67 of 67 people found the following review helpful:
Good performance and beautiful outlook
After a few days' research and testing between Canon S90 and Canon SX210 at 2 shops, I decided to get a Canon S90 for its better image quality.
But when I went to a third shop, aiming to get Canon S90, I was shown on the computer screen the 2 photos (jpeg) taken at the same place (indoor) a few seconds ago, one by S90 and one by Nikon S8000. The photo taken...
15 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
Can't use zoom while recording movies
I have been shopping around for MONTHS for a mega zoom camera. I had settled on the Panasonic Lumix ZS7, when my son, the Photography major, suggested that I buy a Nikon brand camera. So, I switched at the last minute. I should have gone with my research. If I had, I would have ended up with a camera that won't zoom while recording movies. Can you believe that...
This review is from: Nikon Coolpix S8000 14 MP Digital Camera with 10x Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom and 3.0-Inch LCD (Silver) (Electronics)
After a few days' research and testing between Canon S90 and Canon SX210 at 2 shops, I decided to get a Canon S90 for its better image quality.
But when I went to a third shop, aiming to get Canon S90, I was shown on the computer screen the 2 photos (jpeg) taken at the same place (indoor) a few seconds ago, one by S90 and one by Nikon S8000. The photo taken by S8000 rendered the true colors, just as what I saw under the lighting, and the image did not have jagged edges as in Canon S80 when magnified at the computer. Then a couple of shots confirmed that the noise control between the two were not as I expected. At least under ISO 400, Nikon S8000 photos did not provide more noise than Canon S90. Actually, at ISO 125, I did observe that Nikon's resolution was better. And the LCD screen resolution of Nikon was also higher than Canon S90. True, Canon S80 allowed one to take RAW images and manual control, but I wanted a travel zoom camera and would not like to work with RAW images or excess processing of the images(otherwise I would take my DSLR.) And Nikon 30mm-300mm provides a much more flexible zoom than Canon's 28mm-105mm.
Having Nikon DSLRs myself, I had the impression that DCs were not Nikon's strong areas. But the test shots gave me enough confidence to get a Nikon S8000 back home and gave it a try. Under sunlight, the photos were so pleasing and much better than I have expected from a DC. The image sizes can be either at 4:3 or 16:9. At 300mm, the image is still very acceptable and at 30mm, I detect very little distortion. I mainly shot photos using the AUTO mode but the MACRO and FOOD modes are extremely useful. The FOOD scene, allowing me to change the color tones of the photo, gives such delightful photos of the dishes! To summarise, Nikon S8000 is a very pleasant surprise for me. I got the silver one which had a very solid build and cool design. To top it all, I got a grey Nikon umbrella (which could be used as a reflector) and Coolpix camera bag for free at a local Asia dealer.
For the limitations, Nikon's menu seemed to be a bit less user-friendly than the old Panasonic DC I owned. I also hope there will be more reviews comparing S8000 and other cameras, especially at high ISOs.
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This review is from: Nikon Coolpix S8000 14 MP Digital Camera with 10x Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom and 3.0-Inch LCD (Silver) (Electronics)
Having owned a Nikon Coolpix (5200) before, I thought certainly upgrading would be a cinch. Not quite. Although the picture quality is excellent, the body & kit have flaws. The included charger only charges a battery while in the camera, making it impossible to continue shooting while charging an assumed second battery at the same time. At some point you'll have to stop taking pictures to charge. I ordered a charger (MH65) I found & am awaiting for less than $25, that will charge the battery by itself. Another foible is (at least on my camera) the mini-USB port has a soft plastic cover that does not 'hang' on the camera body; so keep careful track of where you put it while charging or transfering, or it's gone. This port only indicates "A/V out." I found it confusing to understand that it's also the charging port. Also, you must keep your left index finger off the top of the camera body or the flash cannot pop up, and you may miss that critical shot. The SD memory slot arrives empty; with 32 MB internal memory, I opted for a 4GB SD Ultra card. Except for these annoying shortfalls, overall quality is very good; best points are the great 10X optical zoom lens, typically excellent metering in "auto scene" mode, very good motion/vibration elimination, and an excellent quality 3" viewer/viewfinder. I'd give careful consideration to these points before buying.
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This review is from: Nikon Coolpix S8000 14 MP Digital Camera with 10x Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom and 3.0-Inch LCD (Silver) (Electronics)
The 10X zoom is the big selling point for me. The camera takes great pictures but there is one design flaw. Where you would naturally hold the camera in your hand, your left finger will always block the pop up flash. When the flash is needed you will need to hold the camera in an unusual way. The 720p video mode sounds nice but make no mistake, this is not a substitute for a real dedicated video camera. The zoom is very restricted in video mode and there is much shake. Video images are fair but not great unless it is just holding still on one subject. Other than that it is a nice digital.
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This review is from: Nikon Coolpix S8000 14 MP Digital Camera with 10x Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom and 3.0-Inch LCD (Silver) (Electronics)
I was drawn to the Nikon after years of Sony use because I saw some pictures taken by a friend with a Nikon. The macro capability has always been in the forefront of my decision making as it is a feature I use a lot. I was not disappointed with this camera. The large sharp viewing screen is a joy. Learning the ins and outs was a snap as I followed along the in the users manual. My camera came with a charger and it also charges while connected to the computer. I am kinda stuck at taking pictures and have not tried any video yet. I got a 4GB card that seems adequate for me. I am very pleased with this camera.
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This review is from: Nikon Coolpix S8000 14 MP Digital Camera with 10x Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom and 3.0-Inch LCD (Silver) (Electronics)
I bought the S8000 having had Olympus Stylus 740 and C50 Zoom camera's. The Nikon LCD view finder is BY FAR BETTER to see in bright light conditions than the 740 and C50. Yeah, it could be better, but it's night and day compared to Olympus.
Nikon recommends a Class 6 or higher SD card for the S8000 for faster data writing (within the camera). I bit the bullet with a Class 10 8GB SDHC by Sandisk ($50). To torment myself, I compared my classless regular 2GB SD card to see how much slower the data writing process was. With the camera at the highest setting (14M* 4320x3240) and outdoors, it took 1 picture every 3 seconds with either card. (For comparison, my 740 set at SHQ 3072x2304 took 1 picture every 11 seconds). Then I tried recording in HD. I'm not sure I can really see a difference using the fast and slow card! Maybe I'm not under the right conditions to see a difference, but now I question biting a $50 bullet. The 2GB card was a freebie from my local MicroCenter store.....would have been $6 purchased outright. I discovered 1 minute of HD video = 62MB for a quicktime movie. In my situation (basically shooting pictures), a slow card (less than Class 6) probably would have been fine. Live and learn.
Bought the "ZipKit" ($25 with shipping) to accessorize the camera....what a great deal! The kit comes with a USB2.0 SD Card Reader that boosts transfer time. 100MB of pictures took 16 seconds with the USB on the camera, but using the USB Card reader it dropped to 7 seconds with a Class 10 SDHC card, and 8 seconds for a classless SD card. The reader is the way to go. Obviously Nikon's recommendation for a Class 6+ SD card has nothing to do with getting pitures off of the camera.
CASES: the Olympus 202066 Neoprene Case fits this camera better than the 740 it was designed for! It's not tight and there's room for a couple extra batteries. I read concerns for the Nikon hard shell case and held off. Glad I did because I would get another 202066 if I ever wear out the Velcro.
Overall I'm happy so far. I'm wondering about battery life. With my 740, battery life was the weakest link. I was lucky if I got 3 hours (250 pics) per OEM battery (far less with non-OEM batteries). For the S8000, I'll know in August...
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This review is from: Nikon Coolpix S8000 14 MP Digital Camera with 10x Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom and 3.0-Inch LCD (Silver) (Electronics)
I have been shopping around for MONTHS for a mega zoom camera. I had settled on the Panasonic Lumix ZS7, when my son, the Photography major, suggested that I buy a Nikon brand camera. So, I switched at the last minute. I should have gone with my research. If I had, I would have ended up with a camera that won't zoom while recording movies. Can you believe that??
Also, upon further examination, you'll see that there is NO selector dial on the camera. This is because all the selections are done via the menu screen. Way too complicated for a point and shoot photographer like me.
I ordered the Lumix and it's on its way. For about the same price, I get the zoom feature, GPS tagging, 12x zoom instead of 10x, a 25mm wide angle lens instead of a 30mm, and I will be able to take movie clips longer than 29 minutes. The Lumix ZS7 IS a little thicker, but not so much as to be a deal breaker.
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This review is from: Nikon Coolpix S8000 14 MP Digital Camera with 10x Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom and 3.0-Inch LCD (Silver) (Electronics)
I wanted this camera so bad that I treated myself to it a couple of months ago. I have to say that I'm kind of disappointed. First, maybe it's me but the pictures (especially indoors) don't come out that great. There aren't near as many picture settings as my little canon had and I really feel that my Canon takes much better pictures. But my biggest point of contention is where they placed the flash..it's right where you hold the camera. I can't tell you how many times the flash didn't go off because my finger was in the way. It makes you have to hold the camera in a completely awkward way and I hate that.
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This review is from: Nikon Coolpix S8000 14 MP Digital Camera with 10x Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom and 3.0-Inch LCD (Silver) (Electronics)
Owning several Nikons in the past and using them with great success, I felt resonably sure that the S8000 would solve or exceed my current picture needs. Well it might if I was happy with the camera. Remember, I am aiming at the camera itself not the pictures. I'll get to the pictures later.
First of all, I went through two S8000 before the third one came from Amazon and charged the battery. When the thrid camera came, I call Nikon, directly. I had them walk me through the process of everything from opening the box to plugging in the charger. I found that I had completed the task correctly, as the instruction book stated, twice before. When the third camera came and the battery was charging, I realized I didn't do enough homework. You charge the battery in the camera unless you purchcase an additional external battery charger. Realize that if you don't have an external battery charger for an additional battery you can't use the camera.
I like to be able to hold the camera with one hand. The S8000 is too thin, at least for me, to hold comfortably. There is a small thumb pad in the upper right corner of the body for your thumb and your right index finger holds the camera in front. My right hand shape was not what Nikon used as a guide when making the plans for the S8000. It felt very uncomfortable holding it with just the right hand. Most of the time I used my left hand as well. I guess most of us put our left thumb under the camera and the left index finger on top. Not a good idea!! The flash is can't pop up if your finger is holding it down. Keep in mind that normally you would be holding the camera with the left hand while adjusting settings with the right hand as the camera is designed to do. Without thinking I would just frame and push the shutter release whereby loosing the picture as the flash couldn't open.
Lastly, how much more could it cost to have two connectors for a neck strape instead of one for a wrist strape? I like having the camera hanging down from my neck so I grab it quickly and have my hands free when not holding the camera. Think about walking around all day on vacation not being able to use two hands as one hand has to hold the camera unless you put it away.
I will say this, "it takes great pictures." The zoom is excellent. The 3 inch screen is great. Ok, so you can't zoom the lens in the video mode. It has more setting and adjustments than I would ever need to use but after all, it is a Nikon !
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