Nikon sent me their latest pocket superzoom camera, the 12-megapixel Coolpix S8100, a few weeks ago. Like other pocket superzooms it has a 10x zoom lens and it fits in a pants or shirt pocket. Besides the 30-300mm Nikkor ED VR zoom lens, the S8100 also has full HD video, a 5 frames-per-second full-resolution burst rate, great close-up shooting and a 240 frames-per-second slow motion video mode. I’ve been playing with the camera for a couple of weeks now and I made a hands-on preview video to show you what the camera can do. Read on to learn more…
Pocket superzooms like the Nikon Coolpix S8100 are my favorite point-and-shoot cameras right now. I like them for their versatility and pocket-sized convenience. Yes, there are premium compact cameras that offer better image quality and more manual control. But if they don’t fit in my pocket (and my backpack shoulder pouch), I’m not interested. Camera snobs can keep their G12s, P7000s and LX5s. If I want something better I’ll take the Olympus Pen or a digital SLR. But when I want a quick, light, convenient camera that’s better than a camera phone, I’m taking the Nikon Coolpix S8100 – or something like it.
A couple of months ago I bought a Canon PowerShot SD4500 IS pocket superzoom for myself (Canon PowerShot SD4500 IS Pro Review). I was disappointed to discover that the advertised 8.8 FPS burst rate was actually a low-resolution shooting mode – worthless for me. One of my readers pointed out that the Nikon Coolpix S8100 had a 5 FPS full-resolution burst rate and recommended that I check it out. So I did:
Nikon Coolpix S8100 Pocket Superzoom Camera Preview Video:
I haven’t shot a lot with the Nikon Coolpix S8100 and I haven’t posted any photos yet. But I plan to use it for a while so keep your eyes open for field photos and controlled studio sample photos. I’ll add links for photos here when I have more to show. I’m still getting used to it but so far I’m impressed by the image quality, the burst rate and the video. If you’re in the market for a pocket superzoom and you’d like to compare the S8100 to some comparable cameras, make sure to read my Pocket Superzoom Camera Guide. The S8100 is listed along with Casio, Sony, Canon, Fujifilm and Panasonic cameras.
Related Content:
Nikon Review Page
Pocket Superzoom Cameras Guide
Nikon Cameras Forum
Digital Cameras Forum
More Nikon News And Articles
Nikon Web Site
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