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.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
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).
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