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Feeling the need for speed? Nikon's Coolpix P300 Digital Camera (Black) is here to help. It has one of the fastest lenses around--an f/1.8-f/4.9 24-100mm (equivalent in 35mm format) 4.2x zoom lens for great low-light results and shallow depth of field. With a top shutter speed of 1/2000 second, ultra-fast start-up, quick autofocus, 8fps continuous shooting capability, and sensitivity up to 3200 ISO, the P300 is a real speed demon.
A 12.2MP CMOS sensor, a bright, very high resolution (921K dots) TFT LCD monitor and 1080p full HD video puts the P300 into an elite league, one loaded with advanced features. Advanced Night Landscape and Advanced Night Portrait modes, for example, that rapidly shoot and combine several images to produce one sharp, beautiful photo in very dim light. Four-way VR image stabilization, Motion Detection, Best Shot Selector and D-Lighting all help you produce gorgeous pictures under even the most difficult lighting conditions.
Special effects such as Fisheye, Miniature, Painting, and Easy Panorama expand your creative possibilities. And the Smart Portrait System will catch a subject's smile every time, while warning you when your subject blinks, and will correct for redeye automatically while shooting. You can take full control of all the settings (with PASM), or use Programmed Auto for optimal settings, automatically. Take a P300 for a quick spin, and you'll want to take it home.
| Imaging | |
|---|---|
| Resolution | Effective: 12.2 Megapixel, Actual Pixels: 12.75 Megapixel |
| Sensor | 1/2.3" CMOS |
| File Formats |
Still Images: JPEG Movies: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 Audio: AAC |
| Max Resolution | 12MP: 4000 x 3000 @ 4:3 |
| Aspect Ratio | 4:3 |
| Image Stabilization | Mechanical |
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Lens |
NIKKOR, 7 elements in 6 groups EFL: 4.3-17.9 mm (35mm equivalent: 24-100 mm) Aperture: f/1.8 (W) - 4.9 (T) |
| Zoom |
Optical: 4.2x Digital: 2x |
| Focus Range |
Wide: 11.81" (30 cm) - Infinity Telephoto: 23.62" (60 cm) - Infinity Macro: 1.2" (3.05 cm) - Infinity |
| Exposure Control | |
|---|---|
| ISO Sensitivity | 160-3200 |
| Shutter |
Type: Electronic & Mechanical Speed: 8 - 1/2000 sec |
| Exposure Metering | Center-weighted, Matrix |
| Exposure Modes |
Modes: Aperture Priority, Auto, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority Compensation: -2 EV to +2 EV (in 0.33 EV steps) |
| White Balance Modes | Auto, Manual |
| Burst Rate | Up to 8 fps at 12.2 MP for up to 7 frames |
| Self Timer | 2 Sec, 10 Sec |
| Flash | |
|---|---|
| Built-in Flash | Yes: Auto |
| Effective Flash Range |
Wide: 1.64 - 21.65' (0.5 - 6.6 m) Telephoto: 1.64 - 8.20' (0.5 - 2.5 m) |
| Memory | |
|---|---|
| Built-in Memory | 90MB |
| Memory Card Type |
SD SDHC SDXC |
| Recording | |
|---|---|
| Video Recording | Yes, NTSC/PAL |
| Video | |
|---|---|
| Audio Recording | With Video, Stereo |
| Viewfinder/Display | |
|---|---|
| Screen | 3" LCD Rear Screen (921000 pixels) |
| Connectivity/System Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Connectivity |
AV Output USB 2.0 HDMI A (Full Size) |
| Environmental | |
|---|---|
| Operating/Storage Temperature |
Operating 32 to 104 °F (0 to 40 °C) |
| Power | |
|---|---|
| Battery | EN-EL12 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 2.3 x 4.1 x 1.3" / 5.84 x 10.41 x 3.30 cm |
| Weight | 6.67 oz / 189 g With Battery and Memory Card |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
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Most Liked Positive Review
DSLR Quality in a Point-and-shoot Packag
Wnen I decided to get a new point-and-shoot camera, I knew I wanted something that could deal with low-light situations, and I wanted high-res images that would be good source material for me to ...Read complete review
Wnen I decided to get a new point-and-shoot camera, I knew I wanted something that could deal with low-light situations, and I wanted high-res images that would be good source material for me to manipulate in Photoshop. I started by asking people I knew who took photography seriously. This narrowed my field of choices down to the Canon Powershot and the Nikon Coolpix. I looked at all the reviews and comparisons i could find and decided on either the Coolpix P300 or the S9100. I was seduced by the extreme zoom available with the S9100, but what convinced me in the end was the superior optics of the P300. Just one day after buying he P300, I knew I made the right choice! In a low-light situation, in Auto mode, with no flash and no tripod and taking all of 2 seconds to compose I snapped a shot that turned out amazing. The LCD is great for my old eyes, and the menu is very intuitive. Yes I wish there was greater zoom, but since I pull almost everything into Photoshop anyway, having better image quality is more important.
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Most Liked Negative Review
Good, but flawed
Nifty camera for low light, BUT...
- Smallest flash in the history of photography?
- Flash overexposes inside six feet. Difficult fill flash.
- Camera will fire in low ...Read complete review
Nifty camera for low light, BUT...
- Smallest flash in the history of photography?
- Flash overexposes inside six feet. Difficult fill flash.
- Camera will fire in low light before AF or exposure is set!
- Left to its own devices, camera defaults to high ISO outdoors...should go to lower, high quality ISO when light sufficient.
- No external charger for spare battery.
- Video recording beyond 5 min. heats camera.
- Lens flare polluted with colors.
- Shutter lag embarrassing for high-end P&S.
- CD owner's manual no good in the field. Cheapsters at Nikon should at least offer printed manual at profitable extra charge.
However...
- SLR-like controls are great for serious photographer, beginner or SLR hopeful.
- Lens sharpest at f/5.6, per tests.
- Excellent screen, better than my Nikon SLR.
Reviewed by 107 customers
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Pros
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Comments about Nikon Coolpix P300 Digital Camera (Black):
I bought the Coolpix P300 because I am using it for my work. It is a good one and I would recommend it to anyone who needs a Camera.
It is easy to use.
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Comments about Nikon Coolpix P300 Digital Camera (Black):
I wanted a really handsome, compact point-and-shoot for travel and taking everyday pictures. This thing is mighty and powerful, and takes a really great-looking snapshot, according to this amateur. The battery life is super impressive, as well: I don't even remember when the last time was that I charged the camera, and yet the battery still appears to be fully charged. A++.
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Comments about Nikon Coolpix P300 Digital Camera (Black):
I gave this camera to my fiance as a gift, and we recently took it on a trip to Turkey. Camera took lovely pictures, turns on super quickly (handy for snapping quick shots), and didn't eat batteries.
One issue -- there was a USB charger included in the package, but it was not listed on the website, so we bought one from another source. Listing everything in the package would be nice.
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Comments about Nikon Coolpix P300 Digital Camera (Black):
Great features, fantastic photos, easy to use, color is pheonomial. Low light and backlit subjects photograph perfectly. HD video is outstanding for a small camera. I'm very pleased. Take the time to print out the manual and find out about all of the possibilities with this baby. My only issue, but not really an issue, is that it's a little small for large hands, but I guess all compact cameras are these days.
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Comments about Nikon Coolpix P300 Digital Camera (Black):
Bought this to carry along so I don't miss shots when I'm not lugging around my DSLR. I've read several reviews saying this is not an enthusiast P&S as it does not shoot RAW. I would think most people looking to purchase this camera want something for those days they left the DSLR at home (i.e. not planning to shoot RAW anyway). I carry this backpacking (on multi-day trips when weight is an issue), I carry it at work for quick random shots, and I have it in the car "just in case". If I plan to shoot RAW, that's just it: I PLAN to shoot RAW. If I'm going to bother shooting RAW, I'll use my DSLR - that's why I have it. I bought this to be a P&S that I could simply use to take a picture when planning isn't possible and this camera truly delivers. Shots are colorful, sharp and well exposed. Low light photography (don't care for on-camera flash) is exceptional. Gives you Aperture and Shutter Priority modes, full Manual and Programed Auto along with full Auto (which I never use), exposure compensation, and color saturation and hue adjustment options just to name a few. Some of the scene modes are actually kind of useful and I find myself using them at times when I'm rushed and have to fire a shot quickly or miss it. Showed some photos I took indoors with no flash to several photography enthusiasts (Nikon, Canon and Sony DSLR users) and their response was "WOW, you took those pictures with THAT?!?" The f1.8 lens (beating out all the competition in this price range) is far more valuable then shooting RAW (in my opinion). If shooting RAW is what keeps you from buying this camera, you're missing the point. This isn't meant to replace a DSLR, it's a camera for those of us who own one but can't carry it everywhere and can't stand not having artistic control when photographing (so a "regular" P&S just won't cut it for us). Learn to get the exposure you want in-camera (or at least close to it) and you won't worry about shooting jpeg from a Point & Shoot. Keep in mind that despite how much I LOVE this camera it IS a point and shoot. Don't try to compare it to a DSLR as I keep seeing in other reviews. It just isn't that. But it is the best P&S I've owned or used and don't regret choosing this for an instant!
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Comments about Nikon Coolpix P300 Digital Camera (Black):
It amazed me with its bright and clear lens when I took some shots inside Metropolitan Museum. None of them needed flash. Quality was very good in a low ISO. Shutter speed according to a point and shoot: not that fast, neither that boring. I enjoyed very much the moment.
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Comments about Nikon Coolpix P300 Digital Camera (Black):
I was at first a little sketchy to buy it, and i worried because one review said it didnt contain the RAW feature, however i am more than satisfied with how sharp and clear the pictures are! also at how well it takes pictures (in many different light conditions etc.) and the speed at which it takes them is all wonderful. This camera is sooooo much more than one would expect, Nikon has really done an amazing job, i STRONGLY recommend it to all!
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Comments about Nikon Coolpix P300 Digital Camera (Black):
for candid shoots aand vidoes
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Comments about Nikon Coolpix P300 Digital Camera (Black):
I bought the P300 to replace my Nikon D60 which was just too big to haul around when I was out with my two kids. The reasons why I bought the P300 are:
* Bright lens - This little camera takes wide angle pictures without the flash indoors (f/1.8)
* Manual controls - Need that for the fine tuning. This camera has two dial controls so in M mode it is easy to change aperture and shutter values.
* Manual flash - I rather have to popup the flash myself than dig thru the menus to disable it when not needed.
* Small size - P300 is kinda boxy but easy to carry around.
Why I went with the P300 and not the P310? When I compared the features, I have decided that I do not need what the P310 offers so P300 saved me some money.
One negative aspect of the camera is that there is no way to adjust the JPEG compression. Indeed like some other reviews stated, the compression is visible. But that's just minor as most of my pictures are either viewed on the TV or printed in 4x6 format. Compression does not really show in such cases.
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Comments about Nikon Coolpix P300 Digital Camera (Black):
I researched a number of cameras and found the Coolpix 300 met my needs. I have just received it and hven't used it much but I do like the size and simplicity of it. I especially like the range of the zoom which I lacked in my old camera. The only complaint I have is the size of the camera pouch. It could be a little bigger. Trying to get anything in and out of the zippered pocket is almost impossible.
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Comments about Nikon Coolpix P300 Digital Camera (Black):
Most used camera ever owned. The P300 does it all, forget dragging your SLR's around....The Coolpix P300 can handle ANYTHING !!!!
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Comments about Nikon Coolpix P300 Digital Camera (Black):
I really wanted to get a camera that can take good pictures in low light, since I end up taking a lot of shots out at bars/restaurants with my friends, and at concerts. I also wanted something a step above the more disposable/low quality point and shoots, so that it'll be a long time before I need (or want) to buy a new camera. I'm no professional photographer (there's a lot of debate among pros about which high end point and shoot is the best), but this camera absolutely rocks. It's easy to use and 99% of the time the pictures I take with the auto settings are absolutely amazing. It takes fantastic pictures in low light, and when I do manually fiddle with the settings (something I keep planning on learning how to do better, though I, er, still haven't quite gotten around to it...), things still turn out great.
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Comments about Nikon Coolpix P300 Digital Camera (Black):
Fast, great image quality and features, but less than 6 months, the on/off button doesn't work. It started acting up after just a few months, but now dead in the water. It is a shame becuz this is a super camera..it just needs to be reliable.
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Comments about Nikon Coolpix P300 Digital Camera (Black):
I shoot with a Nikon D300s, as well as old film cameras and this is a great addition to my collection. I bought this for those daily moments where a DSLR is not needed. It takes great quality photos and is nice and compact, easily fits in my pocket.
If you are looking for a good low light p&s this is a great choice. The PASM settings are rare on a point and shoot and were a must for me. I haven't used the movie setting much, but they on camera record button does make it tempting, and so very easy.
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Comments about Nikon Coolpix P300 Digital Camera (Black):
This is really a great camera. I previously had a Sony point and shoot and a Panasonic Lunix. This is by far a vast improvement over both.
The camera is very small and lightweight. It fits easily into my pockets. Most important to me, it takes very fast photos. I must add, though, that the person in the photos must be still for the quick second when the picture is being taken or else the picture will be blurry--the reason I gave the camera four rather than five stars. However, the camera quickly allows the photographer to take another subsequent photo, thus decreasing the chance that all photos will be blurry.
This camera is also good in dark situations. I tend to take inside photos and am very impressed by the pictures the camera takes in sub-optimal light.
The zoom and other features of the camera have been adequate for my everyday needs. A professional or serious photographer might want a camera with more options, but for an amateur picture taker, this camera should suit everyday needs.
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Comments about Nikon Coolpix P300 Digital Camera (Black):
Were it not for the lack of RAW recording and rather short (4.2x) zoom, this would be my go-to camera. It would also be nice if you could bump the ISO to 6400. Bought this specifically for a trip to SE Asia because I didn't want to lug a DSLR with me (already carrying a TLR) and it hasn't disappointed. Carry it day-to-day at work as a bike messenger and it's got a lot of punch for a small camera. Super-fast continuous shooting, coupled with the wide angle and large aperture make for a great camera to shoot from the hip with; great in crowded old markets where you want to be discreet. All in all, very satisfied but wish I knew how to hack to firmware to unlock RAW. Almost forgot, the panorama feature is awesome!
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Comments about Nikon Coolpix P300 Digital Camera (Black):
I purchased this camera for my wife to replace an aging Kodak point and shoot.
It setting it up prior to wrapping up as a Christmas present, I did some test shots.
The speed on this camera with a Class 10 SDHC card is amazing. I think it's quicker than my Nikon D60. The pictures looked remarkably clear in my test shots. The video mode is easy to use and the slow motion is a nifty bonus.
I think she's going to be really happy with it coming from a 3 year old 8mp CCD Kodak to this guy.
I can't comment on any cons as she hasn't used it yet. If possible, I'll update this post down the road to include some feedback.
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Comments about Nikon Coolpix P300 Digital Camera (Black):
The P300 is an excellent high-end camera that truly fits in the pocket. It has a faster lens than the similar Canon s95. It does not shoot in RAW, however.
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Comments about Nikon Coolpix P300 Digital Camera (Black):
Nice, bright LCD screen...easy Nikon menus. Small size. I own a Nikon DLSR and this is a nice match.
Great for those times when I can't carry my D90.
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Comments about Nikon Coolpix P300 Digital Camera (Black):
the lack of an orientation sensor was annoying but in the end i returned the camera due to the inability to reduce the aggressive JPEG compression. to illustrate, at 9MP the photo file sizes were 1/3 smaller than produced by my 6MP camera on "fine" mode.
also, the auto-focus at f1.8/widest frame was picky.
aside from that it was well made and had a great set of features and was very fast.
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