Smile Timer and Blink Proof makes sure you’ll always catch the decisive moment when your subject smiles and Blink Proof function shoots two pictures and
Customer Reviews
Best digicam - Sep 02, 2010
A wonder digicam. Even a novice can become an expert with such details on the menu. If you have a passion for photography this a never-miss cam.
High maintence camera!! - Sep 02, 2010
The first one stopped holding a charge and I had a hard time getting it to turn on. The second one lost it's charge and I couldn't get it to turn on at all. The third one, I took it out of the box and it wouldn't even turn on the first time. Done! So I purchased a Panasonic-ZR3 which is also 14mp, 10X zoom and 25mm lens. It's also cheaper. I loved the Panasonic Lumix I had before.
Besides the fact that it wouldn't turn on, there were so many things about this camera I didn't like. (I used the first one for about 3 months before it stopped working.)
The flash is such an obvious flaw I can't believe it went to production. If you hold the camera with two hands, a finger naturally goes over the flash, which then can't pop up. You get used to it, but never mind giving the camera to someone else to shoot the picture unless you explain not to put their finger there....because they will every time....and you lose the picture you were trying to get, or have to do it over.
The on button is tiny and inverted into the camera. So even if the battery charges correctly, it usually took several pushes to get it to come on.
The shutter in front of the lens constantly stuck open or closed.
The video quality is so poor it's almost not worth using. The mic is on top of the camera.
It can only be charge with a USB cord. Which is cumbersome if you have to recharge away from home.
The camera just overall is unreliable, flimsy, and unpredictable. The pictures are great, no doubt. But I don't think that's the camera, but the 14 mp. Very high maintenance camera!!
Nikon s8000 provided fantastic photos on my vacation - Aug 20, 2010
I have no complaints about this camera. I am not a pro photographer, but I have always liked keeping video records and this camera has been great. The picture quality is fantastic. I can't think of any complaints about this camera.
Not Pleased! - Aug 18, 2010
I spent tooo much on this Nikon. I am very disappointed with the body frame and the picture quality. Too expensive for the pictures that it takes. Even in my purse, some how, the metal around the pop up flash got bent in and I had to do a quick fix myself and I did a good job on my own repair..bent it back into shape using a cloth and needle nose pliers. I had to remove the plastic side pannel first. Cheaply built. It's a major shame. All my other digital cameras never...never had a problem being in my purse. But, I never had a pop up flash on a pocket camera either. Steer away from the pop up falsh cameras...just incase you don't want to have this problem.
The picture quality sucks. I didn't expect DSLR quality pics but I did expect better that what I get as far as the pics go. It's bigger than I wanted too. It looks good, the wide angle is ok, the START UP IS SLOOOW. LIKE A TURTLE IN A THREE LEG race. What ever. That is another major disappointment. By the time I wanted to take a fast shot, the shot would be lost due to a slow start up. All my other older digital cameras all started up quick and the all cost a lot less. But, you live, buy and learn.
If you don't mind these flaws, then go ahead and purchase one! but...I am putting my own warning lable on it. Just keep it in a safe carry case!
so far so good... - Aug 16, 2010
I've barely had this camera a month, but so far I do like it. It takes some quality pictures, which I admit I have to run around the settings a bit to get the best for what I want. I don't rely on the Auto, it usually doesn't give me the kind of picture I'm looking for. I've taken a couple videos, during the day and night. The day quality is amazing. The night... it's okay, I can still make out what everything is for the most part. My only issue with that is when I playback the video on the camera, the audio is EXTREMELY low. But as soon as I upload the video onto my laptop it's loud. Not sure if that's a camera flaw exactly. Other than that, I enjoy using this camera, take it on vacations, concerts and just nights out.
Lemon! - Aug 13, 2010
Clearly, I got a lemon. I can't even write a proper review of this camera because I only really used it for a few days before it wouldn't work at all. I sent it back to Nikon and they had it for months, stating that the repair was covered under warranty. I just got it back this week and I still cannot even turn it on. Why on EARTH would they send it back to me without testing it first? I called them back and they sent me a UPS label to send it back for repair. Franky, I wish they would keep this piece of junk and just send me my money back. I have used my Canon Digital Rebel, with no problems at all, since 2005 and I only wanted a small camera to carry with me on a trip and for the summer to take to my swim club. The trip came and went and summer is almost over so the camera will be worthless to me now; that's if Nikon can even get it to work. I would not recommend buying this camera!
Soooooooooo Impressed!!! - Aug 11, 2010
This camera is truly AMAZING! The picure quality is phenomenal, as well as the HD video. Only drawback is its taking me a few days to figure out all of the features because there's so many! This camera is very versatile and i think a great value! I ended up having to order from [...] because they couldnt ship it any time soon here, plus NewEgg had it for a much cheaper price.
Very good picture quality but the video is really bad... - Aug 09, 2010
The picture quality is very good, but no better than my old Nikon E4500 from 2003. There is no shutter priority or aperture priority, pretty much everything is in auto mode. That is really OK by me. But the real deal breaker is the video. It is shocking bad that it is totally unacceptable - lots of jerky motion. It is hard to believe it is that bad and yet Nikon let this slide. I am very disappointed.
A BIG NIKON LET DOWN! - Aug 06, 2010
This camera cost way toooo much for what it lacks. The picture quality is the pits, the metal used for the body is so thin and it bends real easy if bumped. I had this camera in my purse, then I didn't realize I had dented the body where the flash is and the pop up flash wouldn't..well..pop up. I had to repair it myself by unscrewing the side panel ( made of cheap plastic ) and take a needle nose plier and bend back the metal. I have not had a camera yet to be so cheaply made for the price.
Not happy with it. It justs looked real nice. I wish I knew this before I bought it. I am thinking of calling Nikon and ask if they will give me my money back. I just bought it in April of 2010.
OH..THE START UP IS SUPER SLOW TOO. Realllll sloooow... EVEN WITH A FULL CHARGE.
I wish Nikon or Amazon would take it back from me and give me my money back! I had to dig out my old digi cam...my Fujifilm V10. It had been put in a drawer with all it's accessories because it needs batteries and I think the charger is going bad. So I ordered new battery and charger for the V10. I was trying to be a loyal Nikon user..but when something just don't work...I have to use other brand products. A BIG NIKON LET DOWN!
Critical design flaw! - Aug 05, 2010
The pop-up flash is on the top left corner of the camera, right where almost everyone places their left index finger. When the flash tries to pop-up, your finger blocks it (then you have to manually bring it up into position). Of course, by then, you've missed the shot. I canot figure out why Nikon went to market with this obvious design flaw. I even handed the camera to two other people and asked them to take a picture (just so I could see if they noticed the problem too). Each time, they immediately had that "WTF?" look on their face when the flash "tried" to pop-up. Technical specs are impressive, but the design flaw will definitely drive you crazy (unless you always shoot one handed).
Mixed results - Aug 03, 2010
I've owned only Canon brand cameras for the past 10 years or so. I was looking to upgrade my SD880IS to something with HD video capture and a longer optical zoom than the typical 3-4x found in the Canon slim cameras. I decided to give the Nikon S8000 a try. Results are definitely mixed. The most important feature of any camera is its ability to capture great still images, and the S8000 is absolutely superb in this respect. At full 10x optical zoom, it captures breathtaking images. Very few slim cameras offer this level of optical zoom, one of the main features I was seeking. Unfortunately, the HD video capture doesn't enjoy the same success. I found that an annoying high frequency whistle accompanies all video recording when playing back on my computer, something I never encountered with my Canon products. Some might describe what I'm hearing as a tinniness to the sound. In order to use video captures from this camera, I'll have to post-process the video to filter out the frequency of the whistle sound. Also, the HD video didn't seem smooth, and it kind of had the effect of being captured at a slower fps rate. A design issue I found with the S8000 was that the pop-up flash is inconveniently placed. Often when the camera needed to engage the flash, my left pointer finger was resting on top and prevented the flash from lifting. Nikon likely foresaw this as an ergonomic design problem, and the camera issues an onscreen message to the user saying that the flash was unable to deploy. Would have been more convenient for the user if Nikon had integrated the flash into the camera body.
The negatives on the video capture performance and the flash placement, the S8000 does take beautiful still images. If you plan to do mostly still shots and want a slim camera with lots of optical zoom, the S8000 would be a great choice. If you plan to use the S8000 often for video capture, which I was hoping to do, then perhaps wait until Nikon issues a firmware update for the S8000, or perhaps wait until the next post-S8000 release from Nikon. Canon seems to put out new camera models every year, but I don't know Nikon's plans for their product releases. If Nikon fixes the noise in the video capture, then my rating would be at least 4 stars, perhaps even 5 stars.
Great Camera - Aug 02, 2010
Features on this camera is just what I was looking for in an automatic camera. Great display and pictures are the best.
Great pictures and Zoom...but slow to react - Jul 31, 2010
The zoom is incredible for a point and shoot camera. It was the main reason I bought this model and it did not disappoint. The pictures are clear as expected. The facial recognition is good, but not perfect. The start up time is SLOW and the time between pictures can sometimes lag a bit as if the camera doesn't understand the scene it is refocusing on. My Canon point and shoot is faster for sure, but the zoom is far superior on the Nikon. The HD video is the best I've taken with a point and shoot before by far. I really enjoy this camera for what it is, but fast action I switch to my Canon (which has a Kids & Pets setting that really gets it...a setting the Nikon lacks for sure).
first nikon is a disappointment - Jul 31, 2010
CONS:poor positioning of flash-poor positioning of stereo mics. would charge ONLY from factory 120v/usb charger or a computer with Nikon software installed; a real bummer if you need to recharge in the field. would not work with 12v/auto powered usb charger like my other usb devices. BIG TIME BUMMER, after three days it failed to turn on and would not take ANY type of charge. I'll try another brand!
PROS:credit where credit is due. great pictures. excellent lens. LOW level light photography was surprising-almost like NIGHT VISION, poor quality but it produces images.
S8000 review - Jul 29, 2010
Great camera. I bought it to take with me on safari to Kenya. The picture quality and the 10X zoom were very good. I have not used the video function yet.
Nikon Coolpix S8000 - Jul 29, 2010
I have resisted the purchase of any digital camera until the S8000 became available. With the features and pricing of this camera you have the perfect blend of size, versitility and capability in a very intuitive electronics unit. Treat yourself to the joy you will experience with this camera.
I can't imagine anyone being disapointed with this Nikon digital camera.
Battery needs help - Jul 26, 2010
I bought this camera a little over a week ago to take to Costa Rica for a mission/vacation trip. It takes phenomenal photos but the battery life does it in. I fully charged it Friday night before I left Saturday morning and started taking pictures when I got there and met up with the rest of my group. According to the manufacturer, the battery is supposed to last up to 200 pictures I believe. I didn't even get to 50 before it died on me in the middle of Sunday afternoon. I charged it again Sunday night and it was dead Monday night. I took a total of 440 pictures during the week and between the Nikon and a generic battery, I couldn't keep a charge for a full day. Unfortunately because of this, I'm returning the camera this week. I'm hard core Sony and thought I'd try something different because the reviews for this Nikon were so great. Again, fantastic pictures, but hard to take them when it won't keep a charged battery for any significant amount of time. Guess I'm going back to Sony....
len error within 3 months. - Jul 21, 2010
I had this Nikon Coolpix S8000 since May, 2010. It is a nice camera to use. However, after 3 months of occasional usage, its len stuck and showed an error message for no reason. I packed and paid shipping to send it to Nikon service for repair. Two weeks later, I got a letter from Nikon to inform me that this repair is not covered under warranty because it was impact damage, which I never have any knowledge of. The total repair cost is more than $100. No more Nikon product for me.
Trouble Free Use - Jul 20, 2010
Like all items on Amazon, you should read all reviews with the understanding that people are different, and have different expectations, and often give different reviews ie the lady that bought the camera wanting zoom during video (which is actually a rare feature in a camera less than $300), but didn't verify that before she bought the camera and then gave it 2 stars (not fair). People also act as if nothing ships from factories without defects which is a very unrealistic point of view.
My camera worked flawlessly right out of the box. The battery had enough power for me to take two gorgeous shots of our twins, and I was very impressed with the lcd screen view and even more amazed that it was the same image once transfered to pc. Once the battery was charged I took some really good video with none of the noise problems listed by other users. Connecting it directly to the tv through hdmi worked very well. This is a good point and shoot camera.
Nice Cam - Jul 20, 2010
If you are looking for a Basic POint a Shoot Camera with a Big Wide Zoom and a Small size. It will be perfect!
Nikon Coolpix S8000 - Jul 20, 2010
Great little all-around Camera! I also have a Nikon D300 for really great photos! Nikon remains the BEST in my opinion!
So this little Nikon Coolpix S8000 is very compact, and does most everything very well! Portability is its biggest asset! Great Photos! Good Videos! and an overall 5 star rating! The 3" moniter is amazingly clear! A large varity of controls that takes a little practice to be efficient with. The only knocks I have are: The engineers should have interchanged the two stero speakers on the top with the pop-up flash, because when the flash pops up, your left hand fingers are always obstructing it. Also I would have payed extra to have seen a RAW mode and a view finder.....however the LCD usually does the job unless you are shooting in real bright light.
What a Great Little Camera!! - Jul 19, 2010
I was so frustrated with other "point-&-shoot" cameras I had tried...the lag time for the camera to focus and shoot was SO LONG I usually missed the shot I was trying to get. After researching specifically for shutter speeds, this camera caught my eye...a Nikon, great reviews on the shutter speed issue, not too expensive. I was not looking for the expense of the SLR family of cameras and wanted something small so I would carry it with me in my purse (no extra camera bag to lug around). This camera has met or exceeded every one of my expectations. Clarity of pictures is terrific, nothing but high marks for ease of use and size/weight measurements. I LOVE this camera and highly recommend it to the casual point-&-shoot photographer.
Great Little Point and Shoot - Jul 16, 2010
I have several Nikon digital SLR's and at times, it's a hassle to lug around my SLR's and lenses. Additionally, there are times when I want to take candid photos and my SLR's make me stand out like a sore thumb (or a Hollywood paparrazi!) I love the size of this camera, It will easily fit in my pocket and when you hit the power button, it fires up quickly.
There are some things that require getting used to. First, the power button is so small, I have to use my finger nail to turn the camera on. Also, if you have the camera set up to automatically use the flash in low light situations, I've found that the index finger of my left hand sits on top of the flash in the closed position, and when it tries to "pop up", I get an error message telling me that the flash is not properly deployed. This is more of an operator issue than a problem with the camera. The LCD monitor is hard to see in bright sunlight and forget about viewing the monitor with sunglasses on! I've seen the same problem with my Wife's Canon Powershot, so I'd imagine that this is a pervasive problem with all digital cameras. Lastly, the zoom is a little touchy...almost a little too fast for my taste.
The photographs I've taken with this camera are stunning! At times, Its hard to believe I'm using a "point and shoot". It's hard to tell the difference between photos I've taken tith the S8000 and one of my digital SLR's with the lens stopped down. The first photo I took was a butterfly sitting on a cone flower in macro mode. The image amazed me! I have taken about 150 photos of my son's high school graduation, shots at the pool, an outdoor party and many indoor photos of family and friends. Colors are accurate and the images are fantastic! My use of the video has been limited to two shoots, approximately 15 minutes each. Several reviewers have complained about a high pitched squeal in the audio. This is not happening with my camera. I have asked my wife and teenage children whether or not they hear any squeal...negative. Since several people have complained about this, it's obvious that this has been a problem. Perhaps Nikon has corrected this. I purchased my camera in June 2010.
I guess the last thing to cover is ease of use. I've had the camera for about a month now and still have not read the owner's manual. Everything is so intuitive, I was able to basically unpack it, charge the battery (about 4 hours) and just start using it. I probably should read the manual...I'm sure I'll be pleasantly surprised at some additional features I'm currently unaware of.
I would highly recommend the S8000. From my perspective, I just don't see how you can go wrong.
S8000 Disappointment - Jul 13, 2010
I thought I had a home run with this camera. Having been a Nikon fan for many years on a professional level I am very disappointed with the physical aspects of the camera. Pictures are great. Screen is great. Didn't use the video so I can't comment on it.
First off, I order my camera through Amazon - THANK GOODNESS!!!!
The first two cameras (That's correct; it took three deliveries to get one that worked.) wouldn't charge the battery. That brought up the first short coming : The charger is in the camera therefore, unless you buy a external battery charger and another battery, which of course Nikon has available, you can't use the camera.
The body is thin, real thin. I found it necessary to hold the camera with two hands just to avoid dropping it, not steadying it. Where the camera is designed to be held by only your right thumb and index finger is simply not enough. When you use two hands, I found myself holding my left index finger over the "POP UP" flash. Last more than one picture that way. Your point of concentration is on the screen more so than where your fingers are placed on the camera.
My last Nikon purchase was a P 5100. I realize now why I love that camera. Exrernal Battery Charger. I didn't mind purchasing another battery. It has a "grip" in the body allowing you to hold it functionally with one hand. Best of all and something I really wasn't think about, it comes with a neck strape. There are two (2) strap connectors on the P 5100 and only one on the S 8000. I had a hard time holding the S 8000 on my wrist by the very thin strap supplied with the camera. I was affraid of swinging the camera into something whereby breaking it then having Nikon tell me it was my fault. Having a camera in a case on your belt is a waste of time to me. You miss pictures reaching for it and in your hast dropping the camera. I like the camera around my neck, ready!
The S 8000 takes great pictures, agreed. It has more setting than I will ever use although someone else might. However, I would rather spend a bit more and get some of the "accepted as norm" features that I am used to from Nikon. Built in flash, a camera I can carry around your neck, a "grip" so I can use the camera with one hand. I'm sorry Nikon but you need to ask people who use camera what they are looking for before you design it. I hope this helps someone.
Love it! - Jul 09, 2010
If You are looking for a great point and shoot camera this is it. I have been able to take amazing shots of my kids in action with one hand. I would suggest this camera for any average joe who wants to just get photos or videos. The video is great. I recorded the 4th of July fireworks on it and they turned out beautiful. all around great camera.