Nikon Coolpix P4 8.1MP features a 1/1.8-inch CCD and, because it offers 8.1 effective megapixels of image resolution, it delivers outstanding imaging power that’s not only enough to show beautiful skin texture and capture the myriad colors of the human eye, it also means shots stay breathtakingly clear even when significantly enlarged.
The Coolpix P4 incorporates a high-quality 3.5x Zoom-Nikkor lens with a focal range equivalent to that of a 36-126mm lens in 35mm format. This provides ample opportunity to zoom in for close compositions, zoom right out to capture breathtaking scenery, and even enjoy macro shooting from as close as 4 centimeters.
Perhaps the most exciting element of the Coolpix P4, however, is the inclusion of Nikon’s innovative VR (Vibration Reduction) capability. Originally developed for Nikon SLRs, lens shift VR capability is available in two modes that compensate for camera movement to realize a shooting experience akin to shooting at shutter speeds three stops faster.
VR Normal compensates for the minor movements that can happen all too easily during handheld shooting, while VR Active compensates for more pronounced movements–so you can even achieve rock-steady results while shooting from a moving vehicle, for example. Allowing photographers to shoot without blurring in lower light or when taking handheld macro shots, VR also extends to movie shooting, and even helps support faster framing on the large 2.5-inch 150,000-dot LCD.
A range of advanced imaging features make the Coolpix P4 stand out from other compact digital cameras, giving photographers greater control to produce shots that match their discreet personal tastes. The 11 wide-area AF delivers more accurate autofocus by analysing a larger area of the frame so photographers can experiment with more imaginative compositions. For example, with main subjects positioned away from the center or with multiple subjects, you can still be assured of crisp, sharp results.
Helpful consumer’s review
Sure, it’s not as stylish, light in the hand or has as many fancy options like you do in other digicams (Casio—great features but terrible optics) but what Nikon has here is an 8 megapixel camera that shoots dang good pics with almost full manual control and a Vibration Reduction system (which WORKS ’cause I took pics of cool signage the other day and did it from my car while driving in traffic and all the pics were sharp despite me going 30 mph and holding the camera with one hand out the window). It’s many scene modes provide one with instant settings for when you don’t have time to use the apeture priorty or apeture and shutter speed priorities. Macro mode provides extremely sharp detail. It also has a COPY mode that you use to take pics of newspaper articles or anything out of a mag or book. It shoots in b&w in this mode and the text is easily readable. It’s AF system is excellent and fast. For the flash you have several options to choose from, including red eye reduction, which WORKS perfectly on portrait shots, and backlit.
I’ve also got a Canon Powershot S2 IS and wanted a camera I could stick in my pocket and I’m glad I chose this Nikon after looking at Casio, Pentax, Sony and Kodak.
The thing to remember about digital cameras when selecting one is to focus (pun intended) on the quality of the lens (Canon and Nikon are the best) and the image sensor and it’s workings, again Canon and Nikon lead the field.
So if you’re looking for a digital camera stick to Canon and Nikon and forget the rest of them no matter how cool sounding or looking their digicams are. What you want in the end is a good clean sharp pic to print and to send via e-mail and both Canon and Nikon provide just that.
