 offer image stabilization; the A620 does not.
Image-wise, I have heard that the A620 doesn't do as well in low light but takes excellently-colored photos in natural daylight (also has good skin tones). The A710 and the P4 have all-around good color and handle most lighting situations well.
Hope that helps somewhat.
The Nikon Cool Pix P4 does not have the wi-fi packet radio transceiver. It is the P3 that has this wi-fi along with the exact same body as the P4. What stopped me from buying the P4 is the lack of dedicated manual controls and the Fantasea water proof housing does not allow access to all the controls. The P4 styling is a bit nicer than the Canon A640. Both are good cameras, but I will have to work harder to figure ways around the auto functions to get what I want in manual controls. One can control aperture and EV exposure compensation.
i m actually looking for a suggestin from u, i want to buy either from canon a-630 or nikon p3, which one of the 2 u suggest is a better option to buy and hw do u rate both cameras, one thing i realize is tht p3 is an old model and is out of market so we can get it at comparitively cheaper rates, aru nd 220$ and also has wi-fi capability, so which one shud i go for?
I noticed that you haven't marked a reply as "Best Answer." Are you still looking for responses? If so, I recommend re-submitting your question on digitalcamera-hq.com so it has a better chance of being noticed. These days it looks like questions are being answered within just a day or two. Good luck!
Nikon Coolpix P4 Reviews
Nikon Coolpix P4 Reviews by Digital Camera-HQ Users
- 1.0 out of 5
I bought this camera as a package to use in digiscoping. The package was a combination of crappy stuff - cheap tripod, broken shutter release, adapter that came apart after only a few uses, etc. I've given up the idea of digiscoping with this piece of ..... And now the P4 which was the heart of the deal has crapped out on me. The pix come through over exposed and full of raster lines. Now I'm waiting to see what will happen to the fieldscope!
- 4.0 out of 5
I have had my camera for 2 yrs and I just started getting the lens error messages. They are so annoying.
I was already thinking of buying another and giving my daughter this camera but now Im not so sure.
I know that in the 2 yrs that I've had it that I have dropped it a few times but nothing serious.
The camera also stopped reading my memory card saying that I had no pictures on the card. When I got home and put the memory card in my computer the pictures were still on there thank God.
- 4.0 out of 5
This is my 5th camera. I own sony and canon too. it great for small size.
- 1.0 out of 5
this camera is not worth buying! it takes bad pictures and was poorly made! i haven't even owned it three months and it already has this "lense error" thing popping up! if you are looking for a good nice camera that will last a long time do not buy this camera!
- 1.0 out of 5
My graduation present (Nikon P4) has a "Lens Error" crash every minute or so. It is getting worse the more I attempt to use it. I made sure it was not some sort of user error before I posted this. It truly has a malfunctioning operating system/lens...and it is a brand new camera. I'm quite disappointed—because the camera is otherwise a good device. Unfortunate.
- 5.0 out of 5
This is my 4th digital camera, and by far the best. If you want to take control on the pix you take rather than let the camera do all the work, this is the camera for you. However, you do need to have certain knowledge in photograph in order to fully utility it. Excellent image quality.
- 1.0 out of 5
I purchased a Nikon Coolpix L10 camera and used it for one week and the lcd screen went black. Spent money to mail it to Nikon and get a response that the lcd screen is not covered by their warranty. I would and will never recommend a Nikon product to anyone. BEWARE of no warranty.
- 5.0 out of 5
This camera has so many fun settings to mess with that it will take you a lifetime to get through them all. That doesn't mean it's difficult to use however, this camera is the ultimate point and shoot if you want it to be. The shutter does have some delay, but there is a rapid fire type setting that allows you to take multiple photos one right after the other. All in all, A++
- 2.0 out of 5
This camera was great for the 1st year. Then it started showing the Len Error once in a while and I had to try to open the lens a few times and it would finally kick in (or out rather!). Then it eventually was just permanently on Lens Error - when you turn it on, the lens extracts, then retracts and the screen reads,'lens error'. I did some research on the internet and saw this is a very common and HUGE problem with this camera. I sent a letter to Nikon explaining the problem and they wanted nothing to do with it and refused to admit others were having the same problem. Having read other reviews, I see they received the same response. VERY disappointed in Nikon. They may have great Lens, but they make crappy equipment and customer service is non existant!
- 1.0 out of 5
This is my 3rd camera 1st 2 has been olympus and i loved every single one. But had high hopes for Nikon being a good camera, well WRONG. Yet to take one clear photo or one that is not under exposed, even blue. It in one word SUCKS.
- 5.0 out of 5
The P4 is compact with controls placed ergonomically placed. This camera is not as flimsy hence fits perfectly in your hands. Excellent features which are all easily accessible on the jog dial on the top of the camera. Excellent battery life, lasted for about 250 shots. Great picture quality. The "Scene" mode has a lot of options for beginners to experiment. Great quality for the price. Also the VR- Vibration Reduction mode help stabilize shots. This feature is only available on high end digital cameras. Fantastic buy.
- 1.0 out of 5
The P4 Nikon is my third digital camera. After 8 mos. I have yet to get a good picture. Even in auto it's one thing or another. Outdoor shots are marginal and indoor, forget it. One major complaint is focus. I post process using Adobe Elements and MGI.
- 1.0 out of 5
Do not buy this camera. I used to like Nikon's before, but this one had "lens error" message right after I bought it and I could not even use it. DO NOT BUY THIS CAMERA. Check other reviews - you'll find other saying about "lens error". If you get it after 3 - 4 months, Nikon might not fix it, saying you dropped it.
- 1.0 out of 5
I bought the camera in Thailand (from a Nikon dealer), shot for 3 days then came back home to Turkey. The moment I switched it on, I got the dreaded "lens error". No warranty across countries and "coolpix" is not cool at all. Nik-off!
- 5.0 out of 5
I love my Nikon P4. I currently own a Nikon D100 so I am very spoiled with features and quality. I wanted a small camera with 5+ megapixels to carry in my purse. The P4 fits all my needs and more. What really sold me was how clear the macro pictures are. All pictures come out with great color and sharpness. There are so many features and shooting modes for all types of photographers. The rechargeable battery seems to last forever. I am a little dissapointed with the low light pictures. You must be fairly close to subject or use a tripod for night pictures.
Overall, this is an excellent camera and I highly recommend it.
- 3.0 out of 5
I avoided a canon that reviewers cited as having a "dreaded" lens error in which the extendable lens freezes and won't move or won't focus. This just happened to my Coolpix P4 while at the Macys parade, while shooting (so definitely no unusual bumps or dropping). The lens won't retract or extend and clearly is worthless until fixed. I suspect all this small extendable lens will have a high failure rate. I suspect the S10 lens is a much more reliable design. Seemed like great camera otherwise.
- 3.0 out of 5
getting the Lens Error message - hoping either Best Buy will fix under warranty or Nikon...did not drop it.
- 1.0 out of 5
Bought the Coolpix P4 - after 3 1/2 months, got the lens error. Nikon will not fix saying it was dropped. Buyer beware.
- 5.0 out of 5
Took my P4 to Europe with me along with my Fuji S2. Used the P4 90% of the time in Venice, Portugal and Around Italy. Shooting into the light provided underexposed pictures. Did not compensate for the light coming through the windows. In Comparson also with my Coolpix 4200 and S2 the pictures all have their own mark. I recommend it to anyone as a first buy.
- 2.0 out of 5
When my Coolpix 5400 quit due to "lens error" I bought a P4. I mainly use it for documenting instrumentation, close-up work of the inside of computers and the like. The auto-focus simply does not work on my model rendering it more or less useless. Works great beyond 20 feet but not at 20 inches. The autofocus passes right through best focus (it is not the the focus is not reachable). I also wish that the screen was detachable and could pivot like in some of the older Coolpix models.
Battery life is good, VR is good.
- 5.0 out of 5
This is one sweet camera. It's my 3rd digital camera and has all the features (and more) that matter to me. I loaded it with a 2.0 Gig card so it will store a lot of pictures, even at the full resolution setting. It came with an extra battery so this combination allows me to take a slew of high res pictures before I need to find a battery charger or computer for downloading. The image quality is absolutely superb, but what would you expect with 8.1 meg? It also has a VR (vibration Reduction) feature which allows you to take blur free pictures even while shooting from a car or panning. I can't say enough good things about this little guy. I also own a very robust Nikon 35mm film camera system with thousands of dollars in bodies and high speed lenses; I've been grabbing my P4 for 90% of my shooting lately and have no regrets. So far, with moderately heavy use, I can report absolutely NO down time and no mechanical or electrical glitches. This is the bargain of the century for what it provides. Very Highly Recommended for all types of shooting.
- 4.0 out of 5
Mine came defective new in the box—the upper lens cover won't close the way. I've emailed Nikon and still have received no response after two weeks. I haven't found any other problems. I've taken some pretty good pictures and had them enlarged to 11x14—they are much better than the ones I had enlarged from my Nikon 4300, all taken with highest resolution. When I look at the pix after I take them, I can't figure out how to get rid of the writing (other than go to slide show), which makes it so I can't see the pictures to know if I need to retake one. I like the vibration reduction, although I still get some out of focus pictures. I'm glad I bought an extra battery, they don't last as long as they say they will, but they recharge relatively fast.
- 1.0 out of 5
I bought one P4 for my daughters graduation present. Within 1 week the camera wouldn't turn on. Took it back and it was replaced. Within 1 week again, it won't work. We get a lens fault warning. It's on the way back as well. I just can't see trying another.
- 5.0 out of 5
I have owned several Nikon cameras. Nikon N80 SLR, Nikon Coolpix 5700 and several point and shoots. We were planning a trip to Disney World and I was hoping to find a camera that I could just slip in my purse that would give me pictures of close or equal quality to my SLR. Well, I found it. After buying the Fujifilm e900 and being totally disappointed, I paid over $50 in restocking fees and shipping and returned it and decided to stick with the old reliable Nikon and am I ever so happy I did. Pictures were sharp, anti-vibration worked great, I even got a great picture of the Castle with the lights on it at night. VERY easy to use. If you are looking for a small compact camera that delivers pictures that are sharp and of close to equal quality of an SLR...this is your camera.
- 5.0 out of 5
i have a d200/plus d70,i wanted a small pocketable camera and went for the nikon p4.
the results that i have achieved with it are indeed as good (if not better)than my d200.
i could not speak more highly of this little gem
- 5.0 out of 5
Compared to the Canon PowerShot SD-500 (another metal body camera)that this is replacing, the P4 is more balanced, easier to handle,(the Canon was really TOO small for my medium size hands)and creates beautiful, colorful, sharp, low-noise pictures. I chose to save about 60 bucks and get the P4 rather than the P3. The only difference is Wi-Fi, which I consider an unnesessary trick. If I am close enough to connect to my home network, I am close enough to walk over to my laptop or desktop and insert a memory card. I have only had the camera one day, but it feels like a great piece of camera design. The only thing that I miss is the ability to shoot in B&W.
