Nikon Coolpix 4300 4MP features. It’s also easy to grip and can be used entirely with one hand–for right-handers at least (as usual, southpaws will just have to get used to the design).
We were able to adjust the saturation, white balance, and noise reduction of our images even before taking a shot. The 1.5-inch LCD is smaller than average, but the bright and crisp panel was clearly visible in anything but direct sunlight.
The 4300’s image quality duly impressed us–crisp, bright colors that stood up to 11-by-17-inch enlargements. You can also capture 40-second video clips, although they’re silent movies. We appreciated the Best Shot Selector feature, which let us snap up to 10 quick pictures and then have the Nikon cull out the best one for us.
We were able to get over 90 minutes of use out of the rechargeable lithium-ion battery, although we had to remove it for recharging. This design works well for an optional backup battery; however, you’ll need a fully-charged battery ready to go. Nikon includes a 16 MB CompactFlash card, but you’ll want to upgrade early on–high-resolution images and video clips fill 16 MB rapidly.
One minor caveat: if we turned the camera on with the lens cap in place, the 4300 would flash a message telling us about it. Removing the lens cap didn’t work, and we had to turn the camera off and back on to clear the message and get started.
A compact, lightweight digital still camera with 4.0 effective megapixels and a powerful 3x zoom lens, the COOLPIX 4300 is an easy-to-use mid-range model with superior image quality. The camera’s core users include everybody from beginners to advanced amateurs. It is ideal for those who want a high-quality camera that takes exceptional pictures. People seeking a deeper experience with digital photography will be attracted to the COOLPIX 4300’s portability and image quality. Superb optical performance, a big part of the COOLPIX 4300’s appeal, is delivered via a 3x optical Zoom-Nikkor lens with an 8-24mm focal range (equivalent to 38-114mm in 35mm [135] camera format). Its 4.0 effective megapixels provide ultrahigh definition and, combined with Nikon’s advanced image processing technology, ensure images of remarkable color, contrast and clarity. Shooting is further simplified by general-use AUTO mode and 12 different Scene Modes, which allow users to capture the essence of every situation and fully experience the fun and convenience of digital photography.The COOLPIX 4300’s compact and lightweight design makes it extremely portable and its ergonomic, easy-grip design ensures easy operation. Managing pictures has never been easier, thanks to features like one-button data transfer and a Small Picture function that configures photos specifically for e-mail and Internet applications. The camera comes equipped with all the accessories necessary to immediately start taking better digital photographs. An array of optional accessories – such as an adapter that accepts Wideangle, Telephoto, Fisheye, and other lenses – will further any photographer’s journey into the digital world. With so many features and accessories, and a remarkably easy-to-use design, the COOLPIX 4300 both advances the impact of Nikon’s successful COOLPIX line and promises to bring the thrill of digital photography to more people than ever before.
Helpful consumer’s review
First of all, let’s start with my needs: (1) $500 budget (2)4mp resolution, (3) optical clarity and color, (4)fast – very little shutter lag and quick sep-up for next picture, (5)compact size, and (6) good camera grip to minimize camera shake.
For three months, I’ve researched the internet and magazines, queried various sales personnel, and took hands-on in-store test drives. And I finally settled on the Nikon Coolpix 4300.
I have it for a week now, and this camera has exceeded my expectations. The daylight pictures are brilliant and the indoor shots are very good provided that your subject is no more than about 8 feet away. The shutter lag is on par with what I’ve experienced with point and shoot 35mm and APS film cameras and the next frame advance is about a couple seconds using a high speed 12x 128MB compact flash card (a salesperson recommended the high speed card since next frame advance speed was important to me – and it was only [a few dollars] more).
Uploading the images to my Windows-based PC is very fast and simple.
The only drawbacks I’ve encountered are: (1)indoor shots from a distance (>8ft) lack contrast and color, but I’ve found this to be a problem with all cameras with built-in flashes that I’ve used (even on a Nikon SLR). Right now, I’m researching for an inexpensive … slave flash unit that’s designed for digital cameras. (2) The battery life seems to be on the short side but adequate for most situations. I got 45 outdoor and 15 indoor shots with the monitor on (turning the camera off and on over a 4 hour period) before the battery died. An extra [$$$] for a back-up battery would be a good investment. (3)The picture editing software it came with is adequate, but not very robust. I’ll still use my PhotoSuite for editing.
One more thing about indoor shots – many of the reviews knocked this camera for low light focusing. Just for the heck of it, I took it into my dark kitchen with only indirect light coming in though the door, and the focusing was just fine.
In summary, I love this camera and would whole-heartedly recommend this to anyone wanting a high quality point and shoot camera in the [medium] price range.
(June 2003 – Since I wrote the review above in January 2003, I still love this camera. I’ve picked up a few accessories that I found to be useful. I bought a Digi-Slave DSF-1s flash unit. I don’t use a bracket, I just hold it above my head and aim the flash with my left hand. I also got a UR-E4 Step Down Ring Adapter, LC-E900 lens cap, and the Nikon 28mm filter set. This provides added protection for the camera lens and allows the use of filters. I leave the adapter and UV filter on all the time. This also allows you to turn on the camera on without having to remove the lens cap. The downside is that you might accidentally take pictures with the lens cap on, the camera won’t fit in the small cases, and 28mm filters are expensive and hard to find.)
