Nikon Coolpix 2500 Review

Click on the Coolpix 2500 to take a QuickTime VR tour

The Coolpix 2500 employs a unique, inner-swiveling 3x 37-111mm (35mm equivalent) Zoom- Nikkor lens that can even be turned around 180° for self-portraits. The stylish and ultra-compact body measures a mere 4.5 x 2.3 x 1.2 inches and weighs only six ounces. The Coolpix 2500 is perfect for capturing digital photos anywhere, anytime, quickly and easily. Sharing digital photos, emailing friends and family, printing digital photos and creating online photo albums has never been easier. After pictures are taken you connect the camera to a computer with the included USB cable, press the "One-Touch" upload button and your photos are automatically moved to the desktop or transferred to NikonNet.

The Coolpix 2500's QuickReview function allows you to view images captured on 1/4 of the BriteView color LCD monitor while simultaneously viewing the live action. Get the best photo in a variety of situations by choosing from one of twelve Scene Modes including Portrait, Landscape, Fireworks Show, Sunset, Close-Up, Night Portrait, Night Landscape, Copy, Beach/Snow, Museum, or the Backlight. Image quality is assured with the use of 256-element Matrix Metering, advanced digital image-processing and a high resolution 2-megapixel CCD that produces sharp and clean 8 x 10-inch pictures. The camera also offers a Movie Mode that allows users to create 320x240 QuickTime movies at 15fps for up to 15 seconds.

The Coolpix 2500 uses Nikon's new, rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery (EN-EL2) that has been exclusively designed for the ultra-slim camera. It provides extended battery life and the camera outfit also includes the charger.

The NikonView 5 software, gives users ultimate control of how they save, view, store and use their digital images. For added image creativity, the camera features an easy-to-use suite of software from ArcSoft. The Coolpix 2500 also offers ArcSoft Panorama Maker 2000, which lets users easily stitch together a number of images to automatically create beautiful panoramic photographs ready to print or e-mail.

Coolpix 2500 Features at a Glance:

• Ultra-compact (4.5 x 2.3 x 1.2 in.) and lightweight (5.9 oz)
• Nikkor 3x optical zoom (37-111mm in 35mm equivalent)
• Macro focus with AF as close as 1.6 in. (4cm)
• 2.0-megapixel (effective) CCD imager
• Image sizes: 1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960, 1024 x 768 or 640 x 480
• 1.5-inch TFT color monitor
• built in flash with auto, fill, slow sync, and red-eye reduction.
• CompactFlash Type I card slot
• EN-EL2 rechargeable battery and rapid charger included
• QuickReview feature from the Coolpix 995
• Programmed Auto plus twelve Scene exposure modes
• Drive modes: Single, Movie
• QuickTime movie clips QVGA 320x240 @ 15fps
• 256-segment Matrix Metering
• ISO sensitivity of 100 with auto Gain Up
• One-Touch upload to computer or Internet
• High speed USB port

The Coolpix 2500 comes with everything you need for quick and easy digital photography. In addition to the Coolpix 2500 camera, you get a USB cable for plug-and play simplicity, a 16MB 8x speed CompactFlash memory card, a rechargeable lithium-ion battery with charger and a hand strap. Available now for around $379.95.

Physical Views

The ultra-compact "palm size" Coolpix 2500