Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 6-10 of 43
 Bad focus for a great camera. September 9, 2006
V. Segos (Athens Greece)
1 out of 9 found this review helpful
The camera has really amazing features. But it also has an outrageously major focus weekness. I made a mistake of buying one.
 Check for RAW support with your Nikon Picture Project Program July 31, 2006
Howard J. Cyr (Aurora, NE United States)
9 out of 9 found this review helpful
My Coolpix 8800 with the image stabilization and zoom is a real pleasure to use. I just wish somebody had pointed one thing out to me. When I finally got my computer upgraded to handle large files, and tried some camera raw files, the Nikon PictureProject reported the raw (.nef) file was un supported.
When I went to the Nikon web site which listed an update to process raw files, it asked for my camera serial number. It then rejected the number with a message that I might have a camera that wasn't a Nikon US camera, and cancelled the download.
I'm not sure how this could be avoided, but recommend that any purchaser of a Nikon camera register it immediately while they can send it back for a refund if it doesn't meet Nikon US requirements. I still like the Nikon cameras and lenses, but I will point out this problem to anyone asking how I like my camera.
 Great camera for the photo hobbyist!! July 15, 2006
E. Shaver (Northern VA, USA)
12 out of 12 found this review helpful
Again, I too will try not to duplicate the efforts of other reviews.
I am not a pro, but I am a pretty advanced user, and this at least my 6th digital camera (I used to work in the industry so it was easy to get them; I didn't have a whole bunch break on me). I bought it because I wanted a great camera for hobby shooting but didn't want to have to deal with separate lenses. This is not a "first-digital-camera"; it's better suited for people who are pretty familiar with digital cameras and are looking for a camera that can be grown into.
You can choose the "point-and-shoot" option or any of several manual options. If you wish to employ the manual controls, the camera DOES take practice. There are a lot of bells and whistles, as someone else mentioned, and I would highly recommend reading the instruction manual and experimenting with it before you take it on a big vacation (and bring the manual too).
The image quality is fantastic, even when you are maxing out the zoom. I take my pictures at 8MP and "fine" quality; anything larger is just overkill unless you're printing 20"x30" prints. The Nikon has the in-camera option of creating a compressed copy of any picture you take (for e-mailing, etc.).
I use the Macro feature a lot, and I took a picture of a caterpillar on a plant and even at a 4x6 print size, I could see the hair folicles on its feet.
I also appreciate the Vibration Reduction feature (which you can turn off) and the flip-out LCD screen. Before I purchased it, I looked at the Canon 6MP Digital Rebel (which felt too big in my hands) and the Sony 8MP (which, like most Sony items, is of good quality but pricey). I ultimately decided on the Nikon because it felt comfortable in my hands, had a good reputation, and had high resolution and a flip-out screen.
There is lag time, as there is with any digital camera. I don't notice that it's any better or worse than other digital cameras I've used. If you want no-lag, you need to look at the D-70 or another digital SLR.
The battery life is really very good, as far as digital cameras go, and the battery doesn't add much weight to the camera. If you are going on vacation or spend a while getting your pictures "just right" before you take them, buy an extra battery--you won't regret it.
I started using the SanDisk Ultra II 1GB CF card and since have not run out of memory during an outting.
If you decide you want to go with the 8800, here are some accessories you may want to consider:
Spare battery (EN-EL7)
Lens Hood (HN-CP14)
Nikon Lens Pen (removes dust from body and lens)
1.0GB CF card
Lowepro Rezo 140 AW camera bag which holds EVERYTHING mentioned here with room to spare
I have had my Nikon for over a year now, and I have not experienced any lens error problems (or otherwise) so far. I'm sorry that people have had trouble with it because it's really an excellent camera and I haven't once regretted purchasing mine. In a heartbeat, I would buy this camera again.
A Great Prosumer Camera April 24, 2006
James N. Finch (Sanford, NC USA)
12 out of 12 found this review helpful
I won't repeat all the stuff in the other reviews. Let me just say that I bought this camera to replace the D100, a fine Nikon DSLR. I was tired of the "lens fever" that is never ending. Also, the bulk and weight of all the equipment was tiring.
The 8800 has some lag, just like all non-slr cameras. But, I've learned to live with it. I just pace myself. The continuous shooting modes give you ample opportunity to shoot action sports.
The quality of the pictures is awesome. The zoom lens gives me all that I had with my 5 pound lens.
Speed isn't everything and maybe this camera isn't for everyone, but it's meeting my needs. I'm not going back to my DSLR.
Nikon Lens Error March 11, 2006
Elston Hill (Port Angeles, WA)
13 out of 15 found this review helpful
I was down in Antarctica when I turned on the camera and it said "lens error". After a day of missing some of the best pictures of Emperor Penguins with my 8800, I twisted the lens and got it to work. The same thing happened to me in Bolivia, just after the warranty expired. I called Nikon and they insist there is no problem with the camera. Do a Google search of "lens error" and Nikon 8800 and you will find lots of unhappy people with the same experience. This is my third and last Nikon.
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