Purchase the Nikon Coolpix 4600 4MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom for $148.94 Nikon WP-CP3 Waterproof Case

The Nikon Coolpix 4600 Digital Camera has an Underwater Scene Mode, movie mode (without sound), and is powered by AA-size batteries. The Nikon Coolpix 4600 and 5600 are Nikon’s entry level point-and-shoot cameras for 2005. Both feature compact bodies, a 1.8″ LCD display, in-camera redeye reduction and “D-lighting” features (more on these later), and tons of scene modes. The main difference between the two models is the resolution — 4 Megapixels for the 4600 and 5 for the 5600 — but there are a few other differences. Note that these are Point and Shoot Cameras and there are NO manual controls. This is great for beginners, however most Scuba Divers want manual controls once they become more proficient at Underwater Photography. The Nikon WP-CP3 Waterproof Case is designed exclusively for Nikon’s Coolpix 4600 and 5600 digital cameras, this underwater casing features a compact, durable design that allows control of all camera functions. Use it underwater at depths of up to 130 feet or 40 metres, or to take pictures at the beach or on ski slopes without worrying about damaging your camera.

Reviews

DCRP reviews the Nikon Coolpix 4600 and the 5600.

“The Coolpix 4600 ($200) and 5600 ($280) are Nikon’s entry level point-and-shoot cameras for 2005. Both feature compact bodies, a 1.8″ LCD display, in-camera redeye reduction and “D-lighting” features (more on these later), and tons of scene modes. The main difference between the two models is the resolution — 4 Megapixels for the 4600 and 5 for the 5600 — but there are a few other differences that I’ll point out in the review.

DCRP’s review is very detailed. One thing I was particularly interested in, was the Movie Mode…

Movie Mode
The two Coolpixes have fairly uninspiring movie modes. Both can record video at 640 x 480, 15 frames/second until your memory card is full, though this resolution is achieved through vertical interlacing (read: it’s not a real 640 x 480 movie mode). Of the two cameras, only the CP5600 records sound along with the video — the movies taken with the CP4600 are silent. The onboard memory holds just 24 seconds of video at the highest quality setting, so buy a larger memory card for longer movies.

Two other movie resolutions are available: 320 x 240 and 160 x 120 (both are 15 frames/second).

You can choose between single and continuous autofocus while in movie mode. On the CP5600 I’d use single AF, as the focusing sounds will be picked up by the camera’s microphone.

Neither the optical nor the digital zoom can be used during filming. Movies are saved in QuickTime format.

I’ve got two remarkably similar sample movies from both cameras. As you’ll see, they’re pretty exciting. You’ll also notice that the VGA movie quality is pretty crummy… since it’s not really VGA. And remember, only the CP5600’s movie has sound!

More from DCRP review

Imaging Resource reviews the Nikon Coolpix 4600

“The Nikon Coolpix 4600 is the latest in a long line of Coolpix digital cameras whose popularity stretches back to the original Coolpix 900, Nikon’s first “breakthrough” digicam. From a feature standpoint, the Nikon Coolpix 4600 is similar to previous models such as the Coolpix 5200, with all automatic controls and an extremely small form factor. The 4600’s 4.0 megapixel CCD captures high-resolution images, with a 3x optical zoom lens and wide range of preset Scene modes and unique “framing assist” options. The Nikon 4600 is super compact, very light weight, and is perfectly suited for shirt pockets. And with its excellent range of user-friendly, almost fail-proof point & shoot exposure modes, the Nikon 4600 can handle just about any shooting situation you care to throw at it.

Note: The Nikon Coolpix 4600 is virtually identical to the Nikon 5600, which we’ve also reviewed. About the only difference is the 5600’s 5-megapixel CCD sensor, vs the 4600’s 4-megapixel one. If you’ve read our review of the 5600 already, you can save yourself a lot of verbiage here by just skipping down to the Test Results section below, to see how the Nikon 4600 stacked up.”

Technical data for Nikon Coolpix 4600 Digital Camera

* Effective pixels: 4.0 million
* CCD: 1/2.5-inch type (4.23 million total pixels)
* Image modes: High 2288, normal 2288, normal 1600, PC 1024, TV 640
* Lens: 3x Zoom-Nikkor; 5.7 to 17.1 millimeters (35mm/135 format equivalent to 34 to 102 millimeters); F2.9 to F4.9; 7 elements in 6 groups; digital zoom up to 4x
* LCD monitor: 1.8-inch type, 80,000-dot amorphous silicon TFT LCD monitor with brightness adjustment; frame coverage: approximately 97 percent horizontal and vertical (shooting)
* Storage media: Internal memory: approximately 14.5 MB, SD memory card compatible
* Shooting modes: Auto, scene assistance (portrait, landscape, sports, night portrait), scene (party/indoor, beach/snow, sunset, dusk/dawn, night landscape, close up, museum, fireworks show, copy, back light, panorama assist, underwater), BSS (best shot selector), blur warning, date imprint, self-timer (10 seconds)
* Movie with sound:Without sound; TV movie 640 at 15 frames per second, small size 320 at 15 frames per second, smaller size 160 at 15 frames per second
* Capture modes: Single, Continuous (1.3 frames per second up to 3 frames), and multi-shot 16 (16 consecutive frames 1/16 in size)
* Number of frames (approximately): With internal memory: high 2288 approximately 7, normal 2288 approximately 14
* Built-in speedlight: range: 0.4 to 3.3 meters / 1.3 to 10.8 feet (W), 0.4 to 2.0 meters / 1.3 to 6.6 feet (T); flash modes: auto, auto with red-eye reduction (in-camera red-eye fix), anytime flash, flash cancel and slow sync.
* Interface: USB
* Supported languages: German/English/Spanish/French/Italian/Dutch/Swedish/Japanese/Simplified Chinese/Traditional Chinese/Korean selectable in menu display
* Power requirements: Two LR6 (AA-size alkaline) batteries (supplied), two EN-MH1 rechargeable batteries (optional), two ZR6 (AA-size nickel manganese) batteries (optional), two FR6 (AA-size lithium) batteries (optional)
* Dimensions (W x H x D): Approximately 3.3 x 2.4 x 1.4 inches (85 x 60 x 35 millimeters)
* Weight: Approximately 4.6 ounces (130 grams) without battery and memory card
* Supplied accessories: Strap, USB cable, video cable, two LR6 (AA-size alkaline), PictureProject CD-ROM
* Optional accessories: AC adapter EH-62B, Ni-MH rechargeable battery EN-MH1-B2, battery charger MH-71, soft case

Housing Key Features:

* Allows use of camera to a depth of 130 feet (40 metres) underwater
* All camera functions can be controlled and operated when the WP-CP3 case is underwater
* Features an easy-to-hold hand grip
* Designed exclusively for the Coolpix 4600 and Coolpix 5600 digital cameras
* Compact durable design