- 14.2 megapixels for stunning prints as large as 20 x 30 inches
- 10x wide-angle optical Zoom-NIKKOR ED glass lens; 3.0-inch VGA (921k-dot) Clear Color Display
- 720p HD movie recording at 30fps; HDMI output
- Creative Slider creates pictures, in camera, by simply adjusting brightness, vividness and color hue
- 4-way VR Image Stabilization System; Smart Portrait System
Product Description
CAMERA, COOLPIX S800, SILVER,14.2 MP
Classic Movie watcher @ 4:34 pm
After a few days’ research and testing between Canon S90 and Canon SX210 at 2 shops, I decided to get a Canon S90 for its better image quality.
But when I went to a third shop, aiming to get Canon S90, I was shown on the computer screen the 2 photos (jpeg) taken at the same place (indoor) a few seconds ago, one by S90 and one by Nikon S8000. The photo taken by S8000 rendered the true colors, just as what I saw under the lighting, and the image did not have jagged edges as in Canon S80 when magnified at the computer. Then a couple of shots confirmed that the noise control between the two were not as I expected. At least under ISO 400, Nikon S8000 photos did not provide more noise than Canon S90. Actually, at ISO 125, I did observe that Nikon’s resolution was better. And the LCD screen resolution of Nikon was also higher than Canon S90. True, Canon S80 allowed one to take RAW images and manual control, but I wanted a travel zoom camera and would not like to work with RAW images or excess processing of the images(otherwise I would take my DSLR.) And Nikon 30mm-300mm provides a much more flexible zoom than Canon’s 28mm-105mm.
Having Nikon DSLRs myself, I had the impression that DCs were not Nikon’s strong areas. But the test shots gave me enough confidence to get a Nikon S8000 back home and gave it a try. Under sunlight, the photos were so pleasing and much better than I have expected from a DC. The image sizes can be either at 4:3 or 16:9. At 300mm, the image is still very acceptable and at 30mm, I detect very little distortion. I mainly shot photos using the AUTO mode but the MACRO and FOOD modes are extremely useful. The FOOD scene, allowing me to change the color tones of the photo, gives such delightful photos of the dishes! To summarise, Nikon S8000 is a very pleasant surprise for me. I got the silver one which had a very solid build and cool design. To top it all, I got a grey Nikon umbrella (which could be used as a reflector) and Coolpix camera bag for free at a local Asia dealer.
For the limitations, Nikon’s menu seemed to be a bit less user-friendly than the old Panasonic DC I owned. I also hope there will be more reviews comparing S8000 and other cameras, especially at high ISOs.
R. Grayson @ 4:42 pm
Having owned a Nikon Coolpix (5200) before, I thought certainly upgrading would be a cinch. Not quite. Although the picture quality is excellent, the body & kit have flaws. The included charger only charges a battery while in the camera, making it impossible to continue shooting while charging an assumed second battery at the same time. At some point you’ll have to stop taking pictures to charge. I ordered a charger (MH65) I found & am awaiting for less than $25, that will charge the battery by itself. Another foible is (at least on my camera) the mini-USB port has a soft plastic cover that does not ‘hang’ on the camera body; so keep careful track of where you put it while charging or transfering, or it’s gone. This port only indicates “A/V out.” I found it confusing to understand that it’s also the charging port. Also, you must keep your left index finger off the top of the camera body or the flash cannot pop up, and you may miss that critical shot. The SD memory slot arrives empty; with 32 MB internal memory, I opted for a 4GB SD Ultra card. Except for these annoying shortfalls, overall quality is very good; best points are the great 10X optical zoom lens, typically excellent metering in “auto scene” mode, very good motion/vibration elimination, and an excellent quality 3″ viewer/viewfinder. I’d give careful consideration to these points before buying.
K. Yee @ 6:24 pm
I have been shopping around for MONTHS for a mega zoom camera. I had settled on the Panasonic Lumix ZS7, when my son, the Photography major, suggested that I buy a Nikon brand camera. So, I switched at the last minute. I should have gone with my research. If I had, I would have ended up with a camera that won’t zoom while recording movies. Can you believe that??
Also, upon further examination, you’ll see that there is NO selector dial on the camera. This is because all the selections are done via the menu screen. Way too complicated for a point and shoot photographer like me.
I ordered the Lumix and it’s on its way. For about the same price, I get the zoom feature, GPS tagging, 12x zoom instead of 10x, a 25mm wide angle lens instead of a 30mm, and I will be able to take movie clips longer than 29 minutes. The Lumix ZS7 IS a little thicker, but not so much as to be a deal breaker.
Anne Robinson @ 7:39 pm
I was drawn to the Nikon after years of Sony use because I saw some pictures taken by a friend with a Nikon. The macro capability has always been in the forefront of my decision making as it is a feature I use a lot. I was not disappointed with this camera. The large sharp viewing screen is a joy. Learning the ins and outs was a snap as I followed along the in the users manual. My camera came with a charger and it also charges while connected to the computer. I am kinda stuck at taking pictures and have not tried any video yet. I got a 4GB card that seems adequate for me. I am very pleased with this camera.
Barton Young @ 9:06 pm
The 10X zoom is the big selling point for me. The camera takes great pictures but there is one design flaw. Where you would naturally hold the camera in your hand, your left finger will always block the pop up flash. When the flash is needed you will need to hold the camera in an unusual way. The 720p video mode sounds nice but make no mistake, this is not a substitute for a real dedicated video camera. The zoom is very restricted in video mode and there is much shake. Video images are fair but not great unless it is just holding still on one subject. Other than that it is a nice digital.