Nikon Coolpix S8100 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 10x Zoom-Nikkor ED Lens and 3.0-Inch LCD (Black) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is my 1st Nikon. I have always purchased Canon ever since I used a Canon A1 35mm film SLR nearly 30 yrs back. I own a Canon Digital SLR, Canon DV Cam, Canon Powershot TX1. Most of my photography during travel/vacation has been with the TX1 shooting both stills as well as 720p Video which I edit on my Mac and then stream thru my Apple TV.

I have been looking forward to replacing my TX1 with a camera that is:
- compact like TX1
- bigger and better LCD screen (TX1 has very tiny one)
- shoots 1080p with full optical zoom (not handicapped like Canon has done with all their 1080p shooting compact cameras that don't allow optical zooming during video recording)
- good range of optical zoom
- image stabilized lens
- reasonable number of pixels
- better low light shooting
- shoot moving objects
- separate shutter button and video recording buttons - this is very useful when the subject is not waiting for you to fiddle with the rotary selector as with most cameras (except for TX1 which had this feature).

It is important for me give all this preamble to relate to what my expectations were from this camera.

Gave up on Canon finally, looked into Panasonic ZX7 - didn't like the reviews and waited patiently for the release of Nikon S8100. Received it today. Have taken some shots and here is my first impression.

1. I am happy with the image quality of the stills
2. Great quality of 1080p video (haven't tried the 720p mode as yet)
3. Optical zoom is very good (the rate of zooming slows down during video recording)
4. Controls are simple to use
5. Very fast focus response
6. Very fast start time
7. Very good image stabilization
8. Face detection works very well (even on images on TV)
9. Very good build quality (feels robust) - just like my TX1

Only negative: The position of the flash. It is the place where you would normally grip the camera with your left index finger. If the flash wasn't a pop up type, this could have been avoided.

Overall, I am very happy with the camera. Will move on to try the remaining features in the next few days. Have to get hold of the mini-HDMI cable to test the direct to TV playback of 1080p video.

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Product Description:
Announced September 8, 2010 by Nikon!
Available for Pre-Order Now!
Nikon Coolpix S8100 Digital Camera Features
Fast, responsive and versatile, the Nikon Coolpix S8100 with advanced CMOS sensor technology and incredible 10X zoom will capture fast-moving subjects in still images and Full HD (1080) movies. High-speed operation, exceptional low-light performance, outstanding image quality and sophisticated features mark the 12.1-megapixel S8100. The optical 10x Wide Zoom-NIKKOR ED glass lens covers 30-300mm, and the camera's speedy start-up, fast autofocus, quick shutter release, superior low light performance and high-speed continuous shooting (five shots in one second!) ensure capture of all your memorable moments. The S8100 also offers Optical VR Image Stabilization, high ISO sensitivity to 3200, a new flash control system, movie recording with stereo sound and a 3-inch Ultra-High Resolution (921,000-dot) Clear Color Display for bright, sharp image viewing and sharing.
Superior Image Quality

12.1 -megapixel CMOS sensor for high speed operation and exceptional low-light performance.
10x Wide-Angle Optical Zoom-NIKKOR ED Glass Lens. Versatile 30-300mm lens ranges wide to capture landscapes, zooms in to get close to the action. In the NIKKOR tradition of precision optics, the high-quality ED glass lens delivers superb color and razor-sharp results.
4-way VR Image Stabilization System
Optical VR Image Stabilization by lens shift minimizes the effects of camera shake.
Motion Detection automatically detects moving subjects and adjusts shutter speed and ISO to compensate for camera shake and subject movement.
High ISO up to 3200 for optimum results when shooting in low light or photographing fast-moving subjects.
Nikon's Best Shot Selector (BSS) automatically takes up to ten shots while the shutter is pressed, then selects and saves the sharpest image.
EXPEED C2 continues to expand the possib



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