Customer Reviews

Nikon Coolpix 885 3MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I have used this camera for about a week now. It is my first digital camera, and I am getting used to the whole idea of digital photography. So far I have taken about 100 pictures and printed about 30. Most of the prints looked very good especially on 4x6 and 5x7.

Since I only had it for a week, I haven't explored all the features yet, but the AutoFocus and 12 preset scenes work very well. I am looking forward to learn other advanced features.

One thing that really bothered me about the camera is the oversaturation of the red. If an image contains red objects, it really stands out when you view or print the image. I was able to modified the image on photoshop, but after a few of them, I got annoyed. I talked to Nikon tech support about it, and they told me that it's a firmware problem. They also told me that an update maybe available in the future. If I can resolve this problem, this Nikon Coolpix 885 will be the camera for me for a very long time.

this camera takes wonderful, striking photos, good color, excellent macro mode, compact design. i haven't spent enough time yet studying the modes and the quality of auto makes me put it off. it is a battery and memory hog. the 16 mg card that comes with it is not even close to being enough, i would recommed a 64 at least, 128 would be preferred, or both. a battery charger and one at least rechargeable battery is a must, two batteries would be preferable for more than casual shooting and to keep up with more memory.
as my fourth digital camera, it is impressive and will last me i hope until there is a digital slr with 4+ megapixels for around $1000. shop around for the best price of course.

The biggest problems with this camera are the short battery life (90 minutes with the LCD viewer on) and the color of anything red in a picture. The price should include a caveat that you'll either spend $.../battery or need to get the $... or more rechargable. The bigger issue is the color of red - stands out in almost every picture. There is not currently a way to correct this problem on the camera - you have to correct using picture editing software. You can see view this color problem on some digital camera review sites by looking at the photographic tests.... Nikon recently responded to my questions on the red saturation, saying that they know of the problem and are working on it. On the positive side the camera has great features, is easy to use and other than the 'red' problem takes excellent picture. Unless you don't plan on taking pictures that include red objects or don't mind editing most of your picture with software, I'd wait until this problem is fixed to purchase this camera.

I just got the CoolPix 885. I bought it unseen off of Amazon. I was suprised that is is so small. The quality is supurb, as you would expect from Nikon. The camera is not as intuitive as I would like, but I am not unhappy with the camera. I am getting used to the new world of digital pictures and I have some more learning to do.

I would recommend that anyone getting a digital camera (especially if it has movie mode) upgrade to at least a 128MB memory card. I just ordered a 256MB memory card. The 32MB that comes with the camera fills up fast if you take lots of photos.

I have played with all of these cams, and I am amazed by the rapidity with which they have improved. The Nikons are superior cameras to start with, not only because they probably offer the best glass optics available, but because their build quality is consistently excellent. In particular, the 885 is my #1 choice for a compact based on a few choice assets. Firstly, it has a great feel and hand grip, which makes steadying it easier and therefore makes the pics less likely to be blurred (in contrast, my love affair with the Canon S110/300 is compromised by the difficulty I've had in finding a good way to hold it; it may be too small!). Secondly, the Nikon is the 1st compact that makes direct connection to your PC simple enough for beginners and non-computer folks. Just connect the USB cable and press one button! In addition, I like the option of rechargeables *or* disposable CR3 batteries (okay, I'm not a great environmentalist at times), I like the 3.34 megapixel resolution (perfect 11" x 14" enlargements when needed), I'm fine with the smooth 3:1 zoom and at 3.34 megs of resolution, and even I'll admit the digital zoom is helpful for extreme magnification (I am no fan of digital zooms). The presets on the 885 make lots of sense and allow the user to quickly select an appropriate shooting mode, while manual controls are adequate for the more independent-minded shooter. No one will be disappointed with the Coolpix 885, but then again, no one is likely to complain about getting its #1 competitor, the Canon S300. Either way, enjoy!

this camera does just about everything you'd expect it to & probably a little more!!! a great camera & a great buy....you must, however, as everyone else says buy at least 64-128 MB C.Flash memory & a couple of rechargable batteries (En-El1)...these add ons will save you lots of frustration & in return you get lots of high quality pics !!! this camera is extremely small...it looks big in the picture, but it is alot smaller than i originally thought it would be...to me, that's another plus for the CoolPix 885...get it while the gettin is good...

i had spent a while researching cameras in the 3+ megapixel range and found only the 885 to satisfy the need for a small, high resolution camera with reliable performance.

the 'red' issue mentioned here and in other reviews stands out only if the camera is not used properly -- after reading the manual (gasp), i found the settings to be easily tailored to lighting and other conditions.

being that there are 3 modes -- auto, manual and a set of "scenes" which are basically presets -- you would be hard pressed to find a situation for which you weren't prepared. combine this mass of options and the ability to quickly/easily delete pictures and you've got all you need to be successful with this camera.

the only caveat to all the above is that there seems to be hardware/software issues when trying to download the images to my computer. [win2k professional with more than enough of everything] i've ordered and found the sandisk memory reader to solve that issue -- which also saves the battery in the camera from being wasted just dl'ing pictures. it's a minor charge of ~$20 .. so i'm still not swayed from the camera's other strengths.

Comparison: Yes I know that I am comparing 2MP vs 3MP cameras, but in comparing the sharpness of the pictures between the two, the 885 wins hands down. The menu system of the D490 is simpler, but that is because the 885 has a ton more features so more menus. The 885 is smaller, lighter, & fits in the hand better. Finally, I like the integrated lens cover of the D490 much better. Overall: Nikon 885!

Pros: Great pictures, 3MP, ergonomics, uses Compactflash cards, USB file transfer

Cons (hence 4/5 stars): (...) for 2 rechargable batteries, recharger, & 128MB Lexar 8X Compactflash card (which I highly recommend, otherwise wait 12 seconds, with a Sandisk CF card, before you can take another picture, instead of 5 seconds with the Lexar 8X)

I just purchase a Nikon 885 and I'm really happy with it, I bought it at Best buy for 599.00 and they give you 64meg card for free. You can get the camera cheaper online but I prefer to buy items like this site on seen. It's very easy to use the menus are user friendly and the pictures come out great. It's definately a lot smaller than it looks in the picture. I definately would recommend using rechargeable batteries and have a few set aside if you plan on taking a lot of picutures. The 16 meg card is pretty much useless so I would recommend at least 64 megs. I would definately recommend this camera to the person who want's to take quality pictures..........

I really like this camera. Nice and small, easy to handle and easy to use. It's a great multi-role camera which can handle point and shoot but is great for "growing into" when you need manual controls or need some creative freedom. The main criticism I have is the stupid lens cap design (should be integrated) and the over-saturated reds (can be overcome in software). In shots with extremely strong sunlight there is some chromatic aberration but it's not enough to worry me.

All in all, a fantastic little camera. Almost as good as its big brother but in a much smaller package.