The Nikon CoolPix S8100 is an outstanding compact mega zoom camera. The S8100 was Nikon’s upgrade to their S8000. Don’t let the drop from 14 megapixels to 12.1 fool you, the camera is definiately a step up. The 10x optical zoom remains the same between the two cameras. With a lens equivalent to a 30-300 mm lens.

Nikon upgrade the CMOS sensor to include a BSI (backside illuminated) sensor. The BSI CMOS sensor will allow more light into the diode therefore the camera should be able to take pictures in lower light levels. Making the S8100 a great camera for indoor photos. The shutter speed and camera responsiveness is also very fast.

The camera is sized just right as a compact camera measuring in at 4.1 x 2.4 x 1.2 inches. This makes it small enough to easily fit into a shirt pocket but large enough that it is easy to hold in your hand. It boasts a sharp / clear 3 inch LCD display on the back. The controls are easy to use and are simple to understand. The camera has a small telescoping lens which shows a small amount of distortion when it reaches it maximum zoom, though that is a common problem with most telescoping lenses.

The S8100 employees two different strategies to help with stabilization. It has both digital stabilization and also an optical stabilization. The macro settings on this camera are also amazing. I was amazed how close you could get and the amount of detail that was picked up. The S8100 offers a full range of ISO settings. Offering both auto settings and manual setups from 160 to 3200.  Reported to be the best around 200 on the ISO range.

This camera takes both JPEG still pictures and .MOV videos. The still pictures have a very impressive resolution of 4000 X 3000 pixels, while the videos are at 1080p at 30 frames per second. Though great for short videos, I wouldn’t recommend the camera if you are hoping to use the video feature primarly.

The CoolPix S8100 makes a great buy running between $250 and $300. At this price, the camera is an amazing purchase. Both professionals and amatures are giving the CoolPix S8100 their praise.

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