Film Reviews

I think I was really awed when I scanned some black and white negatives, and got a positive for it and then adjusted the contrast and brightness, bringing out details that were not evident when I originally took the photo. I have also scanned color negatives, and made prints. I got it primarily to archive my extensive slide collection. I found that one of my slides had a scratch across a person's face. Using the sophisticated tools available with the program, I used multiple scans and the finished copy is scratch free. When using the 4000 dpi scanning setting, be prepared for some really large files. If one plans to get this, and one has a lot of material to scan, getting the largest available hard drive would be recommended. I plan to archive my slides to hard disk drive, then transfer copies as lower sized jpg files to a CD ROM. My only wish was that the program would have a way to put annotations on the copied slides; I am using a separate program to do that. I have found that my scans capture even the tiniest detail of the original slide, and one cannot ask for more than that. Some might think it a bit pricey for a scanner, but it does a fabulous job as a dedicated scanner.
I wished they had provided a complete written manual; the detailed manual is on their provided CD-ROM, in Adobe acrobat format. The Abode program is provided, but it is 153 pages long and takes a bit of time to print. A shortened manual is provided, and covers most of the essentials so a complete manual printed out is not essential.
The software with the scanner is very easy to use and the tools for adjusting the scans are interactive.
If one is using XP on their computer, an updated progam for XP is available..., and is about 15MB as a zip file. I recently scanned a 32 year old Ektachrome slide taken under the worst possible conditions (indoors, incandescent lighting, with the outdoor film). It always had a yellow cast to it, which it normally would under those conditions. Upon recent scanning (to preserve it before it lost everything) it showed embeded dirt and scratches. I used the digital ICE, and it came out sparkling clear, and the drapes which looked like yellowed newspaper became a crystal clear cream white, as it was in the room where I first took the slide. I have also scanned old slides that were badly faded, and restored the color and luster.

After using a Nikon LS-1000 for two years and constantly being frustrated with the scanner's poor performance on slides, I was blown away by the first scan I did with my Coolscan 4000. The colors were right on, the density nearly perfect and best of all, no more processing artifacts thanks to the Digital ICE. I used to have to spend 15 minutes carefully cloning out those little dust spots and other defects on every high-res scan. Now I can concentrate on scanning rather than retouching.

The sharpness of the images are noticeably improved, which I attribute to the ED lens. The color saturation is wonderful and shadow detail is excellent, even on a constrasty slide.

I use a Coolscan 2000 at work and the 4000 is definitely a huge improvement over that scanner. For the [price] difference, the 4000 is the one to own.

The Digital GEM and ROC are worth that price alone if you have slides or negatives in which the color has shifted. It is absolutely amazing this software restores these old images. I had some very red chromes from the 70s that it restored to full color.

While some reviewers have complained about the sharpness of negative scans, I have not found this to be a problem. And Nikon includes the option of using a film holder rather than the negative adapter for scanning.

In short, this scanner is the one to beat. I can't imagine 35mm film scanning getting any better. This one is a keeper, a real workhorse for the photographer who wants to bridge film and digital with a high-quality scanner.

After downloading the Nikon Scan 3.1.2 updated version [the CD version with the purchase comes with the 3.1.0 version] from the Nikon Tech website the communication between my XP OS and my scanner have been flawless. Using Photoshop Elements to manage my images after the scan is effortless since after the 4000 completes its scan there is not much enhancing left to do in Elements. The files can be large [64MB] if you so choose, but the image quality, especially slides, are excellent. My 5x7 and 8 x 11 prints on my HP 990 printer are wonderful. The 4000 is expensive, but the quality behind the Nikon name is there. The ICE and the resolutions make scanning and editing your own prints a great digital color lab.

Besides the lag problem mentioned in another review, I've had an issue with the camera not staying on when switched. I miss about 80% of the shots I'm trying to take because I have to keep turning it back on, taking out the memory card and/or batteries and replacing them etc. Bad frame errors are haunting. Once it starts working, I can usually take many pictures in a row, but in the beginning it's horrible. This is all probably my fault for trying to snap a picture when the dial was turned to the viewing mode. But that shouldn't have harmed the electronics! One can't always remember to get the dial in the right position.

Don't even bother unless you plan to get an upgrade SM card (4mb is worthless) and rechargable batteries. Highly recommend a USB card reader - even using TWAIN/Photoshop 5.5 it takes FOREVER to download 1280 x 820 res pictures (the camera's middle setting). All my complaints are minor - this is a great camera overall. The mode select knob can stop in between modes, but look like it's pointing to a mode. This makes you think something is wrong until you move the switch the 1mm it's off so you are not between modes. Not a show stopper, just takes getting used to. I guess all camers mow batteries, but I bought 8 NiMh rechargables and that seems to work. Get a cord to plug in when you're downloading pix - will save batteries, especially if you are using the serial cable. The optical viewfinder is way off for anything closer than about 10 feet, so I almost always use the LCD - another battery killer. Camera won't auto shut off when in PC mode, I've drained lots of batteries when forgetting to switch the camera off after retrieving photos. These are really nit-pick items, most cameras would have same or similar. Overall I'm happy with this camera, it's well made and user friendly. For the money and 1.3 Megpixel is plenty for general use. Safe bet you will feel your money was well spent.

I have a digital camera, not this particular model. I was reviewing comments on this model (searching for a reasonably price model for a friend) when I notice criticism regarding download times. Please note: All the digital cameras will take a noticeable amount of time to download images to your PC if you are using the serial cable that came with the camera. However there are faster means. If you have one that uses either a smart media card or a compact flash card, you can buy a reader for either your parallel port or your USB port. Remove the card from your camera and insert it in the reader. Then the card will appear as if it is another disk drive on your PC. Use Explorer to copy all the files to your real hard disk drive. Thats the fastest way to get them to your PC. Forget the serial connector unless you only plan to transfer one or two images. It takes too long. (the previous reviewer and other may not be aware of this when they are buying the camera but this irritating issue applies to all digital cameras not just this one. Its the serial port thats slow.)

Second, there is criticism regarding the cost of a 32MB card which cost over $100. I found 64MB compact flash card for around $120 on the internet so search around. Also you have to remember you won't have to buy more memory cards. simply delete the pictures on the card and you are all set to capture more. Most cameras come with only an 8 Mb card so a 4 Mb for this Fuji is below what many other cameras provide BUT its also cost less. It looks to be one of the least expensive 1 Meg pixel camera around. You're going to have to buy another card if you want to be able to take more pictures before returning to your PC (when you are traveling.. unless you bring your laptop) even if you have a 8Mb card. Look at the Olympus 360 & 460 models at $300 & $400. They only come with 8 Mb also. The primary difference between them and this model will be a) more zoom options and b) image quality. The resolution may be slightly higher and color accuracy may be better.. you'll need to review some comparison reviews on accuracy. Another note: you can take more pictures that just 13 (26-27 on an 8 Mb card) if you settle for less resolution. If you plan to PRINT the image, then stay with the best resolution but if you only want to use it to create a screen saver so email the photos then you can reduce the image resolution to be able to take more pictures on the same 4 Mb or 8Mb card.

200x film is just not very versatile. The Kodak quality pales in comparison to the cheaper 800x Fujifilm 4-pack, which gives chrystal clear pictures in most environments and is therefore highly versatile. Don't waste your money on Kodak.

I got this film as a free special with the camera I purchased.
How can I complain??? :o)

I have tried this film in my brother's camera (Canon EOS 500N) many times and I've found that the results are always good, better than the other brands. Even some of my pictures are extra ordinary although I used only a standard camera and its standard lenses (28mm - 80mm and 75mm - 300mm) without any additional flash. The closeups are so clear and sharp, the landscape pictures are wonderful, and the portrait pictures are perfect. I also tried to take the picture of the sun with my custom-made filter and it is good enough. Even, I've tried it for a night scene and surprisingly, it works well! (of course, I have to use tripod or a steady structure). If there is anybody thinking that this film is not good enough, maybe it's your camera (or even you!). Anyway, it is cheaper than other brands (esp. Fuji) here in Indonesia.

We used this camera on a trip to Hawaii and it takes great snorkeling pictures. Some people had mentioned to me that this camera tends to leak, but I didn't find that to be the case. One caveat though - there isn't a flash (or at least there wasn't on the model we purchased) so the pictures taken with clouds over head tended to be a bit "murky" - the ones taken in bright sunlight turned out MUCH better. I eventually plan on buying a "real" underwater camera for SCUBA, etc., but if you are just planning on going on a snorkel trip or going swimming this is ideal - I don't think that you can take it deeper than about 10 - 15 feet (maybe that's when it starts to leak) so this product would not be ideal for any deep water sports.

This is a great little camera for taking pictures both in and out of the water. Not surprisingly, it delivers best underwater on a sunny day, but even on overcast days, it produces crisp pictures with great detail.

On land, it is much less particular about lighting, and produces pictures with beautiful colour in light or shadow, or both.

Since it takes such nice pictures out of the water, a first time user might want to practice with it on land. The lever action feels a lot different from the push-button action of regular throw-away cameras, and since you don't hear the click of the shutter underwater, you might be uncertain whether anything happened. A couple of test shots (without the urgency of a sea turtle swimming by or a beautiful school of fish) should increase the photographer's confidence in the camera when underwater.

The big wheel that advances the film works very well; it's easy to find by touch, so getting another snap of something before it swims away isn't difficult.

There's also a little strap to keep it on your wrist, although it's a good idea to keep a firm hold on the camera anyway while swimming.

The simple operation made it a hit with the kids; they were able to make their own special souvenirs of the underwater world.

Excellent value.

It's just about the only camera I needed for a vacation to Maui. I hauled along my digital camera, my "real" 35mm camera and a handful of dry-land disposables, and this underwater camera KICKED BUTT as far as quality of shots, quality of hardware, ease of use and general cool/fun vortex rating, plus, it's almost indestructible and weighs next to nothing!

YES the prints are a bit "dark" when printed without correction -- so CORRECT them! This is a Fuji-Kodak thing, I think, so ASK your processor to print them a bit lighter. The colors are outrageously rich, even the deeper-underwater shots have very good colors throughout. You have GOT to have one of these on your wrist while you snorkel!

Really an excellent little product - the next time I need a dry-land disposable, I'm going to give Fuji a try based on how great this underwater Fuji was to use!

I now own a N60 which does not work with an external flash, I would like to know before purchasing this one if the external flash would work with it.

This camera is amazing. I've been using one for about 5 months and I'm amazed at the high quality pictures I've gotten. The camera has a lot of advanced features that allow even someone new to SLR photography to take excellent pictures. The camera also includes 4 priority modes which allow you to develope even more as a better photographer.

The lens that comes with the camera is a 28-80mm f3.3-5.6 Nikkor. This is a good all around lens. I used it for the first three months solo before getting a 70-300mm lens. I still use the 28-80 a lot, but if you plan on continuing taking pictures, then you should get a bigger telephoto lens.

The camera is very easy to use and if you get one, experiment with all the functions on the camera. You will most likely be very happy with the results.

This is a great camera for amateurs because it has Nikon quality at a great price. Please don't think cheap piece of crap, though. Its zoom isn't great but thats why it's for amateurs. Note: NOT FOR BEGINNERS FOR THAT A SIMPLE POINT AND SHOOT WILL DO. It's easy to load and to use. And has a dicent flash syncro of 1/90. I also reccomend a Quantaray Filter to replace the lense cap becuse after a while the lense cap get extremely annoying.

this camera was great the first couple days and then the flash went. does not work. called canon and they wanted to fix it but I had to pay for the camera to be shipped there and shipped back, because I had just bought they were willing to look at it but not guarantee that it was not going to cost anything to fix this awful camera. this was the second and last canon product I buy. the A80 is just as bad!! the flash does not read and canon told me that it was a problem they were having w/ alot of there digital cameras. STAY AWAY from this brand!!!!!! customer service is rotten to the core very non helpful.

My mom bought this camera for me as a graduation gift and I desperately needed a good camera before my trip to England. While camera shoppping, I was looking for a camera that was in the $70-$80 price range and that had zoom. The zoom feature on some of the cameras wasn't very impressive, so soon has I saw this camera I wanted it. I liked the size, it could easily fit into a small purse, and the zoom feature was great, for (a little) more I got a great camera. I got back my pictures, they turned out fantastic. I would definitly recommend this camera for anyone that's on a budget and needs a camera with a good zoom feature.

I purchased this camera for my grandmother as a Mother's Day gift. She opened the wrapping paper and asked me to show her how to use it. I started reading the manual...I ended up taking the camera home with me and I have had it ever since! I just ordered one for myself from Amazon. After I receive mine, I will return Granny's.

If you want the quality and features of a 35MM SLR, but do not want to carry around a big SLR then buy a Cannon Sure Shot from the "U" line. This one, the 90U, has a nice 2.3 zoom. The more expensive Sure Shots from the "U" line have stronger zoom lenses, but without a tripod it is hard to use such a powerful zoom without blurring the pictures. The 90U is the way to go. Do not buy any other point and shoot 35MM camera.

Ordinarily I don't buy frivilous items. But this camera is so darn cute, it called to me from the shelf "buy me, buy me!" So I bought it, and I have been very pleased with it. It's tough and waterproof, and gave me some excellent shots above and below the water. The only complaint I have with it is that the icons painted on the dials wore off quickly, making it a little challenging to know what mode the camera is in. On the other hand, my wife doesn't like this camera at all. The underwater viewfinder makes it difficult for her to frame pictures properly, resulting in chopped off heads and the like. Also its unusual size and shape means she gets her fingers in the picture from time to time. Of course I'm about twice the size of my wife, and I don't have these problems, so maybe you won't either. If you plan on doing a lot of shallow underwater photography or if you plan on using the camera in a pretty harsh environment, this is the one for you. It's a lot tougher than a regular point-and-shoot, and it takes much nicer photos than a disposable waterproof. It costs about 10 times what a disposable would, but then it's about 300 times more useful.

Canon Elph Sport Camera is a cute, all terrain Advanced Photo System (aps) camera that if properly used will give good quality pictures. The camera is waterproof to a depth of 5 meters or 16 ft. Underwater, if you compose correctly following the instructions'booklet, you will get pictures with a better quality of those taken with disposable waterproof cameras. But this is a camera for snorkelers or shallow water divers, not for professional or advanced scuba divers that will find that this little camera is useless at depths bigger than 5 mts. On land, the camera will also give a good performance. But again, this is mainly a camera for the tourist or the casual photographer since it is limited by its single Canon 23 mm f 4.8 lens. Other than that, the camera offers all the advantages, for the beginner photographer, that can be found on other APS cameras, that is, automatic film cartrigde loading, built in flash with red-eye reduction, automatic shooting modes, date, time and title imprinting and 3 print formats (classic, panoramic and group size). The camera uses one lithium battery (CR2) weights only 220 g. and it is small, portable and very nice looking (measures WxHxD- 4.1x2.9x1.8 in.)A good buy if you have some extra dollars to spend(199) in a versatile, elegant and easy to carry little camera.

My camera has really stood up to the elements and multiple beatings. It has worked well for me taking pictures underwater and in the surf, and has also been to the top of multiple 20,000+ feet mountains. Dropped countless times on rock, snow, sand, and also dunked as much into water. I have learned to force the flash on anything but super sunny days - the pics come out a bit dark in conditions other cameras would have no problem with, and i've found it could really use a filter in intense light situations. Nothing you wouldn't expect from a specialty use camera. Just bought a second spare one for when the first one finally does give up - which i don't think will be for a long time.
Good camera and good value!

Bought this camera to replace one I had actually worn out! I run a lot of film through a camera in a year. This point and shoot camera gave me sharp pictures with good color on 400ASA film, indoors with flash. The flash was effective to 17 feet away. I put 200 ASA film in and shot pictures both indoors and out. Results were more than satisfactory. I plan to take this camera to Italy with me instead of my SLR. The zoom is smooth, and the image in the viewfinder is very close to actual picture. I love it! Worth every penny!

I have owned quite a few cameras in my life, and feel this is one of the best I have come across. The zoom is excellent, and so far, only two rolls of film used, I have had zero failures. The buttons are a little bit small, and I just need to get used to that, the zoom is easy to use. The feel of the camera is good, despite its small size, it fits well in the hand. The point and shoot era is here, and all the years of my using a Nikon 35mm slr seem to be over. This is just too simple and easy. To go back to the changing lenses, carrying all the baggage, etc hardly seems worth the effort if the end result is as good or better.

This is simply a great camera. I have used it for over 2 years. I bought it at buy.com when it was newly released. We bought it primarily for the zoom. The zoom is simply excellent. This is one of the best point and shoot i have used. I have used Canon and Minolta before. The controls are all conveniontly placed and the zoom works great. I have never missed a picture.

This product worked fine for about a year and then died. It seems as this is a common problem. Be careful.

Compared to my old USB card reader, this thing is very fast. Setup on Windows XP is basically unneeded. It sets itself up when you plug it into the firewire port. If you have large cards to read in, this is worth the extra money over USB to save you time.

I've had this card reader for about two months now, running on a Mac G4 500 Dual processor under system 9.2. No problems. Does it's job well without glitches. Takes both Compact Flash Type 1 and CF type 2 cards, including my IBM microDrive. Download of large digital photo files is considerably faster than with my USB reader. Simple device without a lot of bells and whistles. Does what it's advertised to do at a good price.

I bought this camera several years ago and was extremely frustrated with it. The zoom part is great, and the pictures, when I could get them, looked fine. What I hated was that the camera wouldn't always take a picture when I wanted it to. Probably my pictures weren't perfectly focused, didn't have the best lighting, etc., but I was hoping for spontaneity and instead got a camera that argued with me. I like to snap pictures a bit before people are expecting it, so they don't get those frozen smiles. With this camera, I often had to push the button one, two, three, four, five, sometimes six or more times before it finally took the picture, guaranteeing that my subjects were as artificial and annoyed as possible. I tried every different setting but still had the same problem. Many cute pictures of my small children were lost forever because of this camera. I contacted Canon but they offered me no help whatsoever. I will never buy a Canon again!

I bought this camera before my trip to South Dakota and was thrilled with the resolution of the pictures. People always complimented me on them as if I were a professional, and I thank Canon for that. I still get great pictures,however, I do have some complaints: Candid shots are gone before the shutter goes off; The date stamp is impossible to work with, and is permanentally stopped at 1992 (why 92 I don't know). The date winds up in the worst places in the picture. I won't ever set a date stamp again unless it's tiny and ends up on the extreme corner of a shot--I don't think this exists.

I do love the pictures though even at the 135 zoom.

I have had this camera for more than 2 years now and have never been let down. This camera has documented several important events and vacations for me and always does a great job. People compliment me and ask how I learned to take such good pictures. Perfect for trips and vacations and ok for events and family photos.