Nikon Coolpix 4100 4MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom
Index

Compras Nikon
Bluetooth
4-megapixel effective recording * 14.5MB of built-in memory * 1-5/8" color LCD * optical viewfinder * autofocus with AF Assist illumination *
Nikon adds more megapixel power to its popular 2200/3200 models with the Coolpix 4100. Featuring the same stylish, comfortable grip, the compact Coolpix 4100 has a 4-megapixel resolution as well as an internal 14.5 MB memory, which enables you to shoot pictures when you've filled your SD memory card. Other features include Nikon's exclusive one-touch red-eye fix (using the included PictureProject software), 3x optical zoom lens, movie mode with audio, and 15 versatile scene modes (for with Nikon's Scene Assist function).

Optics and Resolution
The Coolpix 4100 has a maximum resolution of 4 megapixels for 2288 x 1712 images--good enough for print enlargements up to 20 x 30 inches. It also has three lower resolution modes: 1600 x 1200 (2 MP), 1024 x 768 (SVGA), and 640 x 480 (VGA). The high-quality 3x optical Zoom-Nikkor lens has a focal range of 5.8-17.4mm (35-105mm, 35mm photography equivalent). The handy Macro mode can be used as close as 1.6 inches (4cm) so that small objects can fill the frame.

Movie Mode
Capture video (without audio) at 15 frames per second (fps) at three different settings: 640 x 480, 320 x 240, or 160 x 120 pixels. Movie length is only limited by the amount of storage you have on hand (either internal memory or external memory cards).

More Features
The exclusive Nikon In-Camera Red-Eye Fix function analyzes image data and corrects typical instances of red-eye in less than 3 seconds. It's activated when the camera is set to the red eye reduction flash mode, where a the typical pre-flash first minimizes red eye effect. The camera then analyzes the picture using powerful image processing and analysis technology, which is completely automatic and transparent.

The Coolpix 4100 features 15 specially programmed modes to automatically handle focus, exposure, white balance and other adjustments that help you take great pictures at the press of a button. Four scene modes (Portrait, Night Portrait, Landscape, and Sports) come with Scene Assist, which offer a selection of easy framing assist options to help you compose your pictures with the assistance of framing guides displayed in the monitor.

Other features include:

Printing
The Coolpix 4100 is PictBridge compatible, which enables you to transfer pictures from your digital camera to your printer, without a PC or image-editing software. All PictBridge devices share three basic features: camera-to-printer connecting, single-image printing, and uniform error messages (in case something goes wrong)

Storage and Transfer
In addition to storing images in the built-in 14.5 MB memory, the Coolpix 4100 is also compatible with Secure Digital (SD) and MultiMedia (MMC) memory cards. It transfers images to Macs and Windows-based PCs via a USB 1.1 connection.

Power and Size
The camera is powered by 2 AA batteries (alkaline included; NiMH rechargeables recommended). It measures 3.5 x 2.6 x 1.5 inches (WxHxD) and weighs 4.9 ounces without battery or recording media.

What's in the Box
This package contains the Coolpix 4100 digital camera, wrist strap, USB and A/V cables, 2 alkaline AA batteries, and CD-ROM with PictureProject software. PictureProject enables you to transfer your pictures from your camera seamlessly. You can then edit, remove red-eye, enhance, crop, print, e-mail, post pictures to the web or create a photo album. You can even publish them to your PDA, create slideshows with music or stitch together a number of pictures to create a stunning panorama.

1 When will the zoom motor stop working?
Why don't you go ahead and buy this just for the thrill of guessing when the zoom motor will stop working. Took just over a year for me (lots of people reported the same). Sending in for repair will come in at the price of buying a new camera - which will be a non-Nikon for me.
2 Great camera at great price.
I bought this camera a month ago and haven't stopped taking pictures. I use it for my web pages and with 4 MP at less than 200 dollars you can't go wrong. Plus it takes full 360 degree panoramic images that are stitched together to make a 360 image. You just have to add it as a mmFlash component to your webpage.
3 PRICE says it all !!!
I wanted at least 4.0 (guarantees a better quality photo and larger print then 3.0 & 2.0) which the Nikon coolpix 4100 has and I didn't want to pay much. When I got online and saw I could get the coolpix for under $200 (almost all 4.0 megpix are around $300) I couldn't resist buying it but then I read a couple bad reviews and wonder if I made a good buy.

After actually using the Coolpix 4100 I can clarify some of those bad reviews. I notice in most of the bad reviews the people are comparing the coolpix 4100 to $500-$1,000 cameras (that I own too)is not fair. It's like buying a ford escort because it's cheap and then complaining about how it doesn't measure up to a hummer.

SHUTTER SPEED----Some reviews complained about the shutter time being to slow. After you snap your picture the screen goes black (for about 1 to 1.5 seconds) remember it has to transfer your photo to memory it TAKES TIME, before it comes back up to were you can snap another picture. !!!!!!You Really don't wait that Long!!!!!!!!! espcially if you Never used a more exspensive model then you'll never EVEN notice the coolpix has a delay, others did because again they were comparing a ford to hummer. If you want a camera that has like 0.1/1000th of delay (means you can snap a picture & be back up within blink of an eye to snap another picture)so don't miss any shot, then I suggest buying a digital Canon EOS for $2,000.

BATTIER----Some reviews complain because it uses AAA battier and they don't last long. Be glad it uses AAA if it use a lithium the camera would cost $200-$300 more and you won't even be looking at it. Lithium does last longer but it cost more to build lithium capability into a camera; By Nikon putting in AAA knocks about $200 off the price.

As for the AAA battier not lasting long enough, I think those people are leaving the camera on while they sleep or something. The 1st day I got my camera (using the batters that came in the box) I took picture from 12pm till late at night testing all the different modes it had, in different lights. I even used the camera's battier to up loaded my pictures unto my computer and I still had plenty of battier power for the next day.

FLASH -- I'll agree with the reviews that said the flash isn't very good ( why I gave it 4 stars). The flash really doesn't light up a dark room, most of the picture I took inside my house at night did seem to be a little darkish & I got red eyes (with the red eye reduction on) but you could still see my kids faces and I use the software to remove the red eye so I thought the picture came out pretty good. You can shop around But I gaurentee all digital under $200 the flash won't be really that great (again why it cost less then $2,000 camera). But the one thing the coolpix has that other lower price cameras don't; is a back flash (which is a slower ISO) it will light up dark room really well (but this is something you have to set yourself in the flash menu it won't do it automatically)

PICTURE QUALITY -- with 4.0 megpix you won't be disappointed, I don't think I read any bad reviews on picture quality. I took over 60 pictures of my cats running, my kids jumping up and down and all the picture were Clear and Blur free, which amazed Me because I have hard time getting that sometimes with my Canon EOS. And the button are so easy to use on the coolpix (I figured them all out wihtout even opening the manual)

Over all if your mainly looking at size & ****PRICE**** of this camera, then you won't be disappoint. I think some people are excepting to much from the low price camera by comparing it to $2,000 digital. I'm very please with this camera I think it's the best camera out there for the Price, The price says it all!!!! Under $200 for 4.0 you can't do any better.
4 Great images
This camera takes great shots. Nikon optics are known superb. Other negative comments are overexaggerated such as slow shutter speed. Yes, its not a fast as the $1,000.00 SRLs, but,these are not the same class cameras. The bottom line is the optics, and the abilty to view your photo's on the spot for a better second "take".
5 Not so good camera if you have young children
I have this camera for 4 months now. Generally, it takes good pictures. However, if you have young children and intend to take a lot of inside photos, where the flash is used, I would not recommend this camera for the following reasons: (1) the shutter delay is very noticable (after you press the button and by the time the picture is captured, the kid has moved out of the picture), (2) when the flash is used, this camera take a long time to recharge the flash and until the flash is recharged you cannot take another picture (the delay is roughly 10 seconds for an inside shot -- for me). Anyway, I was so fustrated by having a lot of shots of my kid's head and missing a few pictures waiting for the flash to recycle, I broke down and got a Kodak. But I will still keep this camera as a backup because it is fairly compact and does OK for taking outside pictures.
6 Love It!!!
After viewing many Digital Cameras from the high to low price range, I saw this one and jumped!!! It is very easy to use!!! I love it!!! <br /> <br /> It is small enough to put in my purse or pocket it takes Great Photo's & for the price it's really worth it!!! <br /> <br /> I could not find a better camera priced as good as this one with as many MP's... I would recommend this camera to first time users and to some one who wants a Great quality camera for a Great Price!!!!
7 stay away from this camera
I used to have an Olympus Camedia 4100, and decided to switch to a smaller camera with the same resolution. The performance of this Nikon is really disappointing. In auto-focus mode, photos mostly turn out blurry (which never happened with my old Olympus). The camera does offer different settings for different types of shots (portrait, indoor, outdoor, sunset etc.), but only portrait generally produces crispness comparable to what I am used to.
8 Good for its purpose
I have just used it for a while and maybe I can change my mind later. So far I like a lot this nice Nikon camera and its good quality resolution.
It is not a camera for pro users so if you just want to take pictures of good quality for fun, it is perfect!
Will return with more information after at least 3 months!
9 Great and easy to use
I bought this camera after reviewing many and I am very happy with my choice (especially for the price). It is small, lightweight and very easy to use. I took it out of the box and started using it immediately. The pictures are great! The sound quality is a little low for recording but I bought a camera not a camcorder. I haven't used a SD memory card yet but the internal memory holds about 15-20 pics and I have just uploaded them to clear the memory. I am very please and would definately recommend this camera.
10 Great small budget camera
This is my second digital camera. I own Canon Powershot G2 and I am very happy with it but I was looking for a light, small camera to take it with me anywhere is the pocket or purse. Coolpix 4100 is a cheap, handy camera, very easy to use. You can take great shots with it. The only thing which may bother is the flash. It is not very strong so pictures taken with a bad light may be blurry. And everytime you take photo with a flash, you will need to wait few seconds before the flash recharges. However, for that amount of money, I think it is a great buy!
11 Point, wait, shoot, and then wait some more...
I bought this camera to replace an aging Canon Powershot A10, mostly for snapshots of friends and activities. After using it for a few weeks, I had to return it.

On the positive side, it boots up quickly if you disable the power-up animation. It's light and can be used with one hand. The zoom and the controls work smoothly, and battery life is long using only two AA batteries. The macro mode seems to focus well. Write times to the memory card are average. Outdoor photos are sharp and have good contrast.

On the negative side, it's SLOW. Everything about this camera is slow. Focusing is slow and not very good, especially indoors (restaurant level lighting, for example). The flash recharge is slow, but what's worse, the display shuts off when it's recharging so you can't review the picture. There are too many layers to the menu, and simple functions like cycling through the flash types require more than one button (bring up flash menu, select flash type using up/down buttons, and hit OK).

For a camera aimed at the point-and-shoot user, there's too much waiting. Missing a shot is worse than getting a bad shot, and that's what I found myself doing with this camera. I've used Canon and Olympus models in this price range, and they are both better alternatives.
12 very slow lag time
We bought this camera and returned it because the lag time (between pressing button and camera actually taking picture) was SO SLOOOOOW. This problem is especially pronounced in lower light (like indoors with regular lights on in the room). We went to a camera store and compared identical shooting conditions to a couple of other cameras (Canon Elph and A85 among them) and the difference was huge. This camera is basically useless if you want to shoot anything alive that might move. The guy at the camera store said he has gotten similar complaints and felt it was one of the slower cameras.
13 Great camera!
My family and I are very pleased with this camera. The picture quality is outstanding. It is very easy to use and is lightweight. I couldn't have gotten a better camera for the price!
14 One word: GARBAGE!
The shutter speed on this camera is so slow that it makes this camera worthless.
15 Excellent camera
I had the chance to try this camera before I buy it and I have to say that it was a lot better than other 4 megapixels camera and its very small size is very convenient. It is powerful enough to take great pictures during the day, at night or indoors with poor light, the autofocus feature works perfectly for every situation and the AA betteries last long enough. What I like the most is the video feature, I took some and then played them with Windows Media Player and I was very impressed with its image and sound quality.

Go for it! Great digital camera!
16 Nice first digital.
I got this camera as a gift and it is the first digital camera I have had. I am very happy with it and my pictures are turning out better than ever. It is simple to operate and the menus are very easy to follow and navigate. I use it mainly for snapshots and for taking along while traveling when I don't want to lug my other camera along. Its small size is perfect for putting in a pocket or purse.

The quality of the pictures it takes is Very,very good. You can compare pictures from this camera (actually the 3 Megapixel version) and the Nikon D70 (Nikons top of the line digital)at image-resource.com. The pictures from the Coolpix are nearly as good as the ones from the D70! In fact you can compare pictures from almost any camera on the market. In my opinion the Coolpix is superior to many more expensive cameras. Check it out. In the close up setting the Coolpix is far better than almost every camera out there!

I give it 4 stars instead of 5 because the flash is only average, and you can get blury shots in low light. This camera does have a neat feature with its blur warning, if it reads that light is to low it will warn you. I am still learning this camera so there might be a way to adjust for this. Putting the camera on a small tripod for low light shots would solve this too.

Overall, I am very satisfied with how easy it is to use and the quality of the pictures it takes.
17 Slow Flash, Auto Exposure?
I've had the Coolpix 4100 camera for a few weeks now (about 300 photos). Size, weight, controls, menus are all easy to use. Outdoor, high ambient light photos and performance are excellent. File transfer to computer is very easy becuase the camera is recognized as an external drive.

Indoors, flash is necessary for every shot even in moderate light. Time for flash recovery is 7 to 8 seconds with fresh NiMH batteries. Flash range is very short (~6 feet).

I would not recommend this camera for anyone who will use it primarily for indoor photos with short times between shots.
18 *Very* Disappointed
I bought the Coolpix 4100 for two reasons:

1.) It was generally well-reviewed from several online sources.
2.) The price with package rebates was very good.

I was very diappointed with the performance of the camera once I got it home - my 4 year-old HP 2 megapixel camera is easier to use and takes better photos. The camera's poor performance is not due to any defect, since I purchased another Coolpix 4100 from a local source and it has the same poor performance. Nor is it operator error, since I'm not a novice - but a good consumer digital camera should give acceptable performance for most situations right out of the box for even novice users.

The GOOD:

1. Uses 2 AA NiMHs - I didn't experience excessive power drain as some people have complained.
2. Very lightweight.
3. Decent outdoor performance.
4. Good macro performance.
5. Low price.

The BAD:

1. Didn't like the new 128MB SD card I got along with the camera and would reject it on power-up about 1/2 the time.
2. Menu system sub-par, requiring several layers of navigation, although it does seem to keep settings after power-off.
3. Only ISO 50,100,200 equivalent speed - no ISO 400 as found in most 4 MP cameras.
4. Slow cycle time after flash usage.

The UGLY:

1. *TERRIBLE* autofocus system with no manual alternative. Failed to achieve focus lock in most low-light settings, and even when "locked", most of my indoor photos were blurred in the default camera setting and "Indoor/Party" SCENE setting. Only using the "Backlit" SCENE setting was I able to get even marginally acceptable photos indoors.

2. Poor image quality (when not blurred) compared to my co-worker's Sony DSC-P92 digicam in side-by-side tests.

3. Extreme ghosting in fluorescent lighting, even when white-balanced for that situation.

This camera (and the printer and SD card I got for the rebates) are going back...probably will get an A85 instead or stick with my trusty vintage Minolta X-700. Very, very disappointing for a Nikon product.
19 Good Camera
First digital that I've owned. Find it very easy to use. If you're familiar with cameras at all, then using this camera should be rather intuitive.
20 Great camera !!!
I'm very lucky to have this camera as my first digital camera. It's as small as you can put in your pocket. Easy to transfer to computer with just one click. I wish it has bigger screen so I can be sure the quality of the picture I take.
21 amazing product !!
The Coolpix 4100 is a pretty great camera. I use my 1964 Canon SLR for the most part, but use the coolpix for small things, I wouldn't want to process on film. It fits well in my pocket, has a small internal memory, and a decent zoom. The quality of the images almost always blows me away, and I'm glad for the manual they've included. On the other hand, I can't say I'm exactly happy with the software they've included (and perfer to use Apple's iPhoto in the iLife bundle). The batteries are another problem. It requires 2 AA batteries to operate and with frequent usage, they die...FAST, within days. Aside from the software and batteries, I'd have to give this item a 4.5, although it is near perfeKt.
22 Great little point and shoot digital.
If you are looking for a very easy to use, ultra compact, 4Megapixel digital point and shoot camera that takes very good quality images, performs as well or better than, and is priced below most of the cameras in this class, than this camera is a very good choice. Are there better more versatile, more feature loaded 4 MP cameras out there? Yes. But at this price, this camera is hard to beat.

I am a very experienced photographer with my 35mm SLR but the Nikon Coolpix 4100 is my first digital camera. I chose it for its simple graphic menus and ease of use. I wanted a point and shoot that was small and light to carry with me but not so thin and tiny that it cost $600 and was impossible to get a good grip on. This camera is small but not tiny and has very nice ergonomics and is comfortable to hold without worry of dropping it.

I do not agree with the negative comments and reviews about this camera. PC magazine gave it only a fair rating but Steve's Digicams and CDNET and a few other sites recommend it. So you may want to investigate more but it is my opinion that this is a good 4MP camera. It is extremely simple to use and almost anyone should be able to take it out of the box, put it on auto mode and take very nice pictures with it. My 8 year old son can operate it and take pictures with it, and that was another reason I chose this camera. As for battery life, yes it eats alkalines-don't bother with them- Get rechargables or a CRV-3 pack and battery life will be better than average or very good depending on how many flash pictures you take or how much reviewing you do.

The scene modes are nice in that they will automatically adjust the cameras ISO speed, shutter, and aperture to challenging lighting situations, so that you can take good shots in otherwise tough light. The ones I have tried so far seem to work well.

I have had this camera for several days now and I have been pleased with the results so far. I have run it through a series of tests and from what I can see it is a very cabable camera and the images are crisp, detailed and clear, with nice true to life color.

There are some weaknesses but for what it will be used for 90% of the time by 90% of people these are probably not major issues. It does tend to have a little noise in the shadows and dark areas but I think most cameras in this price and size range do because of small sensors. It has a little trouble focusing in low light but all digitals do as far as I know. Colors in the blue violet range can be a bit off depending on the light conditions. The flash is a little weak but if the subject is within 10 feet or so it does fine.

It lacks manual control. If you want the ability to adjust a whole lot of stuff that will probably make your pictures turn out worse than if you let the camera do it for you, then choose a different camera like the Canon A75 or A85. The Nikon 4100 does let you adjust white balance, exposure compensation, and color options along with all the different scene modes. I find I am experimenting with all of them. Advanced users may want more controls to experiment with than this camera offers but for a small, simple point and shoot that takes very good pictures it delivers.
Is it perfect? NO. that is why I gave it 4 stars and not 5. For ease of use it should get a 5 for sure.
23 EXCELLENT CAMERA!!! Don't be swayed by negative comments
First off let me say, how this excellent digital camera has got some bad reviews from people is "Mind boggling!" One person remarks he has been using this camera for months and is difficult to use... The Nikon 4100 is a *Point and shoot* camera and it comes with a instructional video CD. The instructions are simple to read with clear diagrams. Among the his other comments as "THE UGLY..the start up sequence for the 4100 (which I think is a cool animation with sound), long the 5 second flash recharge... and STRANGER, "having problems taking pictures in (even when photographing static components)" What ever that is???. And "Taking the memory in and out" To I guess??? "Start -er- up!" Here's another "Very poor focusing system, grainy pictures" "This camera is a mutt"...Well I say "BOOLA" to you! *LOL shaking my head in mind boggling aw*

As a Graphic Artist for 15 years I have seen the evolution of digital cameras threw the years. You want to talk about pixels and grain 8 years ago.. this camera is light years ahead in how it simplified, point and shoot... with it clear and useful settings, eliminating the complex use of shutter speeds and Fstops, the Nikon 4100 does it for you. Read your manuel, trust the different screen modes in your events in taking pictures. There is even a Nikon friendly website ( www.nikoncoolpix.com/splash.html ) where you can share your pictures and information forum with other Coolpix users...find that with other digital camera name brands.

The 4100 and the 3200 Coolpix are both identical as the only difference is the 1 extra megapixel advantage with in the 4100, you won't be able to tell the difference. As an sworn Olympus user. I have found the 4100 takes very clear quality pictures and insignificant grain, indoors and out... I use it to produce pictures for cover illustrations at it's 300 dpi setting, up too 11X14 print size for use in the news paper print media and some hi gloss cover art. I am as picky as you get being artist and a stickler for detail. The flash does take 5 to 6 seconds to recharge but I'm in no hurry as it gives me time to think about my next shot... unless your at some party in a drunken frenzy just snapping away which I might ad there is a stetting for that too... ( party mode) As I may remind you how many pictures your old 35 mm camera came out over flashed and over blurred or darker then space... Now you remember! Digital is here to save the day and so is Nikon.

The 4100 and the 3200 Coolpix do need rechargeable batteries as the it's manufactured recommended (NiMH) batteries or CR-V3 lithium batteries... it is pointless to use Alkaline batteries in any digital camera using a built-in flash unit and view screen.

Buy a large capacity SD card to store you pictures at the highest setting / 4meg. I suggest 256 or better 512.

This is not a movie camera so don't expect DVD quality movies... it makes movies at 15 frames a second at 640 x 480 pixels... get a video camera if ya want hi 8 movies. I did send a 15 sec holiday movie greeting to family, via internet and it did a good job... it's the thought in sound and picture that counts at this point not the VGA quality.

If you need some more intelligent and constructive comments from novice or professional people just like you go to http://imaging-resource.pricegrabber.com/rating_getprodrev.php/masterid=3140957/id_type=masterid

The Coolpix 4100 is a Nikon and lives up to the highest standards of it's company name. My only peeve is I wish it had a bigger screen and easy to see in bright sunlight. View my pictures and you be the judge as only you can decide if the coolpix is for you, not some strange and off the wall comments deciding for you. I give The Nikon Co. Kudos for developing a low price, hi quality in a small package, easy to use point and shoot digital camera. I give it 5 stars.
24 Great except one problem
The Coolpix 4100 is a pretty great camera. I use my 1964 Canon SLR for the most part, but use the coolpix for small things, I wouldn't want to process on film. It fits well in my pocket, has a small internal memory, and a decent zoom. The quality of the images almost always blows me away, and I'm glad for the manual they've included. On the other hand, I can't say I'm exactly happy with the software they've included (and perfer to use Apple's iPhoto in the iLife bundle). The batteries are another problem. It requires 2 AA batteries to operate and with frequent usage, they die...FAST, within days. Aside from the software and batteries, I'd have to give this item a 4.5, although it is near perfeKt.
25 Warning Low Battery Life
I have just recieved this as a Xmas gift and was very impressed with the size and how easy it was to use. Got great black and whites as well as video streams. However I have take 24 pictures and have eaten through 6 batteries. The store does not tel you that you will get about 10 pics (this is without video) for every 2 AA batteries. The flash and screen eat up the batteries. I was about to buy a battery charger and realized for not that much more you can buy the 4200. Same great features and size but comes with a lithium ion battery in it which can take a full memory card before recharging, definetly the better deal. Though you save some with the 4100 upgrade to the 4200 if you don't want to be recharging or replacing batteries every 10 shots!
26 Good Pictures but....
This camera takes great pictures, and is fairly easy to use once you figure it all out. I will use it for simple things and as a secondary camera to my large 35mm SLR. I am a fairly skilled photographer so not having manual controls for f-stop and shutter speed is frustrating, but the different modes do all that so if you can figure them out you're alright. The biggest problem with this camera I have had is battery life. I have had it three days, and it has gone through three sets of Duracell alkaline batteries. Had no problems with the software; a simple way around the previously mentioned "problem" of the program wanting to scan all your pictures is to tell it not to do it. Hope this helps!!!
27 Great Camera
The 4100 recommended by camera shop and I could not be happier with it. Took it to China - perhaps a thousand photos - and beaufiful results. For the digital beginner you can't do better.
28 Pat The Beginning Photographer
This is my first digital camera purchase.I bought the Nikon 4100 mostly because I love Nikon products.I bought this particular camera because of the price.I love it.It is simple to use for the beginner..yet has a lot of nice added features.The movie mode is lots of fun to play with.I think it takes great pictures.I have been happy with the picture quality.I love the small size.I highly recommend this camera to anyone.
29 Film speed not what advertised
When I first got the Nikon 4100 I was puzzled because it gives you a blur warning outdoors in partly couldy conditions. I would expect this in a dimly lit livingroom, not outside. So I got out my Gossen Luna Lux SBC light meter, shot some homogenous background shots and compared the readings with the EXIF data on shutter speed and F-stop from the picture files.

The Nikon 4100 claims a "film" speed of ISO 50, which is pretty slow to start with, though it promises an autogain function in low light. The real default speed, however, is ISO 25, which is abysmal. The camera was consistently one stop slower than the light meter, indoors and out. That's why people are having trouble with blurry pictures - slow shutter speeds and wide apertures. Kodak used to make a professional fine grain 35mm color negative film with 25 ISO, about 10 years ago. Now the slowest is 100, which is 4x faster than this camera, and even that is slow for amateur use. I used to shoot B&W for newspaper photos at 800 ISO (ASA). So unless you are shooting in bright sunshine, you will do best to lean the camera against a wall or use a tripod.

And you know why it is so slow? Because the CCD is so miniaturized. Small CCD = tiny pixels = lower sensitivity. On the other hand, small CCD equals small lens, equals less expensive lens, equals small camera, equals cute, equals lotsa women buying said camera. Size matters, inversely.

On the plus side, the best shot selector function does work quite well. You can get surprisingly sharp pictures even in low outdoor light with the BSS; you just have to hold down the shutter and let it take six or so shots, and it picks the best. The montage function where it puts 16 pictures on one frame is fun, too. The lens is quite sharp, if you use a tripod or flash. It can take decent night shots, though I've seen cameras focus better at night. You can magnify images after you shoot them by 12x, I believe, which helps make up for the postage stamp sized lcd screen. The camera is very compact and attractive.

On the down side, the lens has an unusual amount of linear distortion that is apparent on many shots; in fact, I cannot recall using a camera with more. The lens tends to focus on the background, rather than the subject, unless you use the portrait function. It is not easy to switch off the LCD, so it tends to blind you at night, looking through the viewfinder.

Two more criticisms: The lens has significant vignetting. Try taking a picture of a plain white or gray wall. You will notice that the edges are significantly darker. This means the lens does not convey brightness evenly across the image, that there is a dropoff of light toward the edges - vignetting. You are not going to notice this on your average snapshot, though. And while the file size for a maximum resolution shot is about 1.4 megs, it for some reason takes up 2 megs on the SD card. So a freshly formatted 128 mb SD card will tell you you have 64 shots left. Where does the other 600kb go? If a camera has 4 megapixels, I sure would like a file size larger than my 3 megapixel camera, or what's the point?

The slowness of the shutter response is exaggerated. I find it boots and shoots reasonably fast, if you pre-focus. The boot is slowed down because you have to press the on button for about a second before it responds - apparently to prevent it being turned on accidently. It will shoot quite fast in the consecutive shot mode, in part because of its built in 14mb of memory, which it also uses for the BSS function.

Being able to use two AA batteries (not AAA, as one reviewer says) is a big plus. I find the battery life with 2,000 mah NIMH batteries to be very good. (Don't even think of using nicads with digital cameras - 20 shots for a set is a miracle.) I seem to get well over 100 shots per charge with some flash use. And with AAs, vs proprietary lithium batteries, it is easy to carry spares. This is one big reason I bought the camera.

This camera, given that it has no manual functions, is apparently designed for amateur use. The extremely slow film speed is going to make it difficult for amateurs to get good pictues under many conditions. But if you know the camera's limitations, you can get some good pictures.
30 Not a happy camper
I have been using the Nikon 4100 for two months and have found it very difficult to use. I use a camera for work, documenting defects in building construction. The other two cameras I use are a Cannon Digital Rebel and an Olympus D-520. To compare the group, lets get the good things out of the way first. It is small and fits easily in a pocket. It uses 2 AA batteries, so it is easy to get and carry spares. The quality of the photos is what you would expect in a 4 MP camera.

THE UGLY..the start up sequence for the 4100 seems at least twice as long as the Olympus. Once on, the time between button push and actually taking a picture makes the camera difficult to use (even when photographing static components). Frequently, it will not take a photo had you have to turn it off and back on (get a sandwich and take a break). I have never used the camera for a full day when I did not have to turn it off and remove and reinstall the memory card because the camera "lost" the card. The buttons on the back are very sensitive, making the camera almost impossible to use with one hand. When using it with one hand, you end up making sound recordings, movies, etc. There is more but this should give you the picture, no pun intended!
31 loved it
I absolutley love this camera. It is very user friendly. With the many settings and the zoom... you are bound to take good pictures. I've had the camera for about a year and a half, taken nearly 3000 pictures, and havent had one problem. Although batteries do not last long in this camera. Most of my pictures turn out beautifully.
Yes, this camera is simple... but the quality is good. I suggest this camera for teenagers who are just wanting to have fun. I've loved it...
32 Easy to use camera with pleasant results
The 4100 is an easy to use camera with several nice features that deliver better than expected results. It is perfect for vacations and parties, and most other personal uses. This is not a camera for photo enthusiast requiring lots of options and lots of zoom capability. Overall, it is a great bargain.

Pros:
- Priced a significant amount lower than competing models
- Very easy to use and intuitive menus
- Great picture quality (not excellent)
- Compact and solid, but not at the expense of usability
- Usefull scene and picture framing tools

Cons:
- The batteries won't last more than twenty five pics w/flash
- The LCD display is not so great in sunlight
- The 3x optical zoom is only good enough for close objects and portrait shots (this is why it is not 5 stars)
- The digital zoom seriously sacrifices image quality
33 Great deal!
It's the best deal if you wanna spend around 250$.

Thursday, 04-Dec-2008 20:39:14 CST
Quote of the Day:


I have an existential map.  It has "You are here" written all over it.

		-- Steven Wright






It's hard to think of you as the end result of millions of years of evolution.