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Nikon shooter has fast lens and high resolution but lacks RAW support
- Comfortable, compact design
- Wide-angle coverage for landscape shots
- Full 1080p HD video with stereo sound
- Sharp, high-resolution LCD panel
- Can optically zoom while recording
- Doesn't offer RAW file support
- No viewfinder
- Lacks quick menu access to settings
- Noisy zoom motor in video recording mode
Reviewers say the moderately priced Nikon Coolpix P300 offers several key advantages over more expensive compact camera rivals. Unlike the Canon PowerShot S95 (*Est. $330) and the Olympus XZ-1 (*Est. $350) , the P300 boasts a fast 4.2x optical zoom lens that delivers more wide-angle coverage (24 mm equivalent) than either the S95 or the XZ-1. The P300 also has a higher resolution (12 megapixels vs. 10 megapixels) and shoots in full 1080p HD video rather than the standard 720p found on most compacts in this class.
Testers at Pocket-Lint.com say that while the P300 is "boxy," its compact dimensions (4.1 inches wide and 2.3 inches tall) make it easy to tote in a handbag or shirt pocket. Other features include vibration reduction to help prevent camera shake and High Dynamic Range, which accentuates details in highlights and shadows. A range of automatic shooting modes will appeal to amateurs who don't want to fuss with settings. But the P300's cumbersome menu and lack of RAW support will disappoint experienced shooters. In addition, the camera has no viewfinder; users must compose their shots on the P300's 3-inch LCD panel (921,000-dots), which provides "more than enough detail" for framing crisp images, according to Mark Goldstein at PhotographyBlog.com.
Photo-wise, reviews are mixed. Some users report bright, accurate colors, while others complain of underexposed shots in automatic mode and say the P300's small sensor can't deliver the image quality of its larger sensor Canon S95 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 (*Est. $370) .
We found comprehensive reviews at PhotographyBlog.com, DPReview.com and TechRadar.com where experts test all aspects of the Nikon Coolpix P300. Pocket-Lint.com's concise review ranks the P300 against the Canon PowerShot S95 while users at Amazon.com post long-term owner feedback.
| Nikon COOLPIX P300 12.2 CMOS Digital Camera with 4.2x f/1.8 NIKKOR Wide-Angle Optical Zoom Lens and Full HD 1080p Video (Black) | |
(133 reviews) In Stock. |
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Our Sources
Despite finding the Nikon Coolpix P300 better suited "as an affordable semi-advanced compact" rather than a DSLR backup, Mark Goldstein gives the camera a Recommended rating for its fast lens and automatic features. However, the P300 lacks RAW support and delivers image quality that's "simply not as good as its rivals."
Review: Nikon Coolpix P300 Review, Mark Goldstein, March 29, 2011
2. DPReview.com
Testers compare the Nikon Coolpix P300 to the Canon PowerShot S95 and Olympus XZ-1, which sport similar compact builds. The P300 outdoes it rivals with higher resolution, a wider lens and full 1080p HD video. However, testers fret that the P300's small sensor, absence of RAW support and inability to quickly access settings "prevent this camera from achieving its potential."
Review: Nikon P300 Review, Kelcey Smith and Barnaby Britton, May 2011
The Nikon Coolpix P300 "certainly delivers value for money," offering results that exceed expectations for its price, say testers at TechRadar.com. Aside from a fast lens, the P300's ease of use, manual control and vivid images are cited as notable features. But, there are minor quibbles about underexposed shots in automatic mode.
Review: Nikon Coolpix P300 Review, Natalie Johnson, April 11, 2011
William Perceval compares the Nikon Coolpix P300 to the Canon PowerShot S95 and is impressed by the P300's macro mode and autofocus. But he rates the overall image quality "so-so" and notes that it's not "quite up there with the larger sensor" S95. Still, he says the P300 makes a "decent choice" for those who want an inexpensive compact that offers full manual control.
Review: Nikon Coolpix P300 Review, William Perceval, May 10, 2011
5. Amazon.com
More than 80 owners give the Nikon Coolpix P300 4.5 stars out of 5, with most of them lauding its lightweight portability and image quality. However, one longtime Nikon user finds the video "jumpy" while others complain that zoom motor noise surfaces in recordings. A few lament that the P300's battery can only be charged inside the camera - though that's common with point-and-shoot digital cameras.
Review: Nikon Coolpix P300, Contributors to Amazon.com
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