1. 8.0 effective megapixels for photo-quality prints beyond 20 x 30 inches
2. 3.5x ultra-wide angle optical Zoom-Nikkor ED 24-85mm lens (35mm equivalent) for sharp, clear images
3. 15 Scene Modes automatically adjust controls for great pictures instantly
4. D-Lighting improves images shot with strong back lighting or insufficient flash
5. Compact all-metal body provides a strong yet lightweight easy-to-carry camera

Editorial Review :

Nikon Coolpix 8400 is a high-quality compact digital camera with a 24-85mm (35mm equivalent) lens, offering an exceptional wideangle zoom capability. Ultra wideangle allows you to capture a wide range of subjects from landscapes to portraits. It therefore sports Fast (AF) AutoFocus that makes it easy to capture the unexpected moments fast and sharp. With its impressive 8.0 megapixels, it has the ability to produce images with amazingly high resolution, giving you the opportunity to use the digital zoom or crop function on your PC to a certain extend for more photographic creativity. Furthermore can this system camera offer you a variety of optional lens converters, optical filters speedlights and software to go even further in your quest for creativity. With this camera you are in control.

Customer Review :

Very good quality, bad concept

Very good camera and very bad concept. We need more zoom.

Rating :

My Best Buy of the Year!

This camera proved to perform better than I expected. Easy to operate, yet has so many bells and whistles. There are several tools and capabilities that come with this camera, it is very important to read the manual in its entirety in order to maximize the benefits. The basics stuff on it is so good it might deceive you into thinking you got it all. Its wide angle lens coupled with high resolution is an excellent solution for photographing my artwork for further work on my computer or for reproductions/printing.

Rating :

super wide angle fixed lense SLR

Awsome wide angle camera that is serving my purposes just fine. I needed a wide angle camera because I did not want to have to change lenses all of the time. Also needed something that is light weight too because I have MS and can't handle heavy cameras.
The pictures are better than film! I am very pleased with this camera. I have no idea why Nikon stopped production of such a fine camera but they need to bring it back as far as I'm concerned. The price is right and my experience with the seller was excellant! Shipping was super fast too. I highly reccomend the seller....pcmonde via Amazon.com

Rating :

The Shutter Lag and EVF Will Drive You Nuts

If you're looking to capture "The Decisive Moment" with the Nikon Coolpix 8400, STOP---DO NOT BUY THIS CAMERA!!! For that matter, carefully check any digicam or other camera with which you want to capture "action," because what you think you see, may not be what the camera has the ability to capture as an image.
Let me briefly explain where I'm coming from: I made my living as a field photojournalist for 40 years. By the time I retired out of the business I had probably created something like a million color and b&w film images. I owned and used mostly Nikon equipment all those years (although I sure liked working with Leica rangefinder cameras and short focal length lenses), starting with the original Nikon F SLR (which I still have) and finishing up with the N90S and probably ten different lenses of varying focal lengths. I like Nikon equipment a lot.
I decided to begin working with digital images last year. I was attracted to the Coolpix 8400 because the "spread" on the zoom lens was the 35mm camera equivalent of 24mm--85mm. When I worked with film I probably used my 24mm and 105mm Nikkors more than any others in my bag, so this little Coolpix beauty had just about what I was looking for in one package.
Let me say that while the problems with the viewfinder and shutter lag make this camera absolutely useless for editorial photojournalism, it is, nevertheless, a marvel of human ingenuity. For many other uses---such as taking pictures of fire hydrants or cows standing in a pasture (put another way, things that don't move), it works wonderfully well.
Seriously, I shot an assignment here in Tucson that was essentially architectual in nature. The images can only be described as superb (if I do say so myself). I worked only with the camera and a tripod on the shoot. Working inside I simply changed the light balance within the menu on the 8400 (which you can pretty much do on any digital camera these days), did not have to check the scene with a separate exposure meter, etc. Point being that with film I often carried a bunch of light balancing filters and sometimes a separate Gossen exposure meter and all sorts of lights to shoot an assignment. Even then, I'd sweat blood until I could get the processed film on a light table. Of course with digital, I (you) don't have to worry about any of that stuff. One can check the image immediately and know instantly if you're good to go.
Alas, the shutter lag on this, and many other digital cameras made these days, is the "downcheck" which makes me unable to recommend the 8400. There is also the delay in the electronic viewfinder to deal with. The combination of shutter and viewfinder lag make it absolutely impossible to capture an image, the precise composition of which lasts only a split-second. I have taken many good pictures of people working, "action" shots and the like, but it was only by taking large numbers of images of any given activity and then retaining the one or two that said what I intended that I achieved my purpose. Essentially, my shooting eye (which is pretty damned good) had nothing to with it. It's like a soldier trying to kill an enemy with a machine-gun---if he fires enough rounds, one of them is going to hit the other guy. Marksmanship has nothing to do with it. Same-same shooting with electronic viewfinders and shutter lag. If you shoot enough images, statistically you're probably going to get a good one. But it's not a very good way to do things.
So if you're looking to capture what Henri Cartier-Bresson (I'm not sure I've spelled his name correctly) so artfully described as "The Decisive Moment," look at a digital single-lens reflexes, or wait for improvements in digicams.






Rating :

IT GOT ME MY JOB AS A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER

I owe alot to this little camera. I just bought the nikon D80 and I am keeping it because it has never let me down. It got me a job as a photographer with it's clear images and high resolution my clients were always stunned (i do architecture photography)...I now have a very succsessful freelance business and I am a PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER!
I can't say enough on how much I appreciate the opportunity this camera gave me. I LOVE THIS CAMERA!!!
Also I may add its a trooper...
I have used and abused and never has it gotten wierd...
People look at it and always tell me"wow big camera it looks very professional...and i would laugh and say nope its a pro-sumer camera...but its feels like a pro!

[............]


***WARNING***This is not a camera for portraits or for action***BUT ITS GREAT FOR OUTDOORS, NATURE, ARCHITECTURE, ECT...

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Editorial Review :

Introducing the first digital camera to remove red-eye effect in the camera--the Nikon Coolpix 5200. This metal-bodied compact digital camera features a thinner body and more stylized feature than its predecessors (the Coolpix 2200 and 3200 models) It offers a 5-megapixel resolution, 3x optical zoom, and image storage via the 12 MB built-in memory or Secure Digital memory cards.

Optics and Resolution
The 5.0-megapixel CCD lets you capture spectacular images at resolutions up to 2592 x 1944 (15 MB file) and print enlargements at sizes up to 16 x 20 inches. It also features 2048 x 1536 (3MP), 1600 x 1200 (2MP), 1280 x 9600 (1MP), 1024 x 768 (PC), and 640 x 480 (TV) resolution modes. The retractable 3x Nikkor zoom lens has a focal range of 7.8 to 23.4mm (equivalent to a 38-114mm lens in 35mm format), and features aspherical elements and an ED glass element. The Coolpix 5200 also has a 4x digital zoom.

Movie Mode
Capture video with audio at 30 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.

You have a choice of automatic, preset, and 7 manual white balance modes. Additionally, the Coolpix 5200 divides the shooting area into segments to determine the most appropriate setting for the capture of faithful colors. There's also a white balance bracketing function, which takes a series of three shots at different white balance settings with just a single press of the shutter release button.

Other features include:

• 1.5-inch, 110,000 pixel LCD and real-image zoom viewfinder
• Built-in flash with red-eye reduction, auto, anytime flash, flash cancel, and slow sync modes
• 15 scene modes, including four with Scene Assist (Portrait, Night portrait, Landscape, Sports); others include Sunset, Close up, Museum, Beach/Snow, Fireworks show, Back light, Party, Copy, Dusk/Dawn, and Night Landscape
• Best Shot Selector (BSS) takes a series of shots, then automatically picks and records the clearest one
• Macro shooting capability as close as 1.6 inches

Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on either the internal 12 MB flash RAM memory (storing approximately 10 high-resolution images) or on optional Secure Digital (SD) or MultiMedia (MMC) memory cards. Images can be downloaded to either a Mac or PC via USB 1.1 connectivity, which means the camera can be connected to any USB-based Windows Me/2000/XP and Mac OS 8.6 or later computer without installing any software.

Power and Size
The camera is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery (EN-EL5), which has an approximate battery life of 150 frames. It measures 3.5 x 2.3 x 1.4 inches (W x H x D) and weighs 5.5 ounces without battery or memory card.

What's in the Box
This package contains the Nikon Coolpix 5200 digital camera, hand strap, USB and A/V cables, lithium-ion rechargeable battery (EN-EL5), battery charger (MH-61), quick-start guide, and instruction manual. The CD-ROM features PictureProject photo management software, VideoImpression to edit QuickTime video files, and Panorama Maker to stitch together a number of images captured using the Panorama Assist Scene Mode.

Customer Review :

No review yet

Editorial Review :

The COOLPIX 2200 compact and lightweight digital camera is designed not only for newcomers to digital photography, but also for more experienced users looking for a digital camera with easy operations. The camera provides high image quality with 2.0 Effective Megapixels and 3x optical Zoom-Nikkor lens. 15 pre-set Scene Modes including 4 with Scene Assistance function offer more flexibility and point-and-shoot simplicity. 14.5MB internal memory offers always-ready picture-storage and fast two-way copying of stored images.Scene Assist guides you to take better pictures in Portrait, Landscape, Sports and Night Portrait modes. Movie Mode allows the capture of live action in QuickTime Movie format. Creative Shooting Color Options allow you to select from standard color, vivid color, black and white, sepia and cool modes. One-Touch Red-Eye Fix in NikonView is a Nikon exclusive that automatically corrects red-eye in most typical situations.

Customer Review :

dont buy this overpriced!!!!!!!!!

you can get a mutch better camera for $300 dollars+
and the lens froze wont fix at all
it says screen error

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Customer Review :

No review yet

1. 5.2 megapixel sensor creates 2,560 x 1,920 images for prints at 11 x 14 and beyond
2. 3x optical (plus 4x digital) zoom lens with autofocus
3. Included 32 MB CompactFlash card holds approximately 18 images at default resolution; camera is Microdrive compatible
4. Uses proprietary lithium-ion rechargeable battery (included)
5. Connects with Macs and PCs via USB port

Editorial Review :

Once again, Nikon has upped the ante in the world of digital cameras with the introduction of the Coolpix 5000. Its 5-megapixel sensor, 28-85mm zoom lens, and extensive controls make this a great choice for discriminating photographers seeking a digital camera with filmlike quality and SLR-style manual controls.

In a departure from previous flagship Coolpix models, the 5000 is very compact (much smaller than the older 900-series models) and looks more or less like a traditional point-and-shoot. It does not employ the trademark Coolpix swiveling-lens design; instead, on this model, it's the LCD display that does the swiveling. The screen can be flipped out from the camera body and rotated for easy viewing from any shooting angle--it even works for a self-portrait. An added bonus to this design is the ability to tuck the vulnerable display inward for protection when the camera is not in use. Of course, images can also be composed by looking through the traditional optical viewfinder.

The Coolpix 5000 features a 3x zoom lens--the most common power for zoom digital cameras. It's the range that sets the Coolpix apart--its widest setting is an unusually wide 28mm, perfectly matching the wide-angle setting on most SLR cameras. Almost every other digital camera's wide-angle starts at 35 or 38mm. The all-glass lens features nine elements in seven groups.

Power is provided by a proprietary lithium-ion EN-EL1 battery rated for approximately 100 minutes of use (battery and charger are included). If you're worried about getting caught in the middle of nowhere with a dead battery, the camera also uses a standard disposable lithium 2CR5 camera battery. Unused lithium batteries hold their power for years, so you'll probably want to toss one of these into your camera bag as a backup. For hardcore photographers, there's also an optional power pack/hand grip that uses six AA batteries and offers several times the power capacity of the rechargeable pack.

We've come to expect Coolpix cameras to offer an extensive set of manual controls, and the 5000 offers sports than we can list here, including shutter speeds from 1/4,000 to 8 seconds, shutter priority, aperture priority, and full manual modes, manual focus and white balance, ISO ratings from 100 to 800, and numerous other settings to let photographers capture any shot they can dream up. See our product specs for more details.

An extensive selection of accessories has helped to make Coolpix cameras favorites with serious photographers. From wide angle and telephoto add-on lenses to an adapter that lets you use the camera as a scanner for your slides and negatives, Nikon offers enough add-ons to create a system that meets all of your needs.

Shutter lag--the delay between the time you press the button and the moment the camera actually captures the photo--is a problem with most digital cameras, and the Coolpix 5000 is no exception. The camera can take over a second to snap your picture after pressing the button, which can be an unacceptably long time, especially if you're trying to take a picture of a quick-moving subject. Most of this delay can be eliminated by prefocusing--composing your shot, then pressing the shutter button halfway down to allow the camera to adjust the focus and metering. When you're ready to take the picture, press the button the rest of the way down, and the shutter will snap almost instantly.

Movie mode captures movie clips with audio at resolutions of 320 x 240 pixels at approximately 15 frames per second for up to 40 seconds. This feature won't replace your camcorder, but it's perfect for when you just want to capture a quick movie and e-mail it to a friend or relative.

The Coolpix 5000 comes with a rechargeable EN-EL1 battery and charger, a 32 MB CompactFlash card, video and USB cables, lens cap, neck strap, and an impressive software suite that includes Genuine Fractals LE. The camera is covered by a one-year warranty.

Customer Review :

Still a great camera

Even in mid 2005 the Nikon Coolpix 5000 is a remarkable digital camera. In skilled hands this camera can produce results that rival even today's best professional digital cameras.

I've made several 16x20 prints from images taken with the Coolpix 5000 that look AMAZING. If you add the available wide angle lens to this camera you can get a fabulous 19mm wide angle lens!!! Nikon even offers an amazing fisheye lens for this camera.

Like any digital camera (or film camera for that matter) this camera has its flaws and limits. Even though it's capable of producing excellent images, it's a slow camera. So, if speed is important to you this camera is not a great choice. Likewise, some of the controls are burried in the menu system and this camera is really designed for EXPERIENCED photographers ... most "point-and-shoot" photographers have a very hard time using this camera.

There are newer cameras on the market ... but the Coolpix 5000 can still compete with the best of them. If you want a good digital camera capable of super-wide-angle photography, the Coolpix 5000 and the available wide angle lens is the BEST buy on the market today. As of July 2005 you can buy this camera and the available wide angle lens in excellent used condition for less than the price of most new point-and-shoot digitals that deliver WORSE image quality.

Rating :

Nice Pics, Frustrating Camera

The photos I've taken with my Coolpix 5000 are pretty good, though it has a lot of trouble adjusting to indoor lighting, even with the $100 Nikon SB-30 flash attachment.

But this can be a VERY frustrating camera to use. Besides the now-standard but always annoying delay built into virtually any piece of digital equipment (I thought digital was going to make things faster, not slower, didn't you?), the Coolpix 5000 will often just decide it's taken enough pictures for now, thank you very much, and it will do nothing more.

I've gone over and over the instruction manual and can find no hint as to what to do in this situation. I am focused, I have checked lighting, I have my settings correct, I push the button...and then I push it again...and then I push it again, and then again, and again and again and again, and then I hold it down until my finger hurts, and then I just want to throw the stupid camera in front of an asphalt truck. Nothing happens. If I turn it off and then back on, nothing happens. If I turn it off and leave it alone for 24 hours, then it usually is ready to have fun again.

Surprisingly, the kids have lost interest in posing for pictures and are getting a little cranky after waiting 24 hours for the camera to get its act together.

Rating :

Unstable in the long term

I bought a coolpix 5000 when it came out about 6 years ago and it took good pictures. It had to be sent in for repairs 2-3 times though because it would make a buzzing sound for a few weeks then die. They repaired it for free when it was out of warranty as a gesture of good will. It died again a few months ago, now the repair bill is $282.50 .. I had spent $2000 on this coolpix5000 and now it's a brick. The new 5100 does look nice, and it costs a lot less but I feel like I wasted my money with Nikon so my next camera will be Canon.


Rating :

Can't See in the Dark

I have had this camera for a while now, and I have taken some excellent pictures with it. I use a Macintosh, and it works with the computer beautifully, in contrast with the Olympus camera that I owned previously. The adjustable screen is nice and the zoom suits my needs. However, I cannot get this camera to work in the dark. It just wont. I went searched the manual for an answer and found none. It drives me insane. It's great for daytime shots, but in low light I might as well not have it. I'm still glad I bought it, but I was dissapointed by this aspect.

Rating :

"System Control" Failed after a year: $244 Nikon repair

Except for it being unresponsive (by the time it's ready to shoot, the moment is gone) it's been a good camera for the 16 months I've had it... but it failed recently, and Nikon had little to say about why, how, or how I could prevent it from happening again. In fact, the people at Penn Camera seemed to be surprised that I wanted to know exactly what work was done ("Nikon never gives that information"). After explaining it by way of analogy---"what if when you picked up your car from repair shop, the serviceman said 'we fixed it... you don't need to know what specifically was wrong, or what we did, you just need to pay up' ... how would you feel? Seems criminal, doesn't it."---they came around, but still couldn't tell me anything.

So... I'm no longer a happy Nikon customer. If you're thinking of buying Nikon products, factor reapir costs in to the price.

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