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8
stars
Hi-qual compact w/pro-style speed and ISO range
by Spkeasy
on
January 14, 2011
Pros: Scene modes supply full range of light in most situations.
Focus is fast!
Fill flash works well.
Pop-up flash & software eliminate red-eye.
Hi-Res display outstanding.
Shutter speed and f-stop display when the shutter release is half depressed
Cons: Improve the vibration control.
Make battery indicator "always on."
Summary: The COOLPIX S8100 comes closer to all of my needs than any compact I have yet seen. It fits easily in my shirt pocket and appears well-made enough to carry ...
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Summary: The COOLPIX S8100 comes closer to all of my needs than any compact I have yet seen. It fits easily in my shirt pocket and appears well-made enough to carry in a pants pocket, but time will tell. This is reasonably close to a good pocket camera for a pro looking for something to carry around without the hassle of the SLR bag, lenses, etc. A few more manual controls (there is ISO control in "Menu") would make it perfect. I rate this camera 4/5 stars (in the compact class). Thanks to Nikon for sticking their neck out with the range of settings they use to enable this technology to provide such high quality results. This camera pushes the limits of high-ISO and slow speeds which, I am sure, has caused some to say their pictures are "grainy' or "blurry." I noticed most of my shots in "Party" mode were at 1/8 sec. They came out fine but remember to steady your grip when shooting in dim light, just like you did with film when you were pushing the slow-speed limits to capture a shot. Personally, I'm pleased Nikon set the speed and ISO ranges as wide as they did in the scene modes, however, I'm sure future versions will improve on vibration control. Also, we expected grainy results when we pushed Tri-X to 1600 and that was on 864 sq. mm of film. How much "better" can we expect a 28 sq mm sensor to be? Obviously, they are improving all the time but a larger sensor would help (see recommendations below). I have not yet evaluated the HD movie but I like the dedicated button, the zoom works smoothly and the brief tests I ran look fine.
Before I purchased the S8100 I searched for reviews and found very few. The couple of decent reviews clued me that this might be a good purchase. I have been a semi-pro photographer for over 40 years (many weddings, portraits, a couple of model portfolios, etc) and maintained my own darkroom (color, B&W) when I was still into film. Early on, I used Nikon (Nikkormat, F2, F3) and Hasselblad for film. More recently, I've had several digital cameras over the past decade (currently own a Canon SX1is).
I have been looking for a pocket digital that would: 1)provide an accurate "fill flash" for portraits and back-lit scenes; 2) provide detail in dim light while not washing out faces with flash (provide a smooth range of zones 0-10); 3) provide a wide angle for group shots; 4) provide at least 250-300mm focal length (35mm equiv) for pulling in distant shots; 5) provide a wide f-stop of 2.0-2.5 to isolate subjects; 6) provide a small f-stop of 8.0-11 to allow a near-infinite depth-of-field; 7) provide an ISO range up to at least 1600 for low light shots; and 8) enough speed to shoot several times quickly or catch an event before it is over. I could do all this with my F3 and I want it in my pocket digital as well.
RECOMMENDATIONS: There is room for improvement. Maybe this would be the "Pro" model? It would have to be NO LARGER than the current S8100. I would pay $100-150 more for this version and give my S8100 to a family member.
-Increase the sensor size to 1/1.7. (Still a BSI-CMOS)"
-Widen Focal length to 25-300mm (35mm equiv).
- Add RAW capture (JPEG/JPEG+RAW/RAW).
- Include an HDMI cable in the box.
-Add ISO number to speed and f-stop data on screen before shutter release.
-Add 2-3' to the flash coverage. Maybe add a "Hi/Reg" button on the back to save battery power, although I would accept fewer shots to get more flash coverage.
-Add a remote shutter control (optional).
-Add a "Manual" option to the mode dial to enable the following:
-A toggle on the back for metering control "Matrix/Center-weighted/Spot". Of course, holding the shutter-release down half way would lock the focus allowing metering for a spot, then re-framing the picture.
-An f-stop control on the front lower right of the lens.
-A shutter speed control somewhere (I suggest replace the +/- on the Rotary Multi-Selector and put the +/- in the menu system next to ISO).
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7 out
of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.
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6
stars
Great Pictures, Poor Body Design
by erinjune
on
December 30, 2010
Pros: The low-light photos turned out better than expected.
Cons: The flash is right where you put your left hand!
Summary: I felt that the shots took too long to focus during my children's active moments, although they turned out very clear and bright. I'm contemplating returning it just ...
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Summary: I felt that the shots took too long to focus during my children's active moments, although they turned out very clear and bright. I'm contemplating returning it just because of the placement of the flash. I have accidentally covered it so many times already (in two days) that I am frustrated. When I remembered to place my finger on the edge of the body, it slipped off, causing the camera to fall (thank you wrist strap).
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4 out
of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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10
stars
Best point and shoot on the market
by XBR
on
December 17, 2010
Pros: Backlight CMOS sensor
In-camera high dynamic range (HDR)
3200 ASA
Cons: instruction manual has to be downloaded
Summary: My son was recently born a few days earlier and was placed in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. My wife was separated from the baby for a whole day while ...
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Summary: My son was recently born a few days earlier and was placed in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. My wife was separated from the baby for a whole day while she recuperated in a different wing of the hospital. Thanks to the Nikon Coolpix S8100 I was able to share really amazing photographs with her on her very special day. What makes this camera so spectacular is its ability to shoot perfect daylight photos in really really low light conditions. The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit was very dim almost dark and with the flash turned OFF I was amazed at the perfect exposure, perfect color saturation, daylight balanced pictures taken under extreme artificial lighting conditions. With quality like this the lines between point and shoot and DSLR are becoming very blurry. The best features are the backlight CMOS censor which enhanced low light shooting conditions, the 3200 ASA, and the in camera high dynamic range (HDR) function, which mergers images of the same scene to achieve a single image with a broad range of tonal detail. With quality like this the lines between point and shoot and DSLR are becoming blurred.
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3 out
of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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2
stars
Camera Broke under warranty NIKON refused to repair.
by shangrila2k
on
October 15, 2011
Pros: Camera broke under warranty
Cons: DISHONEST COMPANY
Summary: The cable which operated the zoom function of this camera broke. I sent it in for warranty repair..and NIKON immediately claimed "water damage"..This camera was well maintained and ...
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Summary: The cable which operated the zoom function of this camera broke. I sent it in for warranty repair..and NIKON immediately claimed "water damage"..This camera was well maintained and never even came near water.. I have since found out this is a common practice and their customer service is pathetic.
Once I clearly showed the camera had no water damage.. they thrn claimed there was 'case damage" by zooming in 20x to show a lil' scratch on the housing..***? what a joke.. Clearly there is no case damage..
"
After I demonstrated there is no case damage other than a very minor scratch..Then they said there was "microscopic dust" inside the camera?
yea PATHETIC.. it simply had a cable break and they refused to repair it
I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER NIKON PRODUST AGAIN
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2 out
of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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4
stars
Love Hate Relationship
by 1katrinka1
on
July 26, 2011
Pros: Excellent quality pictures
Easy to use
Cons: placement of flash
Lens error
Summary: I've had this camera for almost 3 months, and thank goodness I got it at Costco where they have a 90 day return policy! I've love the quality ...
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Summary: I've had this camera for almost 3 months, and thank goodness I got it at Costco where they have a 90 day return policy! I've love the quality of pictures and hate to give this camera up, but there is a problem (and not an isolated one, I've since found out) with the lens. I was in a cemetery shooting pictures of monuments yesterday when the camera froze up and I got an error message "Lens Error" and the lens would not retract and nothing else worked. Nothing I did would retract the lens. I finally called Nikon and before I could even get the words out of my mouth with the whole problem THEY asked me if it was a "Lens Error." If so I had to return it to Nikon (at my expense) for them to fix it. After googling this problem, I find out that this is a common problem. I am returning it to Costco and I don't know what I will buy now!! I did my research before I bought this, but evidently not enough. Drat!
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2 out
of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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8
stars
Great value at the price.
by koufax1
on
March 2, 2011
Pros: Huge optical zoom, Great 1080 p video, fast, good value for the money.
Cons: Pop up flash is in a bad location, no manual controls. Battery is charged while inside the camera.
Summary: Overall this in one great little camera at a great price. I got it at Costco for 249 with a case and 4 gig memory card! Can't beat that. ...
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Summary: Overall this in one great little camera at a great price. I got it at Costco for 249 with a case and 4 gig memory card! Can't beat that. The 1080p video is very good for a small compact camera like this one. Don't be fooled by the guy in the video review. Like any other techno marvel you don't want to drop it. That goes without saying. Don't want to drop my Iphone 4 either. Great camera for a mega zoom and a person that isn't interested in doing a bunch of manual settings. Buy the Cannon S95 if you want that.
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2 out
of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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10
stars
Excellent all around camera, especially for travel
by rolfjuergen
on
April 4, 2011
Pros: Excellent picture quality, ease of use, good range of optical zoom (30mm to 300mm) covers most subjects.
Quality built, battery lasts long enough for a reasonable amount of pictures. Back-up battery recommended, as for most digital cameras. 4-GB memory c
Cons: Only one thing bothers me a little, there is no good grip available for the left hand. I studied the pictures Nikon recommends how to hold the camera, I guess if I follow the recommendation and get used to it, it's OK.
Overall, it's just a minor irritant
Summary: Overall, I like this camera very much. I have owned at least 15 cameras, and out of the 15 so far I like this one the best. The other was ...
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Summary: Overall, I like this camera very much. I have owned at least 15 cameras, and out of the 15 so far I like this one the best. The other was a film camera from ancient time ago. One certainly can't beat the ease of use, not having to lug around 25 pounds of camera equipment, especially bothersome on a trip to be enjoyed.
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1 out
of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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8
stars
Excellent for quick pics with a great zoom.
by karinjohnson
on
April 2, 2011
Pros: Easy to operate. Good in low light. Flash has less red-eye than my other compacts. Video controls are separate from the picture controls so it's quick to switch from stills to video. I also like the wheel for changing settings and reviewing pictures.
Cons: Shutter speeds become slower rather than increasing IOS in automatic settings. This could change as I become more familiar with the camera operation choosing different settings. However, there is no manual control for setting shutter speed and IOS.
Summary: I have looked an operated many different point-and-shoot cameras and this one has the highest megapixels with fastest lag times between shots and focus speeds are quick. It's the ...
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Summary: I have looked an operated many different point-and-shoot cameras and this one has the highest megapixels with fastest lag times between shots and focus speeds are quick. It's the best camera I have found in this category and price range.
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1 out
of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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8
stars
Probably one of the best point and shoots out
by iheartkidrobot
on
March 28, 2011
Pros: Vivid low light shots, clarity, and the 1080 p filming looks great
Cons: as stated, the flash on the left that pops up, sometimes I have to force mine open.
Summary: I wasn't so sure when I go a Nikon for Christmas since I have always been a canon person, but this camera quickly impressed me for a point -n-shoot. ...
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Summary: I wasn't so sure when I go a Nikon for Christmas since I have always been a canon person, but this camera quickly impressed me for a point -n-shoot. Very clear photos, can take them rather quickly, and shoots pretty nicely in 1080p (very crisp). I don't know if its all, or maybe mine is a little faulty, but as I mentioned in the cons sometimes I have to force my flash open, it wont pop up like it is suppose to, which can be annoying when you already have to be cautious of its placing. An the battery/ memory card compartment doesn't pop open properly either, I have to force it open as well. Battery life is OK, overall I would say its worth the money if you can get one that doesn't have the minor glitches like mine, and if you don't mind being cautious of the flash.
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1 out
of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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10
stars
Brilliant image quality
by ealeder02
on
February 6, 2011
Pros: Excellent low-light performance
Beautiful night portrait pictures
Sharp and clear day-light pictures
One of the slimmest in its class
Strong metal casing
Cons: The battery life reading should be always on
Summary: The night landscape and night portrait shooting modes work extraordinarily well to take pictures in urban areas. Day-light pictures are of exceptional clarity. If there is a lot of back-light ...
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Summary: The night landscape and night portrait shooting modes work extraordinarily well to take pictures in urban areas. Day-light pictures are of exceptional clarity. If there is a lot of back-light the results might not be perfect but are still very impressive.
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1 out
of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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