The Nikon Coolpix 2100 is a good choice for digital photography beginners, offering a compact size, 2-megapixel resolution, 3x optical zoom, and a bevy of automated scene controls that are customizeable.
The 2-megapixel CCD sensor captures bright images that can be printed up to 8 x 10 inches. However, 2 megapixels just doesn’t seem enough, especially when 3-megapixel cameras--like the Nikon 3100--are becoming so affordable. The movie mode captures smooth video up to 640 x 480 pixels for 7 seconds (or a more jaggy 15-second, 320 x 240-pixel videos), but it doesn’t offer any sound.
One of the most impressive features of the Nikon 2100 is its size. From the online pictures we originally viewed, we imagined it to be large and a bit clunky. While it’s a bit on the chunky side, the 2100 is surprisingly small. Plus, the rounded ergonomic hand grip rested comfortably and securely in our hand.
The Nikon 2100 offers a whopping 14 scene modes that automatically set the camera’s white balance, exposure, and focusing point for different situations. The easy-to-learn software system features large icons and text to guide you through your choices. And some of the modes even provide an "assist" feature, with outlines of figures or landscapes to help line up the shot.
We had fun playing around with the scene modes and snapping pictures that made the most out of the shooting environment. However, we felt we lost some spontaneity if we relied too much on switching through the modes.
The Nikon 2100 is an affordable choice for a point-and-shoot camera that offers sharp, bright images and brings a lot of flexibility to the party. It comes with a starter 16 MB memory card and alkaline batteries, and we recommend a higher-capacity Compactflash card and rechargeable AA-size NiMH batteries. --Agen G.N. Schmitz
Pros:
- Compact size, comfortable in the hand
- Customizeable scene modes
- 2-megapixel resolution for prints up to 8 x 10 inches
Cons:
- Scene modes can be a bit too customizeable, and distract you from the shot
Product Description:
A compact, lightweight digital still camera with 2.0 effective megapixels and a powerful 3x zoom lens, the COOLPIX 2100 is an affordable, friendly and versatile model, even for those who are using a digital camera for the first time. The COOLPIX 2100 is ideal for people who want an easy-to-use digital still camera that offers great image quality, and who are looking to get more fun out of digital photography. The camera's compact body fits easily in a pocket for carry-anywhere portability.
Nikon Coolpix 2100 2MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom