Nikon Coolpix 4800 4MP Digital Camera with 8.3x Optical Zoom

by Nikon

Product Details

Data Sheet [993kb PDF]

• Item Weight: 1 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B00061S2QW
• Item model number: 25520
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (36 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,412 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 16, 2004

Product Description

The 4 megapixel Nikon Coolpix 4800 provides prints as large as 11 x 17 inches. Its amazing 8.3x optical Zoom-Nikkor lens includes ED Glass for incredibly sharp, clear images. The 4800 features 15 Scene Modes which automatically adjust the camera controls for the best possible picture in typical shooting situations. Four of the Scene Modes include Scene Assist, which helps set focus and framing for the most common shooting scenarios. Use the Close Up to get as close as 1/2 inch from the subject, and Movie Mode for recording live action with sound. Choose between an Electronic Viewfinder and bright LCD monitor; both provide enhanced frame coverage and easy viewing.Nikon’s world renown Nikkor optics are combined with a 4 megapixel CCD to create images at resolutions up to 2288 x 1712 pixels, which provides spectacular prints as large as 11" x 17". The amazing 8.3x optical zoom (35mm equivalent of 35–280mm zoom (35mm equivalent), and uses aspherical elements, Super Integrated Coating and ED (extra-low dispersion) Glass for superior image quality. You can also capture the action while it happens, complete with an audio soundtrack, with Movie Mode.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

124 of 125 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Big optical zoom in a small (but not compact) package, November 23, 2004

By 

Gadgester "No Time, No Money" (Mother Earth) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Nikon Coolpix 4800 4MP Digital Camera with 8.3x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

First off, let me point out that John A. Wincek in an earlier review gave a misleading account of dpreview.com's review of the Coolpix 4800. Yes, the 4800's noise level at ISO 400 was higher than the Canon camera dpreview used for comparison, but not to the level of total trash as Wincek seemed to be implying. And dpreview points out that the 4800 uses less noise reduction than the competition (all digital cameras employ some kind of in-camera noise reduction algorithm to "filter out" noise.)

Ok, what really surpised me about the 4800 was how big it was. I mean, it still qualifies as a small point-and-shoot, but given how it looks like the Coolpix 3200 and 4200, I thought it was going to be sub-compact, but I was wrong. It's big enough that it won't fit in a pocket. The lens compartment protrudes. Together with the grip, the camera is quite deep at over 2 inches. This does give a good grip and you can use it in one hand -- it weighs about 11 oz. with the LiIon battery.

The 8.3x optical zoom is awesome. Its 35mm equivalent is 36-300. Because the 4800 doesn't have an image stabilizer -- a controversial feature among photo enthusiasts -- you MUST use a tripod or place the camera on a steady surface if you are to use the tele end of the zoom. At anything over 6x zoom, your handshakes will magnify many times and result in blurry photos, no matter how well lit the scene is. One problem with the 4800 is when you are beyond 6-7x zoom, focus feels slow and keeps flipping, which is very frustrating.

The all-plastic camera feels solid but the decision to use proprietary LiIon rather than AA disappointed me, as I have a good collection of AA NiMH batteries and older Coolpix models used such batteries. Battery life is respectable; I got over 100 shots mostly with flash and I zoomed in and out a lot. (I hate to say this, but "Camera buff" was probably lying about recharging every six pictures, unless he/she got a defective unit or didn't know what he/she was doing.)

The upshot is, if you want a power zoom in a small package, the 4800 is worth a look. On the other hand, its relative bulky size, so-so picture quality and the lack of a optical viewfinder (an electronic one doesn't cut it for me) make it less attractive to someone seeking a sleek, compact point-and-shoot. Its lack of controls over picture-taking makes it unsuitable for serious photographers.

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars 8.3X Zoom, 1/2" Close-ups, Great pictures, What a Camera!, April 28, 2005

By 

Kenneth B. Eicher "WA2KKG" (NJ, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Nikon Coolpix 4800 4MP Digital Camera with 8.3x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

I just love my Coolpix 4800. It is everything I'd hoped it would be. The 8.3X zoom and 1/2" close-up capability features are not ones that I use everyday, but it's nice to know they are there and I have used them many times in the 4 months I've owned it.

The coolpix 4800 takes great pictures. It is easy to use for a point and click person like my wife and has more special modes than I'll ever use. The size and weight are just right. Not so small and light that you might drop it and not so heavy that you get tired using it.

As an amateur genealogist, I appreciate the special "Copy" or document mode for taking pictures of book pages and documents in genealogical histories and libraries where flash is prohibited. I researched many digital cameras in the 3-4 mpix range before buying and know I got the right one.

If it has a negative, for me, it would be the proprietary EN-EL1 battery pack instead of AA's. However, I get very good life from the battery pack and I keep a spare standard 2CR5 Lithium battery handy which I pop in for a few shots whenever I need to recharge the EN-EL1.

48 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great camera, I highly recommend it, October 19, 2004

By 

Stacy Krueger (Wisconsin) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Nikon Coolpix 4800 4MP Digital Camera with 8.3x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

I love our coolpix 4800 camera. It's very easy to use and the camera menus are easy to navigate. It takes excellent pictures in all the conditions I've used it for. This camera is a great combination of small size, yet powerful zoom. I haven't had a problem with pictures blurring when zoomed in all the way, which is a big plus! I'd highly recommend it. The cost is a deal, when you consider all the features!