Nikon S8100... how is video auto focus in less than optimal light??? there have been some reports that the s8100 has trouble autofocusing video in less than optimal light. Any experiences you can report under such conditions would be appreciated! Nikon S8100... how is video auto focus in less than optimal light??? there have been some reports that the s8100 has trouble autofocusing video in less than optimal light. Any experiences you can... » Read More Nikon S8100... how is video auto focus in less than optimal light??? there have been some reports that the s8100 has trouble autofocusing video in less than optimal light. Any experiences you can report under such conditions would be appreciated! « Show Less
220772
I just noticed that there is a 1.1 version of the firmware available for the S8100 on Nikon's site. I have seen enough low-light video examples of the S8100 to realize that the AF problem is a real problem and extremely annoying. It essentially renders the video useless, and until I can confirm whether or not the firmware fixes this problem, I will not purchase this camera.All the reviews of this camera that are negative complain about the video. So it's definitely a consistent issue.
220773
Nathan, I think it could be a firmware fix as well. I tried the continuous AF mode as well and it didn't help.
220774
I have the same problem with the autofocus for video recording (even when set to "Full AF"). It occurs mostly during zooming in and not as much when zooming out. Sometimes, after zooming in, it will lose the focus and then regain it or not at all at times. This problem has occurred in bright light and sun outdoors and indoors in decent and dim light.It's too bad since the quality (color and clarity) seems excellent.
220775
If the AF during video recording is indeed a problem, I would think it would be a relatively easy fix by Nikon with a firmware update. Sounds like the camera IQ is a little sloppy when it comes to deciding when it needs to re-focus during video recording, with either Full AF on or off. I believe with Full AF turned on it is supposed to continuously re-focus and with it turned off it will only re-focus when you zoom in or out.
220776
What is "less than optimal light"? Is it indoor lighting? Is it outdoor street lighting? Haven't had a chance to shoot in the night with the weather outside. Indoor, it seems be fine.
220777
This product was announced nearly two months back, and available for a few weeks now, but I am yet to see a professional review. Any pointer to one? Just curious.
220778
Oh! It happened in very bright sun in my backyard. I noticed it during night shot as well. When I zoomed in on a street lamp in the night about 50 yards away, it went out of focus and stayed that way. Very strange focusing system. I tried all the AF settings, but the result was the same. In the tele mode, it looks like this system has some serious focusing issue.
2066794
What about low light performance? I took SD900 to Japan for cherry blossom viewing. Flash is definitely a big no no for taking those kinds of pictures at night, so I used Hi-ISO or ISO 3200 all the way. The night cherry blossom pictures turned out to be amazing. Video was fantastic too. I haven't yet read any comment on how SD800 performed in low light situations. Any experience?
940340
I cannot offer a nikon/canon comparison however I upgraded from a S90 to the S120 and am VERY VERY impressed. Amazingly fast user interface, bright rear screen and long battery life are some of the high points. Low light performance is AMAZING compared to my S90. The difference is almost like the change from T2I to 6D full frame in my canon SLR! The bad? Still no RAW converters out there, not even DXO though they report one coming later this month.
2041441
It does fine, but I haven't been to impressed with the autofocus in video with it. Manual focus is too slow for video. I would suggest going with a higher end lens for video.
1619183
I found the auto focus of the X-S1 to be very unreliable, especially in video mode. I also found the image stabilization to be virtually non-existent. Both of there will result in blurry pics.
2087728
Have you received and tested out the M400? I'm also in the same boat--weighing the manual features of the S200 vs. the (possibly better?) video quality of the M400. I've scoured the net for initial reactions to the video performance of the HF M4 series and haven't found any as of yet. So, when you do test it out, please let us know your thoughts. Thanks!
288759
I've been very satisfied with the few low light photos I've taken so far by giving a little thought to setting up the shot and paying attention to the focus box in auto mode. I'm sure there are some override settings that would enhance low light shots but I haven't felt the need to use them yet.
1593367
I had just purchased the SB800 when the 900 came out. Always happens that way. I have used the SB800 and it works somewhat well but understand that a lens with this focal length will require a flash that really brings it! I use this lens for landscape and sports photography, daylight shooting, because that 2.8 glass really lets the light in. I might suggest going directly to Nikon and asking them to show their hand on this one. I am going to try it as well. Are you shooting in Aperature and Manual modes? this will also let you control the amount of light you will need for your pix to really come out nice.
940337
S120 ;) (sorry don't know anything about the Nikons so I really have nothing objective here, but, I love this camera, love it). This camera is worth it's weight in my pocket for what it does when I need it to. Unreal quality and speed, and the video is on par with my 6D if not better in the same conditions.
259070
I purchased this camera brand new in the box, there are newer models such as the S9100 and the S9500, but neither one of those two can even come close to the S8100. To me the S9500 which I recently bought, is far inferior, the zooming is poor and the quality of pictures taken from far away is extremely shaky and no matter what you do it is always blurry and out of focus.. Night photos from a distance are nearly impossible. Example, with the S8100 I was able to capture a clear shot from vehicle from 200 feet away and further able to take night photos from a distance. The S9500 with a so called 22X zoom cannot do what I used to do with the S8100. I purchased this camera brand new in the box, there are newer models such as the S9100 and the S9500, but neither one of those two can even come close to the S8100. To me the S9500 which I recently bought, is far inferior, the zooming is poor and the quality of pictures taken from far away is extremely shaky and no matter what you do it is always blurry and out of focus.. Night photos from a distance are nearly impossible. Example, with the S8100 I was able to capture a clear shot from vehicle from 200 feet away and further able to take night photos from a distance. The S9500... » Read More I purchased this camera brand new in the box, there are newer models such as the S9100 and the S9500, but neither one of those two can even come close to the S8100. To me the S9500 which I recently bought, is far inferior, the zooming is poor and the quality of pictures taken from far away is extremely shaky and no matter what you do it is always blurry and out of focus.. Night photos from a distance are nearly impossible. Example, with the S8100 I was able to capture a clear shot from vehicle from 200 feet away and further able to take night photos from a distance. The S9500 with a so called 22X zoom cannot do what I used to do with the S8100. « Show Less
1375619
The p7100 takes really nice shots in auto mode. However, it is a touch slower than I would like. Granted, I am comparing it do a D7000...
1813533
http://snapsort.com/compare/Nikon_Coolpix_S8000-vs-Nikon_Coolpix_S8100http://www.imaging-resource.com/NEWS/1283918475.htmlhttp://www.infosyncworld.com/reviews/digital-cameras/nikon-coolpix-s8100/11326.htmlSeems the major upgrade is to the sensor, allowing for improved low-light pictures. I'm looking forward to getting this one as well.
1765205
Hello, Terry, I utilize the camera to film my YouTube cooking show. It does seem to have a problem maximizing standard light sources (apartment lighting), which might impact your filming. I have personally struggled to get the light sensors to create bright video even when every light in the kitchen is on. On the plus side, the camera does produce high quality, very large image files. It works for YouTube, but how it would translate to a full blown filming depends on if you are utilizing industry lighting or shooting in bright sunlight. If so, it should work well. If you are going to film in low light or darkened outdoor conditions, you might want to search elsewhere. Hello, Terry, I utilize the camera to film my YouTube cooking show. It does seem to have a problem maximizing standard light sources (apartment lighting), which might impact your filming. I have personally struggled to get the light sensors to create bright video even when every light in the kitchen is on. On the plus side, the camera does produce high quality, very large image files. It works for YouTube, but how it would translate to a full blown filming depends on if you are utilizing industry lighting or shooting in bright sunlight. If so, it should work well. If you are going to film... » Read More Hello, Terry, I utilize the camera to film my YouTube cooking show. It does seem to have a problem maximizing standard light sources (apartment lighting), which might impact your filming. I have personally struggled to get the light sensors to create bright video even when every light in the kitchen is on. On the plus side, the camera does produce high quality, very large image files. It works for YouTube, but how it would translate to a full blown filming depends on if you are utilizing industry lighting or shooting in bright sunlight. If so, it should work well. If you are going to film in low light or darkened outdoor conditions, you might want to search elsewhere. « Show Less
485681
From what I have read, and I have read about this camcorder and the TM700 & TM900 extensively, is that the low light is slightly poorer than the TM700. I imagine it has to do with it not have the same 3CCD sensor setup with seperate Red,Green and Blue sensors, it has a single sensor "MOS" setup. It is good in low light, especially in it's price range, it is one of the best just not quite as good as the TM700 or the TM900. For a step down from the TM900 (that's VERY expensive) you can also look at the SD800. It has almost all the same features and the same 3CCD setup, but just lacks a few of the features. Actually after looking at the product description on another page it seems I was correct, an excerpt is below: "The HDC-TM700K uses three separate "MOS" sensors for video that approaches professional quality. The sensors process reds, greens, and blues separately, for color reproduction that's vibrant and true-to-life. The sensors also capture images in lower light conditions better than regular CCD sensors, so you get better detail in shots taken in dim settings."
940341
I have had both the s95 and s100 and they are wonderful cameras..What I love about the Canon 120 :touch screen..great for spot focusing with stills and moviesFaster AfSlow motion video optionShoots 10 fpsVery sold feel....great pocket cameraHDR that really works very wellTerrific low lightSo my answer to you is I think you would be very very happy with the S120//Hope that helps Dave
863859
I haven't taken a lot of video but I never have much with any digital camera I've owned. Having said that, I would ONLY shoot video with STM lense (like the 18-135 in this kit) so when the auto focus "hunts" for focus its at least silent. I shot one video with the 50-250...you could hear every motor movement. Yes it is simple to use. You set the mode you want (manual, aperture priority, shutter priority or auto) and press the record button...It picks up clear audio better than any cellphone(probably not the best comparison) but in the videos of the kids in the yard you can heard what they are saying clearly enough from 20+ ft away. I haven't taken a lot of video but I never have much with any digital camera I've owned. Having said that, I would ONLY shoot video with STM lense (like the 18-135 in this kit) so when the auto focus "hunts" for focus its at least silent. I shot one video with the 50-250...you could hear every motor movement. Yes it is simple to use. You set the mode you want (manual, aperture priority, shutter priority or auto) and press the record button...It picks up clear audio better than any cellphone(probably not the best comparison) but in the videos of the kids in the yard you can heard... » Read More I haven't taken a lot of video but I never have much with any digital camera I've owned. Having said that, I would ONLY shoot video with STM lense (like the 18-135 in this kit) so when the auto focus "hunts" for focus its at least silent. I shot one video with the 50-250...you could hear every motor movement. Yes it is simple to use. You set the mode you want (manual, aperture priority, shutter priority or auto) and press the record button...It picks up clear audio better than any cellphone(probably not the best comparison) but in the videos of the kids in the yard you can heard what they are saying clearly enough from 20+ ft away. « Show Less
2194467
Does the HF S200 have better low light performance than the S100?? One of the biggest complaints about the S100 is the indoor/low light performance. Sony seems to do much better in that area.