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Nikon CoolPix 885 More Pixels, More Features, (a little) More Money - Nikon extends their sub-compact Digicam line! Select a topic Reference: Datasheet CoolPix 885 Sample Images --------------------------------- 1. Intro and Highlights 2. Executive Overview 3. Design 4. Viewfinder 5. Optics 6. Exposure & Flash 7. Shutter Lag & Cycle Time Tests 8. Operation & User Interface 9. Camera Modes & Menus 10. Image Storage & Interface 11. Video, Power, Software 12. Test Results & Conclusion --------------------------------- Print-Friendly Review Version Additional Resources and Other Links Reader Comments on CoolPix 885 Review --------------------------------- Digital Camera Comparometer (TM) --------------------------------- <-- Digital Cameras (Home) <-- Digital Camera Reviews Index <<Camera Modes & Menus :(Previous) | (Next): Video, Power, Software>> Page 10:Image Storage & Interface Review First Posted: 9/19/2001

Image Storage and Interface
The Coolpix 885 uses standard CompactFlash Type I storage media for image capture. A 16MB card comes with the camera, but we suggest buying a second, larger card to handle the Full size images files. Resolution options include: Full 2,048 x 1,536; XGA 1,024 x 768; and VGA 640 x 480 pixels, and they can be saved at one of three JPEG compression levels: Fine (4:1), Normal (8:1), and Basic (16:1). (Note though, that these are the nominal compression levels claimed by Nikon in their literature. The table below shows the actual compression ratios, determined by the camera's actual file sizes.) The approximate sizes of the image files, as well as the approximate number of images that can be stored on a 16MB card are listed in the chart below:

 

Image Capacity vs Resolution/Quality 16MB Memory Card		Hi	Fine	Normal	Basic
Full Resolution 2048x1536	Images (Avg size)	1 9.4 MB	10 1.6 MB	19 0.8 MB	38 0.4 MB
	Approx. Compression	1:1	6:1	11:1	22:1
XGA Resolution 1024x768	Images (Avg size)	-	38 0.42 MB	70 0.23 MB	123 0.13 MB
	Approx. Compression	-	6:1	10:1	18:1
VGA Resolution 640x480	Images (Avg size)	-	87 0.18 MB	146 0.11 MB	232 0.07 MB
	Approx. Compression	-	5:1	8:1	13:1

 

You can write-protect individual images on the CompactFlash card to prevent them from being accidentally erased in the Playback Menu. You can also format the entire card via the Setup menu, which erases all images on the card, including write-protected images.

The Coolpix 885 connects to Windows or Macintosh computers via a USB interface. We clocked the 885's transfer download speed at 515 KB/second on our G4 Macintosh. This is a pretty good rate, at the upper end of the scale among digicams we've tested.

One of the first things any new digicam owner will need is a larger memory card for their camera: The cards shipped with the units by the manufacturers should really be considered only "starter" cards, you'll definitely want a higher capacity card immediately. - Probably at least a 32 megabyte card for a 1.3 or 2 megapixel camera, 64 megabytes or more for a 3, 4, or 5 megapixel one. (The nice thing about memory cards is you'll be able to use whatever you buy now with your next camera too, whenever you upgrade.) To help you shop for a good deal on memory cards that fit the C885, we've put together a little memory locater, with links to our price-comparison engine: Just click on the "Memory Wizard" button above to go to the Nikon memory finder, select your camera model , and click the shopping cart icon next to the card size you're interested in. You'll see a list of matching entries from the price-comparison database. Pick a vendor & order away! (Pretty cool, huh?)

Lost Images? - Download this image-recovery program so you'll have it when you need it...
Since we're talking about memory and image storage, this would be a good time to mention the following: I get a ton of email from readers who've lost photos due to a corrupted memory card. It's tragic when it happens, there are few things more precious than photo memories. Corrupted memory cards can happen with any card type and any camera manufacturer, nobody's immune. "Stuff happens," as they say. A surprising number of "lost" images can be recovered with an inexpensive, easy to use piece of software though. Given the amount of email I've gotten on the topic, I now include this paragraph in all my digicam reviews. The program you need is called PhotoRescue, by DataRescue SA. Read our review of it if you'd like, but download the program now, so you'll have it. It doesn't cost a penny until you need it, and even then it's only $29, with a money back guarantee. So download PhotoRescue for Windows or PhotoRescue for Mac while you're thinking of it. (While you're at it, download the PDF manual and quickstart guide as well.) Stash the file in a safe place and it'll be there when you need it. Trust me, needing this is not a matter of if, but when... PhotoRescue is about the best and easiest tool for recovering digital photos I've seen. (Disclosure: IR gets a small commission from sales of the product, but I'd highly recommend the program even if we didn't.) OK, now back to our regularly scheduled review...