Coolpix 4100: 4 Megapixel Entry-level Nikon for Under $200
by Stephen Caston on March 11, 2005 12:05 AM EST- Posted in
- Digital Camera
Color Reproduction
* For all of our color tests, we reset the 4100 to its factory default settings. It was then set to record using the highest image quality option. All images are sRGB.We took a picture of our color chart using each of the following WB settings: Auto, Incandescent, and Manual. Click on a thumbnail below to view the full-size image.
Incandescent
| Auto WB | Incandescent WB | Manual WB |
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 Reference Chart ("actual colors") |
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| Auto WB | Incandescent WB | Manual WB |
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Under tungsten light, the 4100 shows a slight yellowish-orange color cast with Auto WB. When we set the camera to Incandescent WB, the colors are a bit more accurate, but we still detect a slight yellowish cast. With manual WB, the 4100 reproduces very accurate colors.
Daylight
| Auto WB | Daylight WB | Manual WB |
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| Reference Chart ("actual colors") |
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| Auto WB | Daylight WB | Manual WB |
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Under direct sunlight, the 4100 reproduces very accurate colors with all three WB settings. Interestingly, the Daylight WB setting produced the brightest color chart.
Studio Shot
In this shot, we tested the camera's ability to reproduce colors in our studio shot using different WB settings under tungsten light.| Auto WB | Incandescent WB | Manual WB |
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In our more casual studio shot, the Coolpix 4100 does a better job with the Auto WB setting than on our color chart. For some reason, the camera produced a slight yellowish cast with the Incandescent setting, while Manual WB was very accurate.
Built-in Flash
For the flash test, we set the camera to Auto mode w/Auto flash. The picture was taken from 5 feet away.
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16 Comments
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stephencaston - Friday, March 11, 2005 - link
#4: You make a good point. As we are relatively new with digital camera reviews, we are still building our base of comparisons. However, check out the comparison cameras on the testing pages to see the relative performance of similar models we have reviewed.Turin39789 - Friday, March 11, 2005 - link
In most hardware reviews when a product falls short in terms of quality for its category/price range the article will mention the top performers/best values. This article tells me the nikon 4100 is not for me, but doesnt really point me in the right direction for a better choice.skrivis - Friday, March 11, 2005 - link
I looked at these, but Nikon USA is offering a rebate of $200 on the Coolpix 5400. (Until 03/31)I got much more camera for about $50 more. Total price after rebate was $259.
stephencaston - Friday, March 11, 2005 - link
#1, I think you meant the 4600. At any rate, we are always limited to what is available to us at the time. We certainly intend to look into the entire new line-up of Nikons in the future as they become available to us. Even so, the 4100 is very popular and widely available. Hang tight for the new Nikons...we are eagerly awaiting our chance at reviewing them.Stephen
buttwhacker - Friday, March 11, 2005 - link
Its a good thing Anandtech is reviewing cameras but please the next time before you review the cameras make sure they are current coz this one is discontinued.... yeah, discontinued. The replacement for Coolpix 4100 is Coolpix 4900, pretty much the same but with a bigger screen and smaller size, look into that.Thanx for the review anyways.
woodhamiiltonn - Monday, January 28, 2013 - link
Nikon Coolpix 4100 is a good camera and you've allocated an informative review of this camera. I enjoyed the camera comparison you've made and I think anyone would be delighted before purchasing Nikon Coolpix 4100. Thanks.