Nikon Coolpix 4500 4MP Digital Camera w/ 4x Optical Zoom

A 4-megapixel capability means that you can take pictures at up to 2,272 by 1,704 pixels in size, which can be printed out at 11 by 14 without any loss of quality. Our images duly impressed us, with sharp edges, bright colors, and an incredible amount of detail. Also impressive is the 4500's 4x optical zoom. Higher than most digital cameras, the 4x zoom lets you get close to your subject, with another 4x of digital zoom available after the snap.

A built-in flash pops up when needed, and the audio recording capability lets you dictate memos to match your pictures. The rechargeable battery provides about two hours of life, although it must be removed from the camera for a recharge.

Although the 4500 features a broad range of tools for the more advanced digital photographer, it's easy enough for the beginner to use. Its 16 different scene modes--including various portraits and a panorama assist mode--make taking different types of pictures a one-click task.

Nikon includes only a 16 MB CompactFlash card, but it supports Type I and II cards, meaning you can pop in a 512 MB or 1 GB microdrive for the ultimate in storage.

The 4500 is a hefty metal camera, and you can't just drop it into a breast pocket. But you also won't be afraid of damaging it easily. It looks and feels like it works--sharp, dependable, and versatile. --J. Curtis

Pros:

• Bright, detailed images
• High resolution and optical zoom
• Innovative twist design

Cons:

• Hefty
• Have to remove battery to recharge

The 4x optical zoom (35mm equivalent of 38-155mm)--as well as the 4x digital zoom for a total of 8x zoom--provides versatility and control over picture composition.

The Coolpix 4500 sports the classic twist design of the 900 series Coolpix digital cameras, providing you creative control to shoot from any angle--from over-the-crowd shots to self portraits.

Advanced photographic controls are available, as are 16 scene modes (including the new multiple exposure and panorama assist). Select from four metering options, six white-balance options, a myriad of exposure settings and compensation modes, and more. Shoot in program, aperture priority, shutter priority, or full manual modes.

The automatic pop-up style built-in flash moves the flash away from the lens, which minimizes red eye. The camera's meter will detect if there is a low-light situation and automatically pop up the flash for you. Alternately, you can use the optional multiflash bracket to attach up to five external Nikon Speedlights to the Coolpix 4500, giving you a huge range of lighting options

The Coolpix 4500 comes bundled with NikonView 5 browser software (for Mac and Windows), which makes it simple to organize, retrieve, and print images. It includes a lens cap, neck strap, 16 MB CompactFlash card, AV cable, USB cable, rechargeable lithium-ion battery (EN-EL1), and battery charger. It is compatible with type I and II CompactFlash memory cards as well as IBM Microdrives (512 MB and 1 GB).

Product Description
The compact, lightweight Coolpix 4500 offers the user a smarter way to take superior pictures. Whether you simply select program mode for ease of use or manual for full creative control, the Coolpix 4500 delivers excellent-quality images. The Coolpix 4500 boasts a radically exciting swivel design that provides unprecedented response and allows you to shoot at any angle. The 4x Zoom-Nikkor lens, with its 7.85-32mm focal range (equivalent to 38-155mm in 35mm [135] camera format), delivers superb optical performance. 4.0 effective megapixels provide ultrahigh definition and combines with Nikon's image processing algorithm to ensure images of remarkable color, contrast and clarity.With certain subjects, such as tall buildings, the perspective tends to be emphasized (slanted) when shot from a low angle. The perspective control feature allows you to de-emphasize or straighten the converging lines. Indeed, with so many features and accessories, and a remarkably easy-to-use design, the Coolpix 4500 promises to win over countless new users to the increasingly exciting field of digital photography.