First Look review posted for Nikon Coolpix 4300
By
Dave Etchells
(Thursday, August 29, 2002 - 18:37 EDT)
While their traditional strength and renown has been in the high end and professional realms of photography, Nikon has actually developed a strong line of digicams aimed at more novice users.
These cameras still include many advanced Nikon features (like my personal favorite, the "Best Shot Selector"), but provide ample "scene modes" that make picture-taking simple in what otherwise might be challenging situations. (Night shots, indoor scenes, fireworks, etc.) Last year, the Coolpix 885 was one of the more popular models on the market as it offered upscale consumers excellent picture quality and ease of use, while providing great versatility.
Now, Nikon's updated the 885 by adding a 4 megapixel CCD, calling the result the Coolpix 4300. I've had a preproduction model of the 4300 for a few days now to play with, and must say I've been impressed by the image quality it displayed. Nikon says the version I have isn't final yet, so asked me not to show any photos snapped with it, but I have to say that it's already looking pretty doggone good.
I'll have a more complete report whenever Nikon gets me a production unit to test, but meanwhile, have posted a first look review that includes all my usual power and timing tests, as well as a brief analysis of what I've seen so far in the prototype. Check it out!
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