I received a Nikon COOLPIX camera to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.

Back to school season just isn’t the same without plenty of pictures to commemorate the new experience! Whether your little one is heading off to kindergarten for the first time or your oldest is going off to college, you’ll want to remember that day forever. The problem I have, though, is that I always forget my camera! You’d think I’d know better by now. I mean, I take pictures for my blog every single day of my life. When it comes to capturing actually family memories, I am ashamed to admit I’ve been a bit lax lately!

Never forget your camera again with Nikon COOLPIX Mini

I received a Nikon COOLPIX 10.1 MP Mini Digital Camera from Radio Shack. When they say mini, they mean it! This little gem of a camera fits in the palm of my hand. More importantly, it fits easily into my purse or pocket! That means that I can’t use the whole “well, I couldn’t find space for it” excuse anymore.

I took my Nikon COOLPIX for a test spin by trying it in bright light, dim light outside, and indoors in the somewhat dark. First, my cat, Willow. I love how the camera captured her in great detail, although I wish I had noticed she had eye gunk before her closeup! Isn’t she pretty, though? This was taken outside on a sunny day.

Later that day, we went to the park so the kids could hang out. I took a walk with Sal’s daughter to capture some pretty glimpses of nature. This picture was taken late afternoon, and the lighting in the woods was so-so.

This last one was taken on my birthday. I was 7! Okay, so 38, but we only had 7 candles. Obviously, it was taken in low light, since the lights had to be off so I could make my birthday wish!

I didn’t edit any of these pictures, except to resize them (and crop out a bit of my messy house in the background of the last one).

Perfect for College Students!

The Nikon COOLPIX is perfect for college students heading off to the University for the first time! I remember those days. I spent a semester away from home, and I didn’t have a digital camera back then. I don’t even think they actually had digital cameras then. Geez, now I feel old! I remember using the old disposables!

I would have captured so many more memories had I been able to stash a Nikon COOLPIX in my backpack! Unfortunately, most of those memories would not be suitable for a family-friendly blog! There’s a reason I only lasted one semester away from home. We’ll talk about that another day…or not.

Notable Features of the Nikon COOLPIX!

First, it’s a Nikon. As the granddaughter of a photographer, it’s a name I know quite well. Nikon is synonymous with quality in the photography world! Other notable features include:

• Convenient, easy to use touch screen. Everything is right there on the screen, so you don’t have to remember which button does what.
• Huge internal memory! With 7.3GB of internal memory, you don’t have to go out and buy an extra card right away to take pictures!
• Internal battery charges through the AC-Adapter or USB cord.
• Long battery life! I’ve had the Nikon COOLPIX for over a month now and I’ve only charged it once. Of course, if you’re taking 100 pictures a day, it will need to be charged more often.
• It’s very smart! While I would love to one day have a camera that requires a huge manual to figure out, there are times that I just want to point and shoot. I love that this camera does the focusing for me. It also knows when my subject is on the move and when I need to use the flash.

This is such a great little camera! I was worried that its small size would make it more fragile, but it’s actually pretty durable! I mean, you can’t go dropping it or anything crazy, but it’s not a delicate little flower in the bottom of your over-stuffed purse either. It can definitely hold its own!

Pick up the Nikon COOLPIX at Radio Shack. While you’re there, grab any other electronics you need! Get yourself a fancy new iPad or pick up a FitBit to avoid the freshman 15.  College students get a 10% discount to get ready for back to school season!