Nikon Coolpix P4

Reviewed July 2006

Image Quality

Nikon's Coolpix P4, a relatively compact camera, has some seductive characteristics: an 8.1 megapixel CCD, a 2.5-inch LCD monitor, and more importantly, a stabilized 3.5X optical zoom.

Recently, a number of compact cameras equipped with optical stabilization systems have appeared on the market; maybe representing an acknowledgment that short zoom compacts are as prone to camera shake as cameras with much longer zooms.

Indeed, stabilization systems offer an alternative to the other two options available to minimize camera shake: an increase in ISO sensitivity to allow for a faster shutter speed, or the use of brighter, more expensive and heavier lenses.

Using an optical stabilizer to counteract the involuntary movements of the photographer makes it possible to obtain sharp images at lower shutter speeds, and likewise, minimize the use of high ISO sensitivities that generally lead to an undesirable increase in noise.

With the Coolpix P4 the stabilization system, which Nikon calls VR for Vibration Reduction, offers two stabilization modes. The first called "Normal" stabilizes the image in the opposite direction to a panning movement. The second, which does not detect panning movements, is called "Active". This is a more aggressive mode, able to stabilize a greater range of movements.

The second mode is obviously less economical when it comes to power consumption, it is generally more effective than the normal mode.

Optically, the 3.5X Nikkor zoom delivers images that are free of any distortion from the wide angle to the telephoto end, and even when set to the Macro mode, barrel distortion is negligible . Likewise, there is no chromatic aberration throughout the entire focal length range of the zoom.

As is very often the case the Coolpix P4 produces its best image quality when used outdoors with generous, natural light.

The Matrix metering — the default metering pattern — regularly yields excellent exposures, which reveal of lot of details in the shadows as well as in the highlights.

Similarly, the autofocus is fast, and is even faster and more predictable when it is set to the centre of the frame.

Under artificial light however, or under low light conditions, the Auto white balance is a touch inconsistent, and the auto focus — particularly when the camera is selecting the focus point — is more hesitant.

From 50 to 100 ISO, noise is minimal, even if the subject is lit with the flash. At or immediately past 100 ISO, noise can occasionally be detected in shadows. At 200 ISO, noise is visible in shadow areas of daylight images as random coloured dots. While at 400 ISO noise is detectable throughout images.

Using the flash, better results are obtained when the sensitivity is set to Auto ISO, and the camera allowed to adjust it as necessary to produce a bright image.

Left to its default settings, the Coolpix P4 produces slightly soft focus images. But, if desired, it is possible, however, to increase the sharpness in the menu.

The Coolpix P4 can capture images at any one of 5 sizes, each of which can be set to any one of three compression levels; a flexibility which is less common than it should be with many compact cameras. Regrettably, the highest image quality, Fine, still applies a relatively strong compression as images reveal compression ratios that average around 7 or 8:1.

Nevertheless, it must be pointed out that while inspection of an image at 100% scale on a monitor will reveal some imperfections, these disappear when the image is printed; and with the P4's 8.1 megapixel image resolution, excellent 8 x 10 images can be printed out at 300 dpi.

So, in summary, while some indoor shot captured with the P4 occasionally require some adjustments with software for sharpness or colour balance, those shot with good outdoor light, rarely need adjustments. Indeed, the Coolpix P4 produces excellent high definition images that are very well exposed and print out beautifully.