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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 <<Image Storage & Interface :(Previous) | (Next): Test Results & Conclusion>> Page 11:Video, Power, Software Review First Posted: 5/29/2002

Video Out

US and Japanese versions of the Coolpix 4500 include an NTSC video cable for connecting to a television set. European models will doubtless include PAL-compatible cabling, given the Video Mode option for PAL timing in the settings menu. All images that would normally appear on the LCD are routed to the external video display so that the television screen becomes an enlarged version of the LCD monitor and can be used both for image playback and composition.


Power

The Coolpix 4500 runs on either a 2CR5 non-rechargeable Lithium battery, or Nikon's rechargeable EN-EL1 lithium-ion battery pack. Both are housed inside the hand grip, and the compact power source contributes to the compact hand grip dimensions. (As compared to a camera using a set of AA cells.) The 4500 can also operate from an external AC adapter which plugs into the front of the camera. Nikon estimates that a fully charged battery pack should provide about 100 minutes of recording time, with the LCD monitor enabled, which is only a little optimistic compared to my own measurements. Working with the LCD monitor disabled will slightly increase battery life, and the ability to switch the autofocus mode from Continuous to Single saves some battery power as well. The Coolpix 4500 also features an Auto Power Off option which shuts the camera off after 30 seconds, or after 1, 5, or 30 minutes of inactivity.

The table below shows my usual power measurements, taken under various operating conditions.

 

Operating Mode	Power Drain (@ 8.4 v)	Estimated Minutes (650mAh, 7.4v EN-EL1)
Capture Mode, w/LCD	404 mA	85
Capture Mode, w/LCD, continuous AF	419 mA	82
Capture Mode, no LCD	322 mA	107
Half-pressed shutter w/LCD	392 mA	88
Half-pressed w/o LCD	310 mA	111
Memory Write (transient)	1032 mA	n/a
Flash Recharge (transient)	1029 mA	n/a
Image Playback	228 mA	151

 

Another consequence of the LiIon battery technology is that the 4500 requires a higher voltage on its external power jack to operate. This isn't an issue for studio use, but it does mean that most of the NiMH-based external power packs out there won't power the 4500 in the field. Fortunately, Maha makes a LiIon external "PowerBank" (shown above with the previous 995 model) that will power the 4500 just fine. For about $60, this (very nicely packaged) unit will power the 4500 for a total of over 5 hours in capture mode with the LCD operating, when used in together with the internal battery. (!) This is a really excellent run time, just what you'd need for all-day intensive shooting! One note - Maha makes both NiMH and LiIon versions of the PowerBank, make sure you get the LiIon model for the 4500. (Model number MH-DPB140LI.) You can order these online from Thomas-Distributing. Highly recommended!

Included Software

The software they didn't include...

(But that you should) Few people realize just how *much* you can improve your digicam images through clever processing in Photoshop. Greatly (!) increased sharpness, reduced noise, and even ultra-wide dynamic range (light-to-dark range) by combining multiple exposures. Fred Miranda and uber-Photoshop expert Fred Miranda has packaged some of his Photoshop magic in a collection of powerful and affordably priced "actions." Check out his site, the results are pretty amazing! Camera manuals are (sometimes) fine for knowing which button does what, but where do you go to learn how and when to use the various features? Dennis Curtin's "Shortcourses" books and CDs are the answer. (Cheap for what you get, too.) Order the Shortcourses manual for the camera reviewed in this article.

Packaged with the Coolpix 4500 is a software CD containing Nikon View Version 5, and ArcSoft's software suite, consisting of PhotoImpression, VideoImpression, Panorama Maker, and PhotoBase for PDAs. A USB cable also comes with the camera, for quick connection to a PC or Macintosh. The Nikon View software allows you to quickly download and organize images, and works with the camera's Auto Transfer option (in the Playback menu). When Auto Transfer is turned on, Nikon View will automatically download images as soon as the camera is connected, saving you a little time. ArcSoft PhotoImpression provides image editing and enhancement tools, allowing you to make minor corrections, as well as apply creative effects. VideoImpression performs similar functions with video files, while Panorama Maker does just what its name implies, stitching together sequences of overlapping photos into large panoramic images. PhotoBase is a basic image-database application. All of the applications provided with the 4500 are fully cross-platform, working on both Mac and PC computers.


In the Box

Packaged with the Coolpix 4500 are the following:

• Lens cap
• Neck strap
• NTSC Video cable (PAL for European models)
• 16MB CompactFlash Card
• USB cable
• Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery EN-EL1
• Battery Charger MH-51
• Software CD containing Nikon View Version 5, and ArcSoft's software suite, consisting of PhotoImpression, VideoImpression, Panorama Maker, and PhotoBase for PDAs