Product Description

A compact, lightweight digital still camera with 4.0 effective megapixels and a powerful 3x zoom lens, the COOLPIX 4300 is an easy-to-use mid-range model with superior image quality. The camera's core users include everybody from beginners to advanced amateurs. It is ideal for those who want a high-quality camera that takes exceptional pictures. People seeking a deeper experience with digital photography will be attracted to the COOLPIX 4300's portability and image quality. Superb optical performance, a big part of the COOLPIX 4300's appeal, is delivered via a 3x optical Zoom-Nikkor lens with an 8-24mm focal range (equivalent to 38-114mm in 35mm [135] camera format). Its 4.0 effective megapixels provide ultrahigh definition and, combined with Nikon's advanced image processing technology, ensure images of remarkable color, contrast and clarity. Shooting is further simplified by general-use AUTO mode and 12 different Scene Modes, which allow users to capture the essence of every situation and fully experience the fun and convenience of digital photography.The COOLPIX 4300's compact and lightweight design makes it extremely portable and its ergonomic, easy-grip design ensures easy operation. Managing pictures has never been easier, thanks to features like one-button data transfer and a Small Picture function that configures photos specifically for e-mail and Internet applications. The camera comes equipped with all the accessories necessary to immediately start taking better digital photographs. An array of optional accessories - such as an adapter that accepts Wideangle, Telephoto, Fisheye, and other lenses - will further any photographer's journey into the digital world. With so many features and accessories, and a remarkably easy-to-use design, the COOLPIX 4300 both advances the impact of Nikon's successful COOLPIX line and promises to bring the thrill of digital photography to more people than ever before.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #14881 in Camera & Photo
• Size: SLR Size
• Brand: Nikon
• Model: 4300
• Platforms: Windows, Windows NT 3.5, Windows NT 4, Mac OS 9 and below, Mac OS X, Windows 2000 Server, Windows NT 5
• Dimensions: 7.50" h x 6.00" w x 13.00" l, .30 pounds
• Memory: 16MB
• Display size: 1.5
• Included Software: Arcsoft PhotoImpression VideoImpression PanoMaker

Features

• 4.0 megapixel sensor creates 2,272 x 1,704 images for prints at 11 x 14 and beyond
• 3x optical zoom and 4x digital zoom for 12x total
• Included 16 MB CompactFlash card holds 16 images at normal setting and 2272 pixel resolution
• Connects with PCs and Macs via USB port
• Uses 1 rechargeable Li-ion EN-EL1 battery (included)

Amazon.com Review
The Nikon Coolpix 4300 packs a lot into its tiny frame: a 4-megapixel CCD, a 3x optical zoom (4x digital), and an excellent list of high-end features. It's also easy to grip and can be used entirely with one hand--for right-handers at least (as usual, southpaws will just have to get used to the design).

We were able to adjust the saturation, white balance, and noise reduction of our images even before taking a shot. The 1.5-inch LCD is smaller than average, but the bright and crisp panel was clearly visible in anything but direct sunlight.

The 4300's image quality duly impressed us--crisp, bright colors that stood up to 11-by-17-inch enlargements. You can also capture 40-second video clips, although they're silent movies. We appreciated the Best Shot Selector feature, which let us snap up to 10 quick pictures and then have the Nikon cull out the best one for us.

We were able to get over 90 minutes of use out of the rechargeable lithium-ion battery, although we had to remove it for recharging. This design works well for an optional backup battery; however, you'll need a fully-charged battery ready to go. Nikon includes a 16 MB CompactFlash card, but you'll want to upgrade early on--high-resolution images and video clips fill 16 MB rapidly.

One minor caveat: if we turned the camera on with the lens cap in place, the 4300 would flash a message telling us about it. Removing the lens cap didn't work, and we had to turn the camera off and back on to clear the message and get started.

For the price, the Coolpix 4300 delivers a lot of megapixels and excellent image quality. If you're planning on upgrading to a high-end digital camera, plan a stop right here. --J. Curtis

Pros:

• Bright, crisp images
• High-end features
• Easy-to-hold design

Cons:

• Have to remove battery to recharge
• Lens cap irritation

Amazon.com Product Description
Don't be fooled by the small size of the powerful Nikon Coolpix 4300 digital camera. With a 4-megapixel CCD, the Coolpix 4300 brings home high-definition photos of all your adventures and special moments. It features a 3x optical zoom, a built-in flash, a bright, full-color LCD monitor, and 12 versatile scene modes. The Coolpix 4300 even records movies, and is fully compatible with optional Nikon Coolpix converter lenses and accessories.

Optics and Resolution
The Coolpix 4300 is essentially a 4-megapixel update to Nikon's popular Coolpix 885, which was nicely effective in both point-and-shoot and manual control modes. It can capture images up to 2,272 x 1,704 pixels, providing enough pixels for easy cropping and producing quality prints to 11 by 14 inches and beyond. It boasts a Nikkor lens with 3x optical zoom, plus a 4x digital zoom (for a 12x total).

Storage and Transfer
With the Coolpix 4300, images are stored on Type I CompactFlash memory cards--a 16 MB starter card is provided and we recommend purchasing a higher-capacity memory card. Connect the Coolpix 4300 to your computer and press the transfer button on the back for a fast, easy, one-touch upload for editing or for uploading to a photo-sharing Web site. Images are downloaded to either a Mac or PC via a USB connection.

Movie Mode
In movie mode, the Coolpix 4300 captures video clips (with no audio) at 15 frames per second at a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels. You can record a movie of up to 40 seconds in length. The QuickTime Motion JPEG format offers a limited resolution, which is great for capturing a short movie that can be e-mailed to friends and family, but is no replacement for a true camcorder.

More Features
The Coolpix 4300 comes with an auto mode as well as 12 scene modes, which can help you capture great photos in virtually any shooting situation. They include portrait, night portrait, landscape, sunset, fireworks show, and backlight. In full manual mode, you can choose shutter speed and aperture (f2.8-f13.4). Shutter-speed choices range from 8 seconds to 1/1,000 second. There is also a bulb mode with a maximum shutter speed of 60 seconds (tripod and remote shutter release cable strongly recommended).

Other features include:

• Exclusive 256-segment matrix metering helps you get great exposures in the most difficult lighting situations.
• Fully compatible with optional Nikon Coolpix converter lenses, adapters, and accessories (requires UR-E4 converter adapter).
• Built-in flash with red-eye reduction and slow sync.
• 1.5-inch LCD monitor with up to a 6x zoom, which is useful for checking focus.

Power, Size, and Contents
The Coolpix 4300 is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery (included). The camera measures 3.7 by 2.7 by 2.0 inches and weighs 8 ounces without batteries. This package includes the Coolpix 4300 digital camera, 16 MB XD card, EN-EL1 rechargeable lithium-ion battery and charger, AV and USB cables, wrist strap, lens cap and strap, printed instruction manual, and a CD-ROM with NikonView 5 image-editing software for Mac (OS 9 and OS X) and PC (Windows 98, Me, 2000, and XP).

Customer Reviews

Perfect consumer digital camera
If you do any research into digital cameras, you'll quickly find that this camera is just about the best value out there.

These are the reasons I think it's great:

1) It has all the features an amatuer photo-enthusiast would want.
2) It is easy enough for my grandmother to use.
3) It is very compact but the controls are so well designed that they're still easy to use.
4) It has optional lenses like wide angles and extra zooms.
5) For "digital film" it uses Compact Flash cards, which are easy to find, cheap, reliable and supported by many other devices you may have at hoome.
6) The Nikon Coolpix line is a well-established line so you know support and parts are going to be available even when Nikon releases a newer model.
7) Picture quality is excellent.
8) Battery life is excellent.
9) 3x built-in optical zoom is a lot for this price range.
10) Great price for all the features.

Here's what you may miss or be annoyed by with this camera:

1) No direct firewire to the camera. There is USB, though.
2) The camera is so small that when you attach some lenses (I have the 19mm wide-angle--WC-E68), the optical viewfinder is partially obscured. This doesn't affect the picture, of course. You just have to use the LCD viewfinder to see the whole picture. It's no problem for me personally.
3) Battery has to be removed to recharge.
4) An AC adapter for powering the camera while the battery's out is not included, although one can be purchased separately.
5) Two different adapters--UR-E4 and UR-E7--are required for some attachment lenses....

Most of these "annoyances", though, are comparable to what you'll find on other cameras in this price range.

Absolutely great point and shoot camera
First of all, let's start with my needs: (1) $500 budget (2)4mp resolution, (3) optical clarity and color, (4)fast - very little shutter lag and quick sep-up for next picture, (5)compact size, and (6) good camera grip to minimize camera shake.

For three months, I've researched the internet and magazines, queried various sales personnel, and took hands-on in-store test drives. And I finally settled on the Nikon Coolpix 4300.

I have it for a week now, and this camera has exceeded my expectations. The daylight pictures are brilliant and the indoor shots are very good provided that your subject is no more than about 8 feet away. The shutter lag is on par with what I've experienced with point and shoot 35mm and APS film cameras and the next frame advance is about a couple seconds using a high speed 12x 128MB compact flash card (a salesperson recommended the high speed card since next frame advance speed was important to me - and it was only [a few dollars] more).

Uploading the images to my Windows-based PC is very fast and simple.

The only drawbacks I've encountered are: (1)indoor shots from a distance (>8ft) lack contrast and color, but I've found this to be a problem with all cameras with built-in flashes that I've used (even on a Nikon SLR). Right now, I'm researching for an inexpensive ... slave flash unit that's designed for digital cameras. (2) The battery life seems to be on the short side but adequate for most situations. I got 45 outdoor and 15 indoor shots with the monitor on (turning the camera off and on over a 4 hour period) before the battery died. An extra [$$$] for a back-up battery would be a good investment. (3)The picture editing software it came with is adequate, but not very robust. I'll still use my PhotoSuite for editing.

One more thing about indoor shots - many of the reviews knocked this camera for low light focusing. Just for the heck of it, I took it into my dark kitchen with only indirect light coming in though the door, and the focusing was just fine.

In summary, I love this camera and would whole-heartedly recommend this to anyone wanting a high quality point and shoot camera in the [medium] price range.

(June 2003 - Since I wrote the review above in January 2003, I still love this camera. I've picked up a few accessories that I found to be useful. I bought a Digi-Slave DSF-1s flash unit. I don't use a bracket, I just hold it above my head and aim the flash with my left hand. I also got a UR-E4 Step Down Ring Adapter, LC-E900 lens cap, and the Nikon 28mm filter set. This provides added protection for the camera lens and allows the use of filters. I leave the adapter and UV filter on all the time. This also allows you to turn on the camera on without having to remove the lens cap. The downside is that you might accidentally take pictures with the lens cap on, the camera won't fit in the small cases, and 28mm filters are expensive and hard to find.)

Perfect to grow into
I got my camera three days back, and although I had some experience with digital cameras prior to purchasing this one, I still rate myself as a beginner. I bought this camera because it fit my budget and the pre-production and production model reviews were positive.

It's easy to use, and yet very feature rich. In the auto mode it functions basically as a point and click, the Scene modes are very easy to use and produce good results. The manual mode is feature rich and I can't wait to get the hang of it. The macro mode is exceptional, the pictures are very clear and you can take the pictures with the lens unbelievably close the subject. The battery life is very good, I got about 90 minutes with the LCD turned on all the time, the first time around, and I have been using it with the LCD off every now and then, and have yet needed to recharge it. The camera comes with a Lexar 16MB starter card, which stores about 10 images in Fine mode at the highest resolution, I intend to buy a bigger card soon.