Nikon’s CoolPix S8100 is definately an amazing compact mega zoom camera. The S8100 was an upgrade to Nikon’s S8000. The megapixel count may have dropped from 14 to 12.1, however this camera is definitely an upgrade. The cameras both share the 10x optical zoom. The Lens is the equivalent to a 30-300 mm lens.

The S8100 has been updated to include a BSI (backside illuminated) CMOS sensor over the S8000s traditional CMOS. The BSI CMOS sensor will allow more light into the diode therefore the camera should be able to take pictures in lower light levels. Making this a great indoor photo capable camera. The camera responsiveness and shutter speed are also remarkably fast.

The dimensions of the camera are a small but not too small 4.1 x 2.4 x 1.2 inches. This makes it small enough to easily fit into a shirt pocket but large enough that it is easy to hold in your hand. It boasts a sharp / clear 3 inch LCD display on the back. The controls are easy to use and are simple to understand. The camera has a small telescoping lens that does exhibit a small amount of distortion at the farthest zoom but this is not uncommon with telescoping lenses.

The S8100 uses two different approaches to deal with imagine stabilizatino to help improve picture clarity. It has both digital stabilization and also an optical stabilization. The camera also has a macro setting that is great. I loved how close you could get to an object and pick up a ton of detail. The S8100 offers a full range of ISO settings. Offering both auto settings and manual setups from 160 to 3200.  Reported to be the best around 200 on the ISO range.

You can take both JPEG and .MOV videos. The videos are recorded at 1080p with 30 frames per second, and the pictures come in at an impressive 4000 x 3000 pixels. The videos are ok on this camera but a dedicated video camera would be better.

The Nikon CoolPix is a great buy ranging between $250 and $300. You really get a very nice camera at this price. Customers and professionals alike are giving the CoolPix S8100 two thumbs up.