Nikon Coolpix 2100 2MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom

The Nikon Coolpix 2100 is a good choice for digital photography beginners, offering a compact size, 2-megapixel resolution, 3x optical zoom, and a bevy of automated scene controls that are customizeable.

The 2-megapixel CCD sensor captures bright images that can be printed up to 8 x 10 inches. However, 2 megapixels just doesn’t seem enough, especially when 3-megapixel cameras--like the Nikon 3100--are becoming so affordable. The movie mode captures smooth video up to 640 x 480 pixels for 7 seconds (or a more jaggy 15-second, 320 x 240-pixel videos), but it doesn’t offer any sound.

One of the most impressive features of the Nikon 2100 is its size. From the online pictures we originally viewed, we imagined it to be large and a bit clunky. While it’s a bit on the chunky side, the 2100 is surprisingly small. Plus, the rounded ergonomic hand grip rested comfortably and securely in our hand.

The Nikon 2100 offers a whopping 14 scene modes that automatically set the camera’s white balance, exposure, and focusing point for different situations. The easy-to-learn software system features large icons and text to guide you through your choices. And some of the modes even provide an "assist" feature, with outlines of figures or landscapes to help line up the shot.

We had fun playing around with the scene modes and snapping pictures that made the most out of the shooting environment. However, we felt we lost some spontaneity if we relied too much on switching through the modes.

The Nikon 2100 is an affordable choice for a point-and-shoot camera that offers sharp, bright images and brings a lot of flexibility to the party. It comes with a starter 16 MB memory card and alkaline batteries, and we recommend a higher-capacity Compactflash card and rechargeable AA-size NiMH batteries. --Agen G.N. Schmitz

Pros:

Compact size, comfortable in the hand
Customizeable scene modes
2-megapixel resolution for prints up to 8 x 10 inches

Cons:

Scene modes can be a bit too customizeable, and distract you from the shot

Enter the world of digital photography with the easy to use, affordable Nikon Coolpix 2100. Nikon's world-renown Nikkor optics are combined with a 2-megapixel CCD to create images at resolutions up to 1,600 x 1,200 pixels, which can provide spectacular prints as large as 8 by 10 inches. It has a 3x optical zoom (a 35mm equivalent of 36-108mm) that gets you close to the action.

The Coolpix offers a bevy of features that make capturing memories a snap. Selecting a scene mode automatically sets the camera for the optimum performance in most popular picture-taking situations. The 14 scene modes include party/indoor, dawn/dusk, back light, beach/snow, sunset, and more.

The one-touch upload feature enables you to move your photos to the Web or your computer via USB cable with a single press of a button. This ease-of-use feature makes sharing images one-button easy and helps organize and store images safely on your computer.

View your pictures instantly on the camera’s LCD by pressing the playback button. Nikon's unique in-camera cropping feature allows you to use the zoom buttons in playback to select the part of the image you want to save and delete the rest.

Nikon's NikonView 6 imaging software offers a number of powerful features. Add the date and time (or just the date) to the front of your picture as a reminder when the image was taken. Select one or more images you want to share, then use the simplified e-mail function within NikonView 6 to size it for a small, medium, or large screen. A copy of the image is resized (the original is maintained), then is attached to a new e-mail message in your default e-mail program. NikonView 6 also has a new feature that automatically removes most typical occurrences of red eye with the touch of a button.

The Coolpix 2100 comes with a 16 MB Starter CompactFlash card, battery, and USB and A/V cables.

1 Battery problems workable
Reviews of this camera, as late as the Fall of 2004, seem to place the Coolpix 2100 above all its competitors (2 Mpxl, non-SLR).

My two complaints: there is no manual focus (but you can use the focus lock, half-depressing the shutter switch, to "lock in" a focus range - except in macro mode), and a wimpy flash (really only good to 6-8' (2-2.5 m). A separate flash is the answer here.

The battery issue mentioned by others below is troublesome, but not really a big problem. In short, rechargeable batteries are a must, but they tend to carry a lower voltage, which the camera battery meter reads as being "nearly empty". So, like a car with a bad fuel gauge, you eventually learn to disregard the "low battery" warning, and always carry a backup pair of charged batteries.

I've shot - ready for this? - over a hundred flash photos in a row from a single pair of rechargeable AA's. Pretty good lifetime! But the meter claimed they were low after the first 5-10...

2 Problems with Refurbished Unit
I bought a "factory refurbished." It came without the compact flash card which was supposed to be included. Repeated messages to the seller have been ignored.

Also, I'm using recharageable NiMH AA batteries. After taking about 20 shots the camera shuts off and says "low battery." Recharging the battery shows that it's only about 20% drained. I'm not sure if this is normal or due to a defect with this unit.

3 Best little camera
I received this camera for christmas. I've never used a digital camera before so I was a little intimidated at first. I soon realized that I didn't need to be intimidated. It is so easy to use and small enough to fit in my pocketbook. I can now take pictures at any time and it is so easy to transfer the pictures onto my laptop. Since getting this camera, I am enjoying taking pictures as well as sharing pictures with my friends and family.

4 Excellent camera for the price (but use the right battery)
I have been using a Nikon Coolpix 950 (2MP) camera for several years and decided to buy the 2100 as a gift for my wife around 12/2003 from Amazon. I had been satisfied with the quality of photographs for the 950 and am now also satisfied with the 2100. For about 1/6th of the price and less than 1/2 of the size, the quality of the 2100 is nearly identical. As an all-around point-and-shoot for a very good price, the 2100 is a winner. However, my suggestion is to use only disposable or rechargeable Lithium-based batteries and not NiMH.

I hesitated writing a review until I could figure out a problem with rechargeable batteries. The disposable CR-V3 lithium battery is excellent and can easily last a few months and a few hundred pictures. Flash recharge time is acceptable (although when you have infants or toddlers who don't sit still it might not be!). But when I used high-capacity (2000 mAh) 1.2V rechargeable NiMH (nickel-metal hydride) batteries, the flash recharge time was poor and it would take many seconds to be able to take the next picture. A low-battery indicator would be displayed too soon even if the batteries had enough of a charge, suggesting that the lower voltage (2.4 V for NiMH versus 3.0 V for the disposable) made it difficult for the camera to sense the true strength of the charge that was left. Even worse, the short shelf life of even fully charged NiMH batteries rendered them almost empty, at least as the 2100 saw them, after two or three weeks of no use so we would have to keep swapping in fully charged batteries. The 2100 did get a firmware upgrade that mentions addressing problems with NiMH batteries, but our camera was shipped with the latest. So after numerous attempts at using various brands of rechargeable NiMH batteries, which is the kind that is popular for digital cameras, I was discouraged.

Then I found the "RCR-V3" battery on the web, a replacement for the CR-V3 disposable. Thomas Distributing sells a couple brands that will cost upwards to $40 including the charger and shipping. But now I can say it was worth it. With the RCR-V3, the low-battery indicator does not show up prematurely, the flash recharge time is as short as the disposable CR-V3, and the shelf life of the rechargeable is excellent for more than a month. We have the NEXcell brand, but I think any of the brands would work well. Now I highly recommend this camera, as long as it is using lithium based batteries.

5 Good party camera!
I really offer this for someone who wants to buy a party-recording device, or a tiny automatic machine. No manual focus, no manual aperture, but easy-to-use, handy machine. There are some good pre-programmed modes available also. 40-50 pictures can be made with well charged batteries. Good and user-friendly sw also included.

6 Nice little camera
I bought the 2100 to replace a stolen 3MP Sony P-72. I loved the Sony, and the jury is still out on the Nikon. I like the size & feel of the 2100, but find that images often appear "soft." The camera doesn't seem to do as well in bright sunlight, and certain colors, such as magenta & hot pink lose definition. Otherwise, picture quality is good. Though the Nikon is a solid deal at $150, in retrospect, I should have spent the extra money and bought another P-72.

7 disapointing after being built up by reviews
THE NIKON 2100 IS THE EASIEST TO USE I'VE EVER USED, MY WIFE AND I HAVE 4 DIGITAL CAMERAS TOGETHER.WE BOUGHT THE NIKON FOR A DISNEY TRIP FOR THE COMPACT SIZE.THE QUALITY OF THE PICTURES(SHARPNESS AND DETAIL) WERE DISAPOINTING,BUT CONSIDERING WE PAID $150.00 AT COSTCO I SUPPOSE IT WAS A GOOD BUY.I JUST WISH I HAD SAID SCREW THE SIZE AND CARRIED MY CANON G3 OR MY OLDER OLYMPUS D-460, BOTH SURPASE THE NIKON FOR PIC QUALITY.

8 i really really like this product
The thing I love most about this camera is that it is small. It is great for snapshots and party pictures. If you are an inexperienced photographer or just like taking simple pictures, this camera is for you. It adjusts light settings and such based on what situation you are in. It even has guides for where to place people in photos- I personally do not use these but they can be helpful to some people.
And, it even plays a cute ringtone when you turn it on! Thumbs up!

9 Good digital for the casual photographer.
There is nothing wrong with the 2100 except for the very noticeable delay between pics. The camera's digital processor takes about 5 seconds after a photo is snapped to ready itself for the next one.
Otherwise, the optics, the 3X optical zoom and the 2 megapixel resolution are fine for anything from Internet apps to 8" x 10" print enlarging.
It is competent, not spectacular, but it gets the job done at an agreeable price point.

10 Competent beginner's camera.
There is nothing wrong with the 2100 except for the very noticeable delay between pics. The camera's digital processor takes about 5 seconds after a photo is snapped to ready itself for the next one.
Otherwise, the optics, the 3X optical zoom and the 2 megapixel resolution are fine for anything from Internet apps to 8" x 10" print enlarging.
It is competent, not spectacular, but it gets the job done at an agreeable price point.

11 Amazing results at night
The camera is small and takes good, sharp pictures. I was most impressed with the nighttime shots. Using the nighttime portrait setting, (holding the camera especially still) everything in the picture came out brilliantly--especially the background. Very easy to use, light & small. I think the Canons have a better user interface, but you can get used to this camera pretty quickly. It eats up battery life a little more quickly than the Canon, but when you use rechargeables & have spares handy, it's all good.

12 Great Digital Camera, Especially For Beginners
This is the first digital camera I have ever owned, and I have been very pleased with it.

It is very affordable and offers all the basic features necessary for taking everyday photos and enjoying them as prints and on the computer.

The camera is small and designed to fit easily in your hand. The controls are easily accessible and easy to understand.

The only drawback I hace noticed is that the battery life is a little on the short side. However, I bought a 4-pack of rechargeable batteries and with 2 in the camera and 2 backups I've never had any problems.

13 Agree with the previous person about Nikon's power issue
I had the same problem with Nikon 2500. It went completely dead (out of power) without warning. I never dropped it. I am very disappointed with Nikon quality. My next camera will not be a Nikon!

14 A great camera at an unbeatable price!
This little camera is perfect for the amateur photographer. It is easy to use and creates excellent photos of remarkable quality. The addition of the optical zoom to a 2 megapixel camera allows for a great deal of flexibility without compromising on the definition of the final pictures. It is small (it slips easily into a pocket) but the control buttons are readily accessible and just the right size for the average finger. The softwear for downloading to a PC is also very user - friendly.
And best of all - the unbelievable price! This is the best value-for-money deal to be found anywhere on the net.

15 poor reliability
I bought this in December 2003. By January 2004, it was out of order (no power). I brought it in for warranty repair which took more than 2 weeks. The dealer only said that electronic power boards are sensitive. Nikon had no feedback inspite of my email complaint. Poor reliability, poor service. I used to be a Nikon fan, but I have changed to Canon now. I will not buy Nikon products anymore.

16 Great All Purpose Camera
First I'll tell you what I use this camera for, and then let you decide if this review is even relevant for you. I am a freshmen in college. I carry the camera with me wherever I go, and just take pictures of anything I find interesting. I am not a professional photographer or anything of the sort. I use it for fun and so I can remember things down the line. That said, here is what I find are the positives of this camera:

1. It's small. I can fit it in my pockets easily. Also, the switch is designed so that it doesn't easily go on or take pictures in my pocket.

2. It's easy to use. The automatic mode takes great pictures most of the time, and it's easy enough to turn the flash on/off or change the exposure if I need to.

3. It has optical zoom. Don't be led in my digital zoom, it's pointless. Digital zoom just enlarges pixels. Optical zoom will actually zoom in on the subject and give you the high res zoom in you want. Optical zoom is a must.

4. It has video. True, no sound, but it is a nice feature to have.

5. LCD screen/menu system. It's always nice to be able to review pictures. Don't try and save money on a camera without a screen. You can use it to see what your pictures are like, if they are blurry or not (you can zoom in on your previews to check out the sharpness of them), etc. Also, screens provide a better idea of the picture you are taking than the optical viewfinder.

6. The upper wheel makes it very easy to change modes on the camera.

7. The USB cable makes transferring pictures fast and easy.

8. It runs on double-A's. I use rechargeable NiMh batteries. They last a good week or so before I need to recharge them. I take at least 10 pictures a day on them with flash and screen on, if not more (it's a digital camera so you will probably end up taking 4 pictures for every 1 you keep).

9. You can take rapid pictures easily, hold the shutter button slightly to focus, press down to take, repeat.

Now, here are the negatives, most of which are only minor:

1. The only flaw I would say I really care about is the exposure time for night shots. I can't really say it's any better with other cameras, but if the object is out of range of the flash or you can't use the flash for some reason, it will come out a little grainy or blurry.

2. The resolution is 2 megapixels. More than enough for most computer desktops, but if you want to cut out and enlarge portions of it, you're going to be limited because once you start cropping there isn't much left to crop. Think about spending a little more on the 3100, same menu system and case but more resolution.

3. It takes a couple seconds to turn on. I've missed a few pictures because of this, but it's nothing much.

4. Sports/action shots sometimes come out blurry, but this is expected with entry level digitals.

5. Somehow from being in my pocket all the time without a case it got dust inside the viewfinder. If you use the viewfinder a lot and plan to keep it in your pocket, I recommend a case. I don't use the viewfinder however, so it doesn't really matter to me.

That's about it. Overall I am very happy with my purchase. Some other smaller cameras are coming out now, but for the price this can't be beat.

17 Much Better Than Expected!
My husband is about to travel overseas for an extended time and needed a small camera which would be easy to carry and especially easy to use, as he's never used a digital camera before. I'm the techie in the family, so I have to teach a TOTAL non-techie to take and then transfer pictures to his laptop so he can burn them to CDs. Included with this camera is a video on CD that explains how to use the camera and its various modes and settings. That was extremely helpful to my husband and he was taking pictures immediately after watching the video. VERY HELPFUL!

The next step was installing the software so we could transfer his pictures to the computer. Using Windows XP the software installation went smoothly, but when we plugged the camera into the USB port it was listed as an "unknown USB device" and was not recognized properly. Some quick research on the internet identified this as a problem with motherboards using the VIA chipset (as ours does) and suggested a Microsoft patch to fix the problem. After downloading and installing the patch and restarting the computer, the camera was correctly identified and works perfectly now. If you need the patch, go to Microsoft's
site at http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/ and enter "KB822603" in the search box. It's only 342KB and you'll need to restart after installing.

We are totally pleased with the picture quality and color! The pictures he's taken using auto mode have been crisp and clear, and now we're experimenting with some of the scene selection modes. I took a macro closeup of our African Grey parrot from 5 inches and it's crystal clear, with every feather perfectly defined. We took some zoom pictures of deer in the snow in our backyard at approximately 75 yards right before dark using the dusk/dawn mode, and all that was needed was to lighten the shot a bit using the included software. Our regular 35mm camera can't even do that. Both outdoor and indoor shots are consistently good and the flash works nicely. Red eye is easily fixed using the software, which also allows changing the brightness and contrast, adjusting the color RGB balance, and resizing the picture. There is also an "autofix" option that works well. My husband learned the software in about an hour (which is a major miracle!) and can now take photos, transfer them to the computer and tweak them to his heart's content, all without further assistance from me! :)

I've set the resolution to "PC" so the pictures display at 1024x768, and with a 64MB flash card I get 278 pictures. The included 16MB card gets 69 at that resolution. Since we don't need prints larger than 4x6 that resolution works for us -- we prefer the shots to be full-screen on our computer monitor and burn them to CDs to use for slideshows on TV using our DVD player. There are higher resolutions available if desired, like 1600x1200 high resolution for larger photo prints. Also, there are a variety of compression options available when saving pictures, which is helpful when emailing from a dialup connection so you're not sending huge files that take forever to download.

The included CRV3 battery is still going strong after several hundred shots with the LCD monitor on continuously. I bought rechargeable batteries but haven't needed to use them yet. My old 1MP digital camera with no zoom and no preview screen was much harder on batteries, and if I didn't remove the battery when the camera was turned off if was dead the next day. The battery door on the Nikon 2100 feels flimsy, so I'd recommend pressing the battery into place and holding down with your finger until you can slide the battery door closed. I wouldn't pressure the batteries into place using the door.

I like not having a separate lens cap to fool with, as the built-in lens cover automatically opens when the camera is powered on and closes when it's powered off. The camera is light and fits comfortably in your hand. The LCD screen is bright and easy to see, especially when scrolling through menus. We didn't have any problem seeing the screen outdoors in full sun, even with the sun's reflection on icy snow from a recent storm. The camera goes into standby mode and the LCD screen turns off automatically after 30 seconds of non-use and then takes about 4 seconds to wake up, but that's the default setting which can be changed to longer intervals if desired.

Holding the shutter button down halfway focuses the shot and when the button is pressed fully down, there is a quiet but definite click so you know the picture has been taken. It takes only a couple of seconds for the camera to refocus so you can shoot again.

Good price, ease of use, excellent pictures, and Nikon quality -- what more could I ask for? I recommend this camera without reservation and am completely happy with it in every way! In fact, I like it so much I ordered one for my brother last night!
Might not be the best choice for a professional photographer, but for everyday use at a reasonable price, it's awesome!!!

18 Compact, Fast and Easy
I was an HP user for years until I found this little camera. I can't say enough good things about it, but here are a few that might help you make a decision when considering a purchase.

1) This is a small camera. Finally, someone packed more features than I could ever use into the smallest form factor I have ever seen.

2) You can manipulate virtually any setting to create the perfect photo everytime.

3) The battery life is astonishingly good. I use lithium CR-3V batteries and they last for about 200 pictures WITH FLASH and WITH THE LCD DISPLAY.

4) Compact Flash Memory--the most economical form of storage.

5) Glass lens, optical zoom, and lens cover ensure you get up close, clear pictures without any scratches or dust on the image.

6) Lightweight--not only is it small, you can drop this in your briefcase or into your jacket pocket and hardly know it is there.

7) AUTO mode works 95% of the time. It is seldom that i have to fiddle with mode settings to get the picture right. Nikon uses smart technology to capture the image in its true form.

8) Balanced color - no other camera I have used reproduces color as well in the 2MP range.

Hope you enjoy this camera as much as I have.

19 Great little camera for beginners
I received this camera as a christmas present and the setup was so easy that about 2 minutes after I opened the box, I was taking pictures. Lots of modes allow for beginners to have the help they need with correct flash and shutter speed for nearly every situation. Pictures are so easy to transfer to the computer, and it's amazing how big they are. And if not perfect, the programs that come with the camera are so easy to use that nearly every shot will look like you had taken it perfectly.

The only bad thing is the battery. The original lasted about a week after continuously taking pictures, after which I got a NiMH recharger and set of batteries. Those don't seem to last too long in the camera so far, but perhaps after longer periods of recharging that will change.

Otherwise, a wonderful camera. 4/5

20 Nikon Coolpix 2100 - Great Camera, Lousy software
Received this camera as a Christmas gift and really enjoyed using it. It's light, small, easy to use (throw the manual away - that's just too confusing)Great pictures and video but no sound? If there is I haven't found it yet.
BIG problem is the flaky connection to a PC and the even flakier Nikon View software. I still can't get either to work reliably so I am going to return it tomorrow, Shame really, but Nikon should think about shipping some decent quality goods if they want quality reviews.

21 Great general use camera
I have watched the digital market for a couple of years waiting to buy a camera. After Christmas was finally the time for me. After researching extensively, I selected the Coolpix 2100 for its price and features. I came to the conclusion that at this price point, you can either get a 2 MP camera with some features (i.e. scene modes, optical zoom, Nikon lens, etc) or get about a very basic 3 MP camera or one with a no name brand. I have played around with the camera for awhile and I like the results. Pictures are sharp. The auto mode does a very good job of making the puctures turn out well. If you want a camera that you can just take pictures with without having to fool with much, this camera is for you. If you like a little more control, there is a manual mode which offers limited options.

I would suggest buying a 128 MB CompactFlash card (it holds about 130 high res pics and about 250 next-to-highest res) as well as some good NiMH batteries (the higher mAh the better.)

Overall, this is a great camera which is easy to use and takes good pictures. Unless you're an avid photographer or a professional, this camera and 2 MP resolution is all you need.

22 Love this camera except for one thing....
I have been unable to download my pictures directly from my camera to my PC. I get an error message that the "USB component in unrecognized." I called the 1-800 number on the box the camera came in. The man I spoke with was very polite and helpful; however, he said that my camera was not compatible with Windows XP home, and that I would have to buy a card reader. This took some of the fun out of it for me, that I couldn't directly link my camera to my computer. And my computer is only 1 year old, I would expect things to be compatible. But otherwise I LOVE the camera.

23 Great deal!
For $200, this is a great camera. Minutes after unwrapping it, I had it all figured out. It's packed with features but still very easy to use. The scene modes are very helpful in taking sunset shots and close ups. The software that comes with it is also very easy to use and I had no problems connecting the camera to my computer. The pictures turn out very well, although they sometimes turn out a little dark--but the software does a good job fixing any color problems. Also, the battery life is decent in comparison to other digital cameras, so no gripes about that. Just make sure to buy some rechargeable batteries as this camera doesn't come with those. I highly reccommend this camera.

24 very cute camera that produces great pictures
I just bought the camera today and I'm really happy with it.
Few weeks earlier, I bought the Sony DSCP52, played around with it, and then decided to return it. Sony does have a lot of features (and SOUND with the movie), but there are 3 important factors: the cost of the memory card, the size, and weight.

PROS for Nikon 2100:
===================

1) Supports compact flash memory cards.
-This makes a HUGE difference as it will save you a lot of money.

2) Small compact camera.

-Unlike the Sony DSCP52 that makes your hand feel tired after holding it for too long with one hand.

3) Weight.
-Very light

4) Doesn't use a proprietary battery like other small cameras.
-Mine came with the nikon coolpix rechargeable Ni-Mh70 batteries (these ones are really good ).

5) So many modes to choose from depending on your situation.
-I don't know which other camera in this class comes with this many modes (like ones for fireworks, sunset/sunrise, beaches, etc.)

6) Image transfer.
-This was pretty quick and easy. Installing the software doesn't take too long either.

CONS:
====

1) The manual is just way too confusing. It's kind of hard to follow, and I'm eager to discover all the wonderful things and features that I can use with the camera. I guess it takes a lot of time.

2) No sound with the movie.

3) Gets scratched easily + not very solid built (I'm always scared of damaging the battery door).

4) When turning LCD mon on, it takes a few secs (though this is tolerable).

Overall:
=======
Note: I'm a beginner at taking digital pictures; this will be my first digital camera! But as a beginner, I find this camera to satisfy more than enough for my basic demands. I have yet to try out the sunrise mode, but so far the ones I've taken in my room look really good. I compared the pictures to the ones my friend took (Sony DSCP72) and they do look relatively the same. So unless you really need to print out huge pictures, 2.0MP is adequate.

25 EXCELLENT CAMERA FOR BEGINNERS
I bought the camera after significant research in its category. The camera is functioning very nicely. The quality of pictures is also excellent. This camera clicks very good snaps at in low light (night / indoors).The wide variety of photo modes makes it very easy to capture the scene just as thought. The snaps are good too. I like its design better than the Kodak and Sony cameras in the 2-3 MP range. Its definitely worth a buy.

26 so so- but not bad, great shots for the price
I just bought this camera on Christmas Eve. I was in a hurry as I'm going to Ireland tomorrow, needing scenary shots and good color I picked this one. I had an HP 2.1 megapixel camera, that zoomed 4X and had also movie option with no sound. I wanted movie WITH sound as I've not had sound ever with my old one. I went down in Megapixels with this camera, but it was a good price like everyone is saying. I'm still learning it, there are a LOT of options, which I still need to get down. My only complaint which I feel is huge, is the candid shots. I was trying to take a pic of my neighbor's cat for her, and everytime he would move his head, that's when it would snap the picture. So the delay is actually longer than my older camera. But other than that, its good so far. The display on the LCD does go off after a short amount of time. Kind of annoying. The battery I had no problem with, I think lids of batteries are probably all flimsy, but this one is just like all the rest. I ended up buying Energizer 2 double A's to replace the battery that came with it because the Target guy said the manufactuer's battery wouldn't last as long as 2 double A's. I also threw in more $$$ for a 128 MB card for the space alone. I had a 64MB card before and it goes fast if you are not careful. So far so good. I don't like the LCD going off on me, and I REALLY don't like how long the camera takes to take a picture for candid shots, but the pictures that I did get, are well worth the money. Also, another reviewer said that the flash is good, it's almost too good, sheesh. It's very bright. Some shots were too white, I'm sure there is an option for this somewhere and it only happened a few times. My old camera didnt' have a good flash on it, so on this one I noticed the flash RIGHT AWAY. I'm pleased with it for the price, I'm going to keep it.

27 Easy to use. One tough little "combat ready" camera.
I purchased this camera for my daughter who is currently serving in Bahgdad and she was thrilled with it. It has held up better that other brands that are in those tough conditions and she loves the way the pictures come out. She says that it is very easy to use and that alot of the other soldiers she works with plan on getting the same camera after seeing how well hers works. I am getting one for my other son in Bahgdad and for my son in school.

28 Don't buy this!
I bought this camera and really liked the way it works and the pictures it takes. However, I have had continuous battery problems with it. I've downloaded firmware and even sent it back to the manufacturer. It takes about 2 pictures and then powers down. It is beyond frustrating especially when you're trying to get a candid shot. I've also had a lot of problems with the candid shots in that you never capture what you think you have because it doesn't respond fast enough.

I've even had problems with scanning through the pictures on the camera. This is not a good camera.

29 Perfect for Internet use
For a 2 megapixel camera the Coolpix 2100 is about the best you can get for the money. It doesn't have all the features of some cameras in this price range, mind you, but it does what it does quite well.

I've been taking photos, I suppose you could say "semi-professionally," for more than 20 years. I still prefer my mid-end 35mm Nikon SLR, but I had a need for a moderately fast digital camera to use for posting to web sites and to email friends. Generally speaking, you don't need too many megapixels for this kind of use. And for this purpose, the 2100 is just about perfect. It takes very good close ups (perfect for auctions) and the exposures are generally pretty good.

What it does not do well: Very limited manual controls (is that even needed in this price/megapixel range?), not too good at red eye reduction, and its movie mode is a total waste given that there's no sound.

I looked at several other cameras in this price range and I decided on the Nikon because of how it felt, how it functioned, and the quality behind the product. The Canon A60 is functionally a far better camera with a great movie mode with sound. However, having tested it personally, I found it to be far more complicated than it needed to be. It also just didn't feel right in my hands. You put these two cameras hand in hand and you'll see the difference. The Nikon is just made to be held. I don't know what the Canon folks were thinking: It feels like a block with a raised hand grip. Also, the Canon just didn't feel well made. The limited research I did with the sales clerk and a search on the Internet indicated that Canon has some quality issues with the A60.

If you can spend more money on a camera and/or you're looking for something you can use for enlargements then you'll want to look elsewhere. Nikon, Olympus, Sony and others have better cameras for less than one hundred dollars more. But if you're looking for a relatively inexpensive camera to use on the Internet this will do you just fine.

30 To expensive for 2 megapixels!
I saw this camera online for 200 dollars so i bought it and tested it out. For thr price i thought i was getting a 3 megapicel camera or better. So, i tested it out and i was very disappointed. The pcture quality was ok but it was not worth the price. I then bought a the Vivitar 3.3 megapixel camera for 88 dollars. It was so much better. Save your money DONT BUY THIS CAMERA

31 Great deal
I bought this camera 2 weeks back.I have taken pictures using all the scene modes & the pictures have turned out to be very clear & neat.This camera is very easy to use & very handy due to its small size.

I even took the prints in all sizes till 8x10" .Simply too good

I strongly recommend this camera.

32 Very SLOW camera
I bought the Nikon Coolpix about six months ago. It takes nice outdoor pictures, but it is so slow that you have to warn your subjects to hold still and wait for it to flash. I frequently get blurry pictures indoors or in low light. Forget candid photos because by the time the camera goes off, the moment has been missed. Also, the camera goes to sleep after a few seconds and then it takes about another 30 seconds to come back on. By the time you get the family posed, the camera has shut off, and by the time the camera comes back on Aunt Ida has already disappeared.
Also, AA batteries (even the high-power-camera ones) do not work well in the Coolpix.

33 Great little camera
I had an old hand me down Kodak digital camera, and I mean old...the high res on it is like 150 pixels. It is fine for on-line pics, but I have been waiting til digitals came down in price to purchase one I thought would last me a long time.

After reading a lot, I decided on this camera. My only reservation was whether or not to spend the extra money for a 3.2 megapixel. It seemed for the money, this was a better choice than a low end 3.2 camera.

I have been very pleased with it. The menus are very intuitive, the delete is quick and easy to discard a shot.

There are enough settings on this to satisfy an amateur photographer. I am a gardener, and the macro did a great closeup on my roses.

Print wise, you will see no discernable difference on this camera on pics up to a 5X7 than off a traditional camera. I didn't find an 8 X 10 to be of a quality that I would want, but, then again, I didn't expect it to be. How often do you print 8 X 10's anyway? If that is what you need, you probably need to move to a 3.2 camera, but for snapshops and 5 X7's you will be thrilled with this one.

Some reviews (and the Nikon manual) say you should only use Lexar and Scandisk memory. I purchased a Viking 128 mg card Amazon had on special to go with this, and it is working perfectly fine for me.

34 Nice camera
I'm a professional photographer who still enjoy film work best. However, I wanted a small, easy to use camera that I could slip into a pocket and not worry if it gets broken or stolen. It's not the hottest camera, but it's plenty hot for casual point and shoot work.

35 unhappy nikon customer
the camera seemed to good to be true at this price. my nightmare began when i tried to transfer the images from the camera to my computer(dell dimension 8100, windows ME)...nothing happened. i checked the manual and did every single thing listed on the trouble shooting page. there is no customer support! No phone #'s, i emailed the tech support twice, no reply ever.
i suggest you use the camera immediately so in case you have problems you can return it. NIKON WILL LEAVE YOU HIGH & DRY.

hard to imagine with a big name like nikon. i bought the camera from circuit city, they have the best customer service! hassle free! i am back to square one shopping for a decent camera , is it possible?

36 Just to answer a couple neg reviews...
The LCD screen QUICKLY turns off using the "LCD SCREEN OFF" button right under the screen... this same button will also disable/enable the helpful on-screen information (how many pictures you have, what size, etc.).

The battery is NOT hard to install, not sure what you are talking about, I had it in and running immediately.

If you would learn how to use the camera, a light press of the shutter button focuses the camera on the object, you can hold it here all day, then, when you decide to take the picture, a full press of the button takes the picture INSTANTLY.

It's a shame people give negative reviews about such a great product.

If you are looking for a wonderful camera at a budget, this IS the camera you need, does EXCELLENT video and picture quality.

TONS of features, nighttime pictures, etc.. but also a simple setting for normal use... you can even EASILY edit pictures right on the camera.
I got the case and rechargeable battery set which works great, never need to worry about batteries.
I did a print of 8x10 with the 2 megapixels and the picture looked just fine, unless you are directly comparing the SAME picture side by side with a higher megapixel camera, you won't notice ANY difference, it looks awesome, this will do 4x6 and 5x7 prints nice and clearly.
The camera is small and is a blast, I LOVE it and would HIGHLY recommend it to anyone looking for a digital camera who isn't looking for "super awesome professional sharp clear pictures".

This will do prints wonderfully.

37 bang for your buck
This is a great little camera. So tiny and lightweight. Has great optical zoom and so many quirky features that are fantastic. Perfect for a beginner user. Just point and click! Easy to learn. Can take anywhere. Get this camera if it's your first digital camera.

38 Very nice for standard use
2 megapixels is great, particularly if most of your work will be on screen. Did not give it a five only because there are too many features to learn right way. As I get more familiar with them, I am sure I will like them. I bought the camera after much research. One of the best deals out there!

39 Excellent, cute, and affordable!
OK, I admit it - I was first drawn to this camera because of how small and cute it is, and how it fits ergonomically in my right hand. At first I was considering the 3100 until ultimately, I decided 2MP was all I really needed. I'm only looking at pictures on my computer, emailing/posting them on the web, and printing 4 x 6. The $100 price difference was also a factor - It's not that I can't afford to spend more, it was more like...is it worth spending so much money on a point-and-shoot digital camera? Especially when you have to factor in an extra $150 or so for accessories. Plus, digicams are changing so rapidly, I'll probably want another one in a couple of years. (However, if you want more flexible printing options, you'll probably want a 3MP or higher).

Now that the price dropped, it makes the camera even more worth the price! I also considered other brands, but decided on the Nikon because (1) I've had other types of Nikons in the past that have captured memorable photos and are still clicking; (2) the Nikon digicams use the more common (and cheaper) CF memory cards; and (3) have the option of using two AA batteries.

I picked up some Duracell 2050 mAh NiMH rechargeable batteries that came with a 30 min charger, and they work great. I was worried initially, because of all the negative reviews about battery power I've read about online. And it did seem to drain the batteries more on first use (maybe because it was charging the internal clock battery?). But now it works great. The features on the camera are also a plus - it's so easy to use. It took me just a couple minutes to figure out all the functions. Though you don't get shutter or aperture priority (just buy an SLR if you want that!) the modes more than compensate. I especially liked the macro feature and the white balance. And there doesn't seem to be a problem focusing in low light despite the lack of an AF assist lamp.

The only downsides I can think of (which are really minor) - maybe a little too small for a man's hands; not all the scene modes are really that useful; some parts of the body are a bit too plasticky (but who knows if this will be a problem in the future or not).

In short, great pictures, great features (that both the beginner and the amateur can appreciate), really easy to use, easy to transfer to my computer, and affordable!

40 Great Camera
Easy to use, lots of options. I have taken more than 400 photos in the last 6 months and the battery is still working!

41 Wonderful!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this camera! Everything about it is wonderful, from the basic point-and-shoot to the more specific scene modes. I am NOT very good with technology, but this camera is simple, and even i can take great pictures. With all the different settings, you're sure to get the results you want. The most fascinating mode to me is the Fireworks setting. Wonderful, colorful pictures like you see on TV were taken by ME!! This is by far the greatest camera money can buy. It's so easy! And a big plus was the online features you can get at Target's website, like photo albums, editing, and 4x6 glossy prints for only $0.29 each! I LOVE every little detail about this wonderful, beautiful, small and easy-to-use piece of equipment, and the masterpieces it creates. BUY THIS CAMERA!!!!

42 Go Nikon!
I just wanted a lightweight digital camera which takes excellent quality pics and I'm not disappointed. The size is great. It's very easy to operate for a novice like me and still takes excellent pics. The pics at night come out great too which is a big plus. Overall, it's worth the money and with the great deal at Amazon, I'd say buy it!

43 Love it!
Just entered the digital camera world with this little gem, and absolutely love it! It has so many great features for the price, the zoom is adequate for taking some great pictures. I like the fact that you can delete pictures quickly if needed, no having to go through some menu to get the picture deleted. The screen is large enough to read everything well, and the movie feature is really cool. You can view your pictures on the TV if you like, and the time it takes to download to your computer is minimal. The camera also doesn't drain your batteries very quickly. Overall, a great little compact camera to start out with! I would highly recommend it for any beginner just looking for some great photos!

44 Great budget digital
I bought this camera to replace my beloved Sony Mavica that finally gave out. The "bang for buck" with this digital is unparallel, and of course everyone knows Nikon makes a great camera! At the time I was on a tighter budget so this camera fit my needs but it is more of a "beginner" "point and shoot" type of camera. It has several modes all of which are again geared toward the novice photographer, going into the menu inside each mode allows for some minute tweaking.

My one major gripe is the complete lack of focus when working with fur. I hobby breed chinchillas and it is IMPOSSIBLE to get a decent shot of one of them with this camera. I have many other pets I try and photograph but it is extremely difficult. I much prefer my old mavica in this respect as I could get crystal clear pictures of ALL my animals without any hassling with the camera. That is not to say that I haven't gotten some great pictures of my furry companions with a bit of patience!

However, there is alot of positives! This camera does take excellent macro shots, it also takes great scenery and people shots, and it works brilliantly at night as the flash sensor is excellent and the flash itself is very powerful and bright. The functionality is excellent, and with the help of reading the owners manual you can unlock many of this cameras better features.

This camera uses a new battery called the "CRV3", many leading battery manufacturers now make this compact but powerful battery. I use my Nikon frequently, pretty much everyday several times a day, and I get GREAT battery life. I am not throwing batteries in every few days like some of my friends have to do with their "AA" powered cameras. I did buy a Energizer replacement battery rather than a Panasonic (which is supplied) and I have been very happy with them.

To address some of the other reviews:

The battery cover DOES feel a bit flimsy, but after you get comfortable handling the camera you learn how much pressure to use. I like to push the battery into the socket fully and then slide the cover over, this helps with not putting so much pressure on the cover.

The LCD monitor has a dedicated button right below the LCD screen sandwiched between the delete and menu buttons. One touch and it instantly turns the LCD screen off.

Bottom line - If you are a beginner to the hobby or just want an affordable digital to take pictures of friends and family this is an EXCELLENT, AFFORDABLE choice!

45 Great budget digital
I bought this camera to replace my beloved Sony Mavica that finally gave out. The "bang for buck" with this digital is unparallel, and of course everyone knows Nikon makes a great camera! At the time I was on a tighter budget so this camera fit my needs but it is more of a "beginner" "point and shoot" type of camera. It has several modes all of which are again geared toward the novice photographer, going into the menu inside each mode allows for some minute tweaking.

To address some of the other reviews:

The LCD monitor has a dedicated button right below the LCD screen sandwiched between the delete and menu buttons. One touch and it instantly turns the LCD screen off.

Bottom line - If you are a beginner to the hobby or just want an affordable digital to take pictures of friends and family this is an EXCELLENT, AFFORDABLE choice!

46 Big BANG for your bucks.....
Out of all the cameras I tried, this one was the best value I found for the quality of product it produces. It's small, lightweight and has more features than you can imagine. With the Nikkor lens, the pictures produced are not only sharp, but effortless to take. I will always make Nikon my first choice from now on!!!

47 Disappointing!
After reading reviews on several 2M pixel cameras, I decided to buy the Nikon 2100 for my daughter. While the unit has 3X optical zoom and is conveniently small, there are several significant shortcomings that made me return the camera:

- In Auto mode, there is a 2-4 second delay from the time you depress the shutter release until the camera focuses and takes the picture. I found this unacceptable. I confirmed with Nikon technical support that this cannot be changed when in auto mode. (My Fuji 2600 has almost no delay and it is 2M, 3X, and auto-focus also.)

- The LCD monitor comes on by default whenever you turn the camera on. I prefer to use the viewfinder and only rarely use the LCD panel to take shots. There may be a way to change this but I could not easily find out how.

- The manual is confusing. There are three modes for selecting and changing options - Set-up, Menu, and direct buttons for some features. The manual doesn't clarify which mode to use for various options. Confusing.

- The CRV3 battery that comes with the unit is almost impossible to install. You have to force it into the camera and force the battery cover closed. The battery cover is quite flimsy and feels like it might break. (It didn't.)

- The Image Quality/size selection is quite limited (no 960 x 1280).

48 Great Buy Great Features Great Camera
This camera is one of the best out there i think that it is worth 250 dollars and think that everything about it is great.This camera has evreything from a built in video camera to 9 different scene modes and an LCD screen.One other GREAT featuree i found in this camera is that it does not delete your pictures even if the batteries all of a sudden go dead or even once you've transfered the pictures to the computer they are still in the camera.

49 Inexpensive But Excellent
I wanted to spend less than 300 dollars on a digital camera that I could use to share and view pics through my computer. So I immediately decided that I did not need any high megapixel camera because I wasn't planning on printing any of the pictures I would take. So I shopped around for a small camera and found this "cute," as most girls would say, camera. The following is what I have to say: 1. I am impressed with the quality of pictures in low-lit (almost completely dark) indoor areas for such a cheap camera. 2. The included Panasonic CR-V3 battery lasted two months while taking over 200 pictures. 3. Weighs only 5.3 ounces and it is only 3.4 inches wide. 4. 3x optical zoom.

The camera's performance for its price is exceptional. If you're looking for a camera to have fun with, buy this one.

50 Exceptional product
The pros definitely make up for the cons. It's an outstanding product, takes top quality pictures and is very easy to use. Of course you'll need an additional memory card.

51 The Best in 2.0 Mpx
Exelent, It's the best digital camera to find in 2.0 Mpx, gives a lot for the money you pay, many features, easy to use and exelent pictures.

52 this is the best one !!
I have had this camera for over 2 weeks now and I find this perfect. I had tried the A60 earlier but that one was giving a green hue even in bright light and lotsa pictures weren't giving true colors. (PL. don't buy the A60).
So i returned that and got this one instead. It has been a splendid journey so far. the picture quality even in low light is good. the scene modes are very useful.

Pros
- Good quality and sharp pictures
- various scene modes help compose pictures in different lighting situations.
- Low light (indoor) and night pictures pretty good
- easy to use menus
- Can use multiple batteries, 1 CRV-3 battery or 2 AA batteries
- Very compact and light
- Uses an inexpensive memory card

Cons
- Battery consumption

You may wanna invest in re-chargeable batteries and a higher capacity memory card. JUST BUY THIS CAMERA !!!

53 Small Wonder
I did a lot of research when looking for a basic digital camera, and was still surprised at how small this thing is! I was used to digitals being roughly equal in size to regular point 'n' shoots, but this is about 1/2 the size. No complaints - its easy to hold and does wonderful things. Amazing!

The Coolpix 2100 does everything I wanted a digital camera for: Instant pictures, archiving capability, the ability to throw out pictures I don't want, etc. It is definitely easy to carry around, making picture-taking much more possible. I only rated it a "4" because:

1) If I really wanted great pictures, I would have wanted more megapixels (my choice).

2) I was disappointed that it only came with a non-rechargeable lithium battery. While researching, I saw somewhere a spec that claimed that this camera came with a rechargeable battery and a recharger. This must have been from some other country, because the camera in the US seems to require new power sources when the supplied battery runs out.

3) The supplied photo-management software may be good, but it is not intuitive, and I have not yet totally figured it out.

Having said this, the Coolpix 2100 is a sweet little camera, and is easy enough to use that you will be taking pictures right away. Good Nikon quality in a small package.

54 Nice camera!
Pro's
1. Has all the desirable features like video out, only 2 AA batteries etc.
2. Nice looking and very small in size with good grip. Light weight too.
3. Uses inexpensive CF cards, not expensive sticks!
4. Easy menus and scene modes to use.
5. Competitively priced.
6. Superb macro pictures and good low light/night shots. It could focus in pretty low light without any AF assist light, because of a bright lens.
7. Good battery life on just 2 AA's. (unlike 4 on some models from Canon, HP and others)
8. Inexpensive accessory kit is available right here on Amazon! It has a very fast world charger, 2 NiMH AA's and a custom case.

Con's
1. Reliability is doubtful and battery door is very flimsy.
2. Movie mode is bad, no sound and movie sizes very small.
3. A bit on thick, making it slightly tougher to pocket.
4. No rechargeable batteries or charger in the box.
5. Need to read & remember manual for proper use of so many scene modes like "museum"!
6. Weak flash and redeye.
7. Worst of all it doesn't work reliably with anything other than Sandisk and Lexar CF cards. Weren't these cards made to a standard?

Its not the best but for its price its definitely worth considering. Esp if you like its its picture quality.

55 The Difference Between Nikon and Olympus Digital Camera!
Pros: Very compact design, great picture quality, compact size, comfortable in the hand, customizeable scene modes, 2-megapixel resolution for prints up to 8 x 10 inches

Cons: Problems when using with LCD monitor off, scene modes can be a bit too customizeable, and distract you from the shot

Summary: I had an option at the camera store between the Nikon 2100 and an Olympus model that was 3.0 megapixels. They were both priced the same and basically had the same specs. It boiled down to "ease of operation". To delete a shot with the Nikon 2100, you touch one button. On the Olympus model, you have to navigate through the menu and it's quite aggravating. That's just one of the many features that Nikon has added to the 2100. The menu is quite user friendly and the camera is very easy to use. A part of me was worried getting a 2.0 megapixel camera, but there really isn't that much of a difference between a 3.0/2.0 on a 4X6 picture. One other note, and this may seem elementary: the camera looks great! Very sleek and compact.

There are some downsides: the flash seems a bit hot and the shutter is quite slow - you can't snap the shutter like you can on an SLR, causing you to miss some of those moments that happen in the "blink of an eye". BUT, for the price and the great quality, you can't beat it. And the biggest PLUS? NIKON! It's all about the NIKON quality - far and away the best brand!

56 great size and functionality, beware of memory card
i was reading the reviews below and noticed someone else had a problem with the memory card as well. just wanted to share my similar experience, though i DID use one that was recommended (SanDisk), however, found that it STILL took a long time to save each picture, so the wait time between taking pictures was just too long for me. this was very strange to me as i tried the same memory card in other cameras and it did not have this issue. i've sinced bought the same brand memory card as the starter card (Lexar) and have had no problems. so now i love the camera. it is the perfect size, great functionality with lots of options, and for a great price.

PROS:
- great size
- great shape
- lots of functionality, including black/white, sephia colors, multi-shot mode
- very easy to use, though i don't use the scene modes much...auto and manual work just fine.
- accurate & crisp picture quality
- can use rechargeable AA batteries
- great value

CONS:
- picky about memory card. seems to only like lexar so beware!
- no sound with movies

57 Use only manufacturer-listed memory cards
Pros:
The instructions are very easy and well-laid out. I bought this camera at a store where the sales person tried to get to buy an on-line manual for about $40---I am glad I did not since the camera comes with a great hard-copy manual as well as an on-line guide that I have not even tried out yet

I had a problem with the camera (see con below) and I called the Nikon 24 by 7 tech support service center. They were very helpful in trouble-shooting with me on the phone. The gentleman was very service oriented.

Con:
The camera is very finicky about the memory cards uses. The store where I bought the camera sold me a 128 M memory card, claiming that they are all very universal. Wrong. The instructions (inside the box) for memory cards clearly indicate the tested and recommended brands. The card I was sold is not on the list, and because of this, I get intermittant results. Sometimes the camera works with the card, sometimes I get an error message that says "You can Not Use This Card". When the camera is in this mode, it will not work at all. I tried the smaller Nikon storage card that came with the camera, and it works consistently. If you buy this camera, be sure and buy only the cards listed by Nikon.

58 An incredible Camera
I looked at and tried out nearly every 2 MP camera that I could find. The Nikon's optics are superb, it is VERY easy to use, the software that comes with it is excellent, and I've been loving every second of it.

Compared to every camera I've used, this camera beats them all.

Have fun!!!!!!!

59 Excellent Camera for the price
I upgraded this camera from a Canon A200. Operation wise, the menu system of the Nikon was much more intuitive and easier than the Canon. One thing I hated about the Canon is you have to install software drivers just to have the camera be recognized. However with the Nikon first thing I did was put in the batteries, CF card, took some shots, and plugged into my computer via the USB cable and I was able to see it as a removable drive, and then drag and drop my pictures onto the desktop. It is truly plug and play and you don't need to install any software for it to work. The battery life is also very very good with a 1600mA NIMH rechargebale, I already took 200 shots with LCD and have yet to recharge them. Anothing area where this camera excels is its lens, the Nikkor lens I found to be much much sharper than the Canon lens, which are known to have softness as one of its characteristics. The zoom lens adds a lot of versatility to the camera. One favorite thing I like was that there is only one connector for both the TV out and the USB upload, as they use the same interface on the camera. This is more efficient than having a separate hole for USB and another hole for TV out. Also this camera seems more efficient in utilizing Compact Flash space. For example, I can get 155 shots on a 64MB compact flash on Normal mode, when an average 1600*1200 picture is only around 400k, which is less than about 500k for other cameras. I've noticed this exists in other Nikon models as well from online reviews that I have read. All in all, to sum it up, this camera is relatively small, have sharp lens that display excellent detail and accurate colors, and is very easy to use. One more thing I like to point out is that even due to a lack of AF assist lamp, the camera does well in low light situations. Perhaps it doesn't need an AF assist lamp, which is why it was left out in the first place. It takes pictures in the night without flash as if it had night vision technology integrated, I was surprised how well night shots turned out for a relatively inexpensive camera. One thing I would improve for this camera would be user selectable ISO in manual mode, this would lessen a little bit of noise in low lighting situations, but however being a 2MP camera, the noise are not noticeable to the naked eye. I would recommend this camera to anyone on a budget, but demands sharp and true colored pictures.

60 Excellent Camera for the price
I upgraded this camera from a Canon A200. Operation wise, the menu system of the Nikon was much more intuitive and easier than the Canon. One thing I hated about the Canon is you have to install software drivers just to have the camera be recognized. However with the Nikon first thing I did was put in the batteries, CF card, took some shots, and plugged into my computer via the USB cable and I was able to see it as a removable drive, and then drag and drop my pictures onto the desktop. It is truly plug and play and you don't need to install any software for it to work. The battery life is also very very good with a 1600mA NIMH rechargebale, I already took 200 shots with LCD and have yet to recharge them. Anothing area where this camera excels is its lens, the Nikkor lens I found to be much much sharper than the Canon lens, which are known to have softness as one of its characteristics. The zoom lens adds a lot of versatility to the camera. One favorite thing I like was that there is only one connector for both the TV out and the USB upload, as they use the same interface on the camera. This is more efficient than having a separate hole for USB and another hole for TV out. Also this camera seems more efficient in utilizing Compact Flash space. For example, I can get 155 shots on a 64MB compact flash on Normal mode, when an average 1600*1200 picture is only around 400k, which is less than about 500k for other cameras. I've noticed this exists in other Nikon models as well from online reviews that I have read. All in all, to sum it up, this camera is relatively small, have sharp lens that display excellent detail and accurate colors, and is very easy to use. One more thing I like to point out is that even due to a lack of AF assist lamp, the camera does well in low light situations. Perhaps it doesn't need an AF assist lamp, which is why it was left out in the first place. It takes pictures in the night without flash as if it had night vision technology integrated, I was surprised how well night shots turned out for a relatively inexpensive camera. One thing I would improve for this camera would be user selectable ISO in manual mode, this would lessen a little bit of noise in low lighting situations, but however being a 2MP camera, the noise are not noticeable to the naked eye. I would recommend this camera to anyone on a budget, but demands sharp and true colored pictures.