From: cptomes (cptomes_at_antispamdomain.not)
Date: Thu Jul 17 2003 - 11:27:06 EDT
I had a problem back in April when my Coolpix went into "system
error" mode while shooting. The camera went back to Nikon and
returned 6 weeks later. The repair tag said that they disassembled,
cleaned the camera, and replaced the lens barrel.
Last night, I was shooting sky/sunset/rainbow pictures and it
happened again. This time it said "remove lens cap" even though I
had been shooting seconds before, and the lens was out! Then it
showed "system error". Nothing would clear it. I boxed it up and it
was returned to the local dealer today in anticipation of another 6
weeks of Nikon service. The manager at the shop put a battery and
flash card in it and it worked! I'm getting a 2100 for the time
being (he's going to work out the details with the Nikon rep today)
but I'm getting really tired of this.
If Nikon wants to blow their reputation trying to compete on price
with the rest of the consumer electronics giants, fine. That's
exactly what they have done in my opinion. If the 4300 series (or
apparently, most of the small chassis Coolpix cameras) have a problem
and randomly go into "system error" mode, they have a serious design
problem and they need to step back and address it. Maybe the
2100/3100 chassis is the "new" small chassis style and a replacement
for the 4300 is in the works. Given that the 4300 is relatively new,
I don't see that happening for a while.
I told the manager that I really don't want this camera back. I
either want a different 4300, or some other camera model. I like the
pictures it takes, and I like the features of this camera, but the
spotty reliability is unacceptable. In contrast, the Sony mini-DV
camcorder I have used has been flawless. How is it that a device
with many more moving parts, including an optical zoom autofocus lens
assembly, is more reliable than this camera? I've been looking at
the Sony still camera that burns 3" CD-R discs and it's still in the
running since this camera keeps crapping out.
Once again, I have a family event that I'm not going to be able to
use my camera for. This time it's my daughter's 2nd birthday party
on Saturday. If I don't have a usable digital camera in my hands by
Friday night Nikon is out of the running for all future purchases in
my family. All I can do is vote with my dollars and let people know
what my experiences have been.
When Nikon responds I will post the results.
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