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Nikon CoolPix 4500 Nikon updates the hugely successful Coolpix 995, adding a full 4.0-megapixel CCD! Select a topic Reference: Datasheet CoolPix 4500 Photo Gallery! CoolPix 4500 Test Images --------------------------------- 1. Intro and Highlights 2. Executive Overview 3. Design 4. Viewfinder 5. Optics 6. Exposure & Flash 7. Shutter Lag & Cycle Time Tests 8. Operation & User Interface 9. Camera Modes & Menus 10. Image Storage & Interface 11. Video, Power, Software 12. Test Results & Conclusion --------------------------------- Print-Friendly Review Version Additional Resources and Other Links Reader Comments on CoolPix 4500 Review --------------------------------- Digital Camera Comparometer (TM) --------------------------------- <-- Digital Cameras (Home) <-- Digital Camera Reviews Index <<Camera Modes & Menus :(Previous) | (Next): Video, Power, Software>> Page 10:Image Storage & Interface Review First Posted: 5/29/2002

Image Storage and Interface
Like the 995, the Coolpix 4500 uses CompactFlash memory cards, shipping with a 16MB "starter" card. Larger capacity cards are available up to 128MB from Nikon, and as large as 1 GB from third parties. The Coolpix 4500 accommodates both Type I and Type II CompactFlash cards, meaning that it can accept IBM Microdrive (512MB and 1GB sizes only), dramatically increasing storage options. (There was initially some confusion as to whether the 4500 "officially" supported Microdrives or not. The latest word I've had from Nikon USA's PR firm is that they indeed do. Keep in mind though, that power consumption on Microdrives is a good bit higher than that on standard CF cards. This will mean shorter battery life.) The 4500 manages files in much the same way as the 995, with several subtle niceties that make life a little easier, including a folder arrangement that helps organize images in the camera, a sequential frame counter option to avoid problems with overwriting files when copying them to your computer, and the ability to either hide or protect (or both) individual images on each card.

Captured images can be individually write-protected through the Playback menu. Write protected files are only immune to accidental deletion, not card reformatting. File formats include several levels of compressed JPEG files as well as an uncompressed TIFF mode (Hi quality setting). Available image sizes are 2,272 x 1,704, 1,600 x 1,200 (UXGA), 1,280 x 960 (SXGA), 1,024 x 768 (XGA), 640 x 480 (VGA), and 2,272 x 1,520 (3:2 aspect ratio). The table below shows the card capacities and corresponding compression ratios for a few of the available image sizes:

 

Image Capacity vs Resolution/Quality 16MB Memory Card		Uncompressed	Fine	Normal	Economy
Full Resolution 2272x1704	Images	1	8	16	32
	Approx. Compression/Size	1:1 12.2 MB	6:1 1.94 MB	12:1 980 KB	24:1 490 KB
High Resolution 1600x1200	Images	N/A	16	31	59
	Approx. Compression/Size	N/A	6:1 990 KB	11:1 509 KB	21:1 271 KB
Medium Resolution 1280x960	Images	N/A	25	47	84
	Approx. Compression/Size	N/A	6:1 640 KB	11:1 336 KB	20:1 189 KB
Low Resolution 1024x768	Images	N/A	37	69	121
	Approx. Compression/Size	N/A	6:1 427 KB	10:1 230 KB	18:1 131 KB
Tiny Resolution 640x480	Images	N/A	84	139	216
	Approx. Compression/Size	N/A	5:1 189 KB	8:1 115 KB	13:1 74 KB

 

Interface to the host computer is via a USB port. Mac OS and Windows ME & later users will be happy to hear that the 4500 presents itself as a "storage-class" device. This means that it needs no special software drivers under Mac OS 9 or later, and Windows ME and later. (Older versions of Windows still require separate driver software.) Testing the 4500's transfer rate when connected to my G4 PowerMac, I clocked it at 593 KBytes/second, a very respectable rate.

Lost Images? - Download this image-recovery program so you'll have it when you need it...
Since we're talking about memory and image storage, this would be a good time to mention the following: I get a ton of email from readers who've lost photos due to a corrupted memory card. It's tragic when it happens, there are few things more precious than photo memories. Corrupted memory cards can happen with any card type and any camera manufacturer, nobody's immune. "Stuff happens," as they say. A surprising number of "lost" images can be recovered with an inexpensive, easy to use piece of software though. Given the amount of email I've gotten on the topic, I now include this paragraph in all my digicam reviews. The program you need is called PhotoRescue, by DataRescue SA. Read our review of it if you'd like, but download the program now, so you'll have it. It doesn't cost a penny until you need it, and even then it's only $29, with a money back guarantee. So download PhotoRescue for Windows or PhotoRescue for Mac while you're thinking of it. (While you're at it, download the PDF manual and quickstart guide as well.) Stash the file in a safe place and it'll be there when you need it. Trust me, needing this is not a matter of if, but when... PhotoRescue is about the best and easiest tool for recovering digital photos I've seen. (Disclosure: IR gets a small commission from sales of the product, but I'd highly recommend the program even if we didn't.) OK, now back to our regularly scheduled review...