Nikon Coolpix S9100

Expert testers love the Nikon Coolpix S9100 -- but too many owners complain that this ultra-zoom camera freezes up or otherwise breaks within the first few weeks of use. This deal-breaking flaw doesn't show up in expert tests, and many owners report no problems, either. In fact, top experts find little to criticize about the S9100. Its compact, 7.6-ounce body conceals a versatile lens that extends from a wide-angle 25 mm all the way out to 450 mm, an 18x zoom. It's a fast worker -- there's little autofocus lag, for example -- and the 12.1-megapixel image sensor churns out good-looking photos in bright light. There are no manual controls, but experts say they don't miss them: The S9100 offers a lot of automatic shooting modes that do a great job controlling the settings on their own.

The S9100 advertises full 1080p HD video, but testers have mixed opinions about its quality: DPReview.com says it looks "excellent," but CNET and PC World find it just average -- about like an inexpensive pocket camcorder. Image quality does tend to get soft and noisy in low light, but no more than any other pocket ultra-zoom. Still, the repeated owner complains about the S9100 keep it from earning a Best Reviewed pick. That goes to the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX9V (Discontinued) , which gets consistently good feedback from both experts and owners.

Owner reviews at Amazon.com are vital, because they reveal serious problems with the Nikon Coolpix S9100 that don't show up in expert tests. Tests at DPReview.com, CNET, PC World and ConsumerReports.org are carefully designed and executed, but they can't find flaws that appear only after weeks of use.